7 Smart Tips: Autumn Horse Care Guide for Winter Readiness

Fall is a season of transition for both people and horses. As the temperatures drop, daylight shortens, and pastures fade, horses face a variety of new health challenges. Preparing in advance is one of the best ways to ensure your equine partner enters winter strong, comfortable, and resilient. This autumn horse care guide provides a comprehensive checklist that covers vaccinations, parasite control, dental health, hoof maintenance, and winter readiness.

Vaccinations for Seasonal Protection

Veterinary vaccinations should always be tailored to your horse’s age, environment, and workload. In fall and in this autumn horse care guide, many veterinarians recommend booster shots for diseases that can flare up as horses are stabled closer together. Core vaccines, including tetanus and rabies, are often supplemented with region specific boosters like West Nile Virus, influenza, or strangles. Fall is the perfect time to schedule these because immunity will last through the winter, reducing the risk of illness during the colder months when horses are less active and more confined.

Parasite Control and Deworming

Parasite management remains a crucial part of any autumn horse care guide. Horses grazing shorter fall pastures often consume more dirt and manure, increasing parasite exposure. Conducting a fecal egg count is a smart way to determine if deworming is necessary and which product will be the most effective for your horse. Rotating dewormers without testing can lead to resistance, so working with your veterinarian helps protect both your horse and the long-term efficacy of parasite treatments. To see The Trainer’s Loft’s current selection of dewormers, click here!

Dental Care Before Winter

Good dental health is also an essential mention in this autumn horse care guide. Dental health ensures your horse can efficiently chew hay, which becomes their primary diet during the colder months. Dental issues like sharp points or uneven wear can lead to weight loss, colic, and behavioral issues under saddle. Scheduling a fall dental float ensures your horse can comfortably process hay and grain during the winter. A dental exam also provides an opportunity to check for ulcers, cracked teeth, or gum issues that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Body Condition and Weight Management

Autumn is the best time to evaluate your horse’s body condition score (BCS). Horses that enter winter underweight often struggle to maintain body warmth and may lose even more condition in cold temperatures. If your horse is too thin, slowly increase calories through forage and safe fat based feeds. Conversely, easy keepers may need dietary adjustments to prevent excessive weight gain. Monitoring your horse’s topline, ribs, and overall muscling allows you to make small changes before the season’s harshest weather arrives. To see The Trainer’s Loft’s current selection of feed and supplements, click here!

Hoof Health and Seasonal Challenges

Hoof health is also a necessary mention in this autumn horse care guide. Moist fall weather creates muddy conditions that can soften hooves and increase the risk of thrush, abscesses, and cracks. Maintain a consistent farrier schedule and ask about hoof products to help strengthen the wall and sole if need be. Consider traction adjustments if your horse will be turned out in icy or frozen pastures. Some owners even transition to hoof boots for extra support and protection during unpredictable fall footing. To see The Trainer’s Loft’s current selection of hoof care products, click here!

Preparing for Winter

This autumn horse care guide wouldn’t be complete without winter prep. Blankets should be cleaned, repaired, and ready to use before the first frost arrives. Stock up on hay early on to avoid shortages since horses often eat between 1.5 – 2% of their body weight in forage daily to maintain heat. Test water heaters or deicers so your horse always has access to fresh water, which helps prevent colic. Finally, inspect fencing, latches, and gates as repairs are far more difficult once the ground freezes.

Fall Readiness for a Happy, Healthy Horse

Fall is all about laying the groundwork for a safe and healthy winter. By following this autumn horse care guide – vaccinations, parasite control, dental checkups, hoof care, body condition checks, and winter prep – you are giving your horse the best chance to stay strong and thrive, even in cold, challenging weather.

At The Trainer’s Loft we understand that good horse health begins with preparation and a comprehensive autumn horse care guide. That’s why we offer supplements, grooming supplies, blankets, and tack designed to keep your horse comfortable year round. Whether you are stocking up for winter or fine tuning your autumn care routine, our knowledgeable team is here to help you find exactly what you need!