Autumn Considerations
As grazing changes, horses spend more time stabled and routines begin to shift, their nutritional needs can change too.
From supporting the respiratory system during increased stabling to keeping hooves strong through months of wet ground, Autumn is a good time to think about whether your horse’s diet is providing the support they need.
Here are a few things to consider heading into autumn and winter.
Changing forage
As grass growth and quality decline, many horses begin relying more heavily on conserved forage such as hay and haylage.
While good-quality forage should remain the foundation of the diet, it may not provide all the vitamins, minerals and trace elements your horse requires.
Providing a suitable balancer alongside forage can help ensure those nutritional requirements continue to be met throughout the colder months.
Horslyx Balancers provide a combination of vitamins, minerals and trace elements designed to complement a forage-based diet – with the added benefit of a unique lick format.
Increased stabling
Shorter days, wetter fields and winter routines can mean horses spend more time in the stable.
Even with good stable management, enclosed environments can expose horses to increased levels of dust from bedding and forage.
For horses that could benefit from additional nutritional respiratory support, Horslyx Respiratory Balancer combines the Horslyx vitamin and mineral package with ingredients specifically selected to support a healthy respiratory system.
And remember: good ventilation, low-dust forage and bedding, and plenty of turnout wherever possible remain important parts of respiratory management.
Wetter conditions
Autumn and winter can be tough on hooves.
Repeated exposure to wet and muddy conditions can affect hoof condition, making regular picking out, good hygiene and routine farrier care particularly important.
Nutrition also plays its part.
Biotin is well known for its role in supporting healthy hoof growth, which is why ensuring your horse receives appropriate levels as part of a balanced diet can help support hoof health from the inside out.
Horslyx Balancers contain biotin alongside key vitamins, minerals and trace elements, providing everyday nutritional support throughout the year.
Routine Changes
A change from grazing to increased hay or haylage, longer periods stabled and changes in routine all make autumn a transition period for your horse.
Where possible, make dietary changes gradually, maintain access to forage and encourage regular movement.
For horses needing additional support, Horslyx Digestive Balancer has been formulated to support the digestive system alongside providing essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
Hydration
When temperatures fall, it can be easy to think less about hydration – but access to clean, fresh water remains just as important.
Horses may naturally drink less during colder weather, particularly if water becomes very cold, so keep an eye on intake and check troughs and buckets regularly as temperatures begin to drop.
A little preparation goes a long way
Autumn brings plenty of changes – grazing, forage, turnout, stabling and daily routines can all look very different from the summer months.
Taking a little time now to review your horse’s diet and management can help ensure they’re well supported for the season ahead.
Whatever autumn brings, Horslyx makes it simple to provide essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements alongside your horse’s forage.
