Pasture & Paddocks – Autumn Management for Healthy Horses

As the long days of summer fade and the autumn rains begin to fall, the way we manage our horses’ grazing and turnout becomes more important than ever. This is a season of transition, a time to protect precious pasture, prepare paddocks for the coming winter, and ensure horses stay healthy as conditions change.

Autumn grass can be deceptive. After late summer droughts, rain often triggers a flush of rich new growth. While it looks lush and inviting, this tender grass can be high in sugars, posing risks for horses prone to laminitis or weight gain. Careful management is key so consider strip grazing, limiting turnout hours, or using grazing muzzles to balance freedom with safety.

Rotation is another essential part of autumn management. Resting sections of pasture now allows grass to recover before the pressures of winter. Dividing fields with temporary fencing can make this easier, while moving horses regularly reduces the risk of poaching- the bare, muddy patches that can damage fields for seasons to come.

Good drainage and gateways deserve attention at this time of year. Heavy footfall and wet conditions quickly turn entrances into quagmires, making them hazardous for both horse and handler. Simple steps such as laying hardcore, installing rubber matting, or using grass mats can protect these high-traffic areas. In larger paddocks, moving water troughs away from gateways also helps spread wear more evenly across the field.

Worming programmes should also be reviewed in autumn. With cooler temperatures and wetter ground, parasite cycles shift. Faecal egg counts are a useful guide, helping to avoid unnecessary treatments while ensuring your horse remains protected. Clearing droppings regularly not only controls worms but also keeps fields more inviting as the season progresses.

Fencing, too, needs a close eye. Strong autumn winds and sodden soil can loosen posts, while hedges and brambles grow thick and thorny over summer. A pre-winter check of all boundaries, gates and electric fencing units is essential for safety.

It’s also the season to prepare for darker days. If turnout continues into winter, good field lighting makes a world of difference for evening checks, feeding and rug changes. Solar or battery-powered options are now widely available, offering cost-effective solutions without major installation.

Perhaps most importantly, autumn paddock care is about balance. balancing the health of the land with the well-being of the horses. Too much turnout on wet ground damages fields, yet too little denies horses the fresh air and movement they need. By monitoring conditions closely and adapting routines, owners can find that middle ground which keeps both pasture and horses in good condition through to spring. With thoughtful management of pasture and paddocks, the challenges of mud, wet and wind can be minimised leaving both horses and land healthier, happier, and ready for the winter ahead.