Autumn Equine Care

The colder weather has set in and with the nights beginning to draw in, autumn is now officially here. There is always a lot to think about in order to effectively care for your equine so The Saddlery Shop thought that in our latest blog we would share some top tips and advice for autumn seasonal care for your horses and ponies! 1.) Watch out for Laminitis Laminitis is most commonly associated with spring grass, but during the autumn time the cool nights and warm days can lead to an increased accumulation of sugars in grass. In order to minimise the risk of laminitis avoid turning your horse out on frosty grass or allowing them excessive grazing on lush pasture. Always maintain a regular exercise routine and ensure your equine’s diet supplies adequate levels of vitamins and minerals by using a supplement such as Clop, Equivite or Benevit available from The Saddlery Shop. 2.) Always Change your horse’s routine slowly If your horse has enjoyed being turned out at pasture 24/7 during the summer months, ensure the transition to stabling is completed gradually in order to allow him to physically and mentally get used to the change. Always provide ample fresh forage to your horse when stabled and build any concentrate feed offered to him slowly. If your horse is inclined to bolt his hay or haylage offer it to him in a small holed haynet available from The Saddlery Shop ensuring his forage lasts for longer keeping his digestive system active throughout the night. 3.) Protect your horse from Chills! Many of us will, if we haven’t already, clip our equines during the autumn season. Make sure your horse is adequately rugged with the wide range of stable rugs and turnout rugs from The Saddlery Shop in order to protect him from chills once he is clipped and after exercise if he has become sweaty place a fleece rug or cooler on him so he can reduce temperature slowly. So Happy autumn everyone and enjoy the season with your horses and ponies! For more information about the wide range of products available from The Saddlery Shop visit the website www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk