A horse that has lived out all summer notices the change to winter livery more than its owner does. Shorter days, more time in the stable and a new routine all arrive at once, and a little planning makes the difference between a settled horse and a stressed one.
Rugs: less than you think
Most horses are over-rugged. Feel behind the withers rather than the ears, and only add a layer when the horse is actually cold. We check every livery horse morning and evening and adjust as the weather turns.
Turnout, even when it is wet
The winter paddocks are smaller, but every horse still goes out for part of every day. A horse that moves stays sounder and calmer than one that stands in all week.
Hay before hard feed
Forage keeps a horse warm from the inside. Before reaching for a bigger bucket feed, make sure the hay net never runs empty overnight.
The one thing new owners forget: a spare headcollar and lead rope on the stable door, in case a horse has to be moved in a hurry.
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