The jobs you do in September and October decide how easy your winter will be. Here’s our autumn checklist for getting horses, fields and feed ready before the weather turns.
Health checks
- Worming: autumn is a key time — talk to your vet about worm-egg counts and the right treatment for your horse.
- Teeth: a dentist check before winter helps horses get the most from their forage.
- Vaccinations: make sure flu and tetanus are in date.
- Weight: take a good look at condition now — it’s easier to adjust before winter than during it.
Rugs and kit
- Get rugs washed, reproofed and repaired before you need them, and check they still fit.
- Decide on clipping — read our clipping guide — and have clippers serviced and blades sharpened.
- Stock up on the basics: hoof oil, barrier cream for legs, and spare headcollars and lead ropes.
Fields and fencing
- Walk your fencing and fix weak spots before wet ground loosens posts.
- Plan which paddocks to rest, and protect gateways that turn to mud.
- Check water troughs and pipes, and have a plan for frost.
- Watch for poisonous plants and fallen acorns or sycamore seeds, and remove them where you can.
Forage and bedding
Order hay or haylage and bedding before prices rise and supplies tighten, and make sure it’s stored dry. Any change to feed or forage should be gradual.
Routines
Shorter days mean adjusting turnout, exercise and lighting. Plan who covers what if you’re away, and make sure your yard has your emergency contacts — our useful contacts page has vets and emergency numbers near Nazeing.
How we handle autumn at Pentonville Lodge
On full livery, the autumn jobs are part of the routine: every horse is checked daily, rugs are changed as the weather turns, and we can clip horses and ponies for £70 — read our clipping guide to choose the right clip.
Next up: our winter horse care guide.
Nikki Ward · Pentonville Lodge
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