5 Tips for Autumn Horse Care
With the long, dry summer now fading, the UK equestrian world knows it’s time to prepare for the change in seasons. While the grass has been short and stressed for months, those first few autumn showers mean a new routine is on the way. Our horses’ needs change almost overnight, but by focusing on these five key areas, you can make the transition smooth and stress-free for both of you.
1. Tackle the Diet Dilemma
The grass might have been sparse all summer, but with autumn showers, new growth is coming. This fresh grass, especially after a cold night, can be surprisingly high in sugars. This is the time to start gradually transitioning to a winter horse feeding plan to ensure your horse gets a balanced diet.
• For “good doers” (horses who easily gain weight): The challenge is managing their weight while ensuring they get all the essential vitamins and minerals they’d normally get from good grazing.
• For “poor doers” (horses who lose weight easily): They need extra support to maintain condition as their body works harder to stay warm.
2. Support Respiratory Health
As horses spend more time stabled, they are more exposed to dust from hay and bedding. If you are worried about your horse’s respiratory health as he will be stabled for longer, Horslyx Respiratory Balancer is an ideal, easy-to-use product. Its unique formula with menthol, eucalyptus, and aniseed helps to keep airways clear and supports a healthy immune system.
Horslyx Balancers also provide a welcome distraction. Because they must be licked, they take time and patience to consume. This makes them an excellent form of equine enrichment and helps to alleviate stable boredom, which can lead to a reduction in stress for your horse.
3. Maintain Joint Mobility
Reduced turnout and exercise can lead to stiffness. Likewise, if your horse isn’t getting as much exercise now the nights are drawing in and you want to support a healthy joint function, then Horslyx Mobility Balancer is worth a look. An independent research study was conducted at the University of Central Lancashire using six horses based at the rehab centre. This independent university research clearly demonstrated that Horslyx Mobility Balancer can help reduce joint stiffness in otherwise clinically sound horses and, when used regularly, will help maintain healthy, supple joints and allow mobility and flexibility for comfortable movement.
4. Beat Mud Fever in Horses Before It Starts
After months of dry ground, the first few downpours signal the start of UK mud season. What’s a minor inconvenience for us can be a real health hazard for our horses. Muddy paddocks and legs increase the risk of painful and stubborn skin conditions like mud fever in horses. Prevention is always easier than cure, so thinking about how you manage your horse’s legs and environment is critical.
Top Tip: Try to manage muddy gateways by adding bark chips. When it comes to scrubbing, less is more! Vigorously scrubbing a horse’s legs can actually break the skin’s natural barrier, so a gentle rinse and thorough drying is often the best approach.
5. Save Time When Daylight Fades & Stay Safe
With daylight fading, your riding and stable routine gets squeezed. This is when convenience becomes your best friend. Finding ways to save time on daily chores, while still ensuring your horse gets the attention and equine nutrition they need, is a top priority. It’s also crucial to think about your safety. Hacking in the dark or poor light is a big concern for many riders, so wearing hi-vis gear is a must.
The Solution
Your horse’s health and well-being start from within. A balanced diet is the cornerstone of a successful autumn transition. That’s why Horslyx Balancers are the perfect partner for this time of year.
Our licks provide an essential balance of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that are often missing from autumn grazing. They’re a simple, time-saving solution that delivers what your horse needs, exactly when they need it, whether they’re in the field or in the stable. Available in various sizes and formulations for every horse.
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Pssst! Speaking of staying safe in the dark… keep your eyes peeled on our social media channels for a very special giveaway! We’ll soon be giving you the chance to win some limited-edition, branded hi-vis gear. You won’t want to miss it!
