Autumn can be a tricky season for horse owners. One day it’s warm and sunny, the next you’re battling rain, wind, and mud. As the weather turns unpredictable, it’s easy to make small mistakes that can have a big impact on your horse’s comfort and health. Here are the five most common autumn horse care mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Over-Rugging Too Early
As nights get cooler, it’s tempting to throw on a heavy rug straight away. But over-rugging can cause overheating and even skin irritation. Tip: Wait until your horse’s natural coat starts coming through, and use a lightweight or medium-weight turnout rug instead of jumping straight to a heavy one.
With wetter ground comes the dreaded mud fever. Preventing it is much easier than treating it. Tip: Wash and dry legs thoroughly after turnout and apply a barrier cream to protect the skin.
Grass quality drops sharply in autumn, meaning your horse may not be getting the same nutrients they enjoyed over summer. Tip: Introduce a fibre-based feed or a good balancer to maintain condition as grazing declines.
Wet, muddy conditions can quickly lead to soft, damaged hooves. Tip: Pick out hooves daily and use a water-resistant conditioner to strengthen the hoof wall.
Darker mornings and evenings arrive fast, and visibility drops before you realise it. Tip: Invest in hi-vis gear for both horse and rider. It’s an essential safety step for hacking out in autumn.
Autumn horse care is all about balance. Adjust rugs, feeds, and routines to suit the changing weather. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll help your horse stay healthy, happy, and ready for the winter ahead.
