Winter To-Do List

September

Photo Time  -  Take a full body photo of your horse from the side and back to compare their condition against later in the winter (you should check your horse’s health and condition daily of course, too).

Rug Check  -  Now is a great time to make sure all of your winter rugs are clean, in good condition and fit your horse well, so they are ready as soon as you need them.

Clipping  - Time for the first clip of the season! If you’ve decided to clip this winter to keep your horse comfortable during exercise then now is the time to start.

Egg Count  - It’s time to do an egg count to see if your horse needs worming.

October

Autumn Clean - Before your horse starts staying in more, give their stable a thorough deep clean.

Nutritional Balance  - Your horse’s diet is likely to change as their routine does. Think carefully about what you will feed your horse too to ensure they are getting the right nutrition to maintain optimum condition.

Shelter - Does your horse have enough shelter in their field, man-made or natural, to keep the elements at bay when the bad weather closes in?

Water Pipe Prep - Insulate pipes to prevent them freezing and blocking up in the colder months.
 

November

Health Check  -  Now is a good time to take some new photos and compare to your september photos, how is your horse looking? Also, be sure to check their hoof and coat condition and overall wellbeing.

Worming  - In November or December do your usual 3 monthly egg count. Also, due to egg counts not being sensitive to tapeworm or encysted redworm it is advised to treat for these once yearly, so now is a good time to do so.

December

Ice Ready - Its likely to have started getting icey now, do you have a store of salt to keep the yard safe? Rubber matting is also a great way of avoiding slippery situations.

Frozen Troughs - Frozen water troughs can leave your horse without water for hours, which increases the risk of impaction colic. Be sure to regularly check troughs or invest in a trough heating device.
 

January
 
Vaccinations  Schedule - New year, new start; a great time to check your vaccination schedule and make sure your horse is booked in with your vet for their boosters.

Teeth Time - is it time for a teeth check-up?

Clipping - Its recommended to make your final clip in early January before summer coat comes through.

Field Condition - If your gateways are getting poached and boggy then gravel, wood chip or matting can effectively reduce the issue. Also, try to save good draining fields for winter use and rotate them regularly.
 

February

Health Check - Same as November. Hopefully your regular evaluations will mean your horse is looking happy, healthy and in good condition!

Egg Count  -  Depending on when you counted and wormed in November/December it will be time for another egg count now or in March.