Autumn has Arrived

The nights are drawing in and the leaves are changing colour into rich autumnal shades of red, orange and gold. What’s not to love about the changing of the seasons, whether stoking up the roaring log fire or toasting fluffy marshmallows with the family? But, many horse owners have mixed feelings when it comes to the autumn months. There are often fewer opportunities to ride thanks to the inclement weather, while the arduous task of mucking-out is made even more of a chore. You also have to consider whether you have the right kit to keep your animals comfortable during the colder nights. So, how can you best prepare for the months ahead? Here are our top tips for getting equipped for autumn.

Glorious Mud

Picture the scene of a misty October morning ride, crunching through the fallen leaves before the rain sets in. Pure bliss! But, with the higher rainfall in autumn, many fields turn into bogs, resulting in our much-loved horses suffering from mud fever. There’s nothing more upsetting than seeing them with sore skin and itchy scabs on their legs. The good news is that there are a number of fantastic products available to help prevent mud fever, from creams and powders, to salves and mud screens, as well as brushes and lotions to keep the mud at bay. Mud fever boots are a great idea for turning out, ensuring your horse’s legs can be kept clean by sealing the leg between the knee and below the heels, preventing the warm, damp conditions in which bacteria thrive.

Safety First

With fewer daylight hours in the autumn, darkness is likely to have fallen before you have time to enjoy your post-work ride. It is so important that you have appropriate high-vis apparel to keep you and your horse safe when out on the roads. Reflective nose bands, breastplates, headcollars and tail guards will help to make your horse visible on an evening or first thing in the morning. When it comes to suitable clothing for riders, you can choose from reflective hat bands, riding gloves, safety vests and jackets in sizes to fit all the family.

As Warm as Toast Now that it’s time to bring in your beloved animal at night, you can build deep beds to keep them cosy, with a choice of dust-free, easy-to-clean shavings and pellets. A padded, waterproof jacket will be suitable for turning out, but when they are tucked up in their stable, a fleece-lined rug is the perfect solution. Sweet dreams!

Wrapping Up

Hands up who relishes a long, hot soak in the bath to relax stiff joints after mucking out? Layering up is the answer to ensuring you don’t freeze this autumn. Invest in insulating jodhpurs, britches and winter coats for your comfort, and don’t forget to accessorize! There are some gorgeous gloves, snoods, hats and headbands to complete your autumn look. What’s more, we love the winter riding boots lined with faux fur to aid warmth and circulation, keeping those toes toasty as soon as the temperatures drop.

Seasonal Celebrations

October and November mark Halloween and bonfire night. These can be scary times for our horses, with all the bright lights and strange, loud noises. There are remedies you can buy to help keep them calm including herbal balancers and supplements. Lavender is renowned for its calming properties, so why not opt for a body wash designed to soothe and relax? There are also high-fibre feeds that are an excellent source of energy for animals that may feel stressed. Speaking of the spooky season, if you like to dress impress, why not ride out in the Elico Spooky Lycra Cover featuring creepy cauldrons, ghastly ghosts and wicked witches, topped with a fluffy black pom-pom? Go check it out!