Top 5 Autumn Checks for Horse Owners

1. Monitor Your Horse’s Changing Shape

As the seasons shift, so does your horse’s workload. Whether you’ve been enjoying the longer summer days with extra training sessions or more time off during the hot weather, it’s important to recognize how these changes affect your horse’s shape. Reduced exercise and a change in diet as the grass quality declines can lead to weight fluctuations, which will directly affect how well your saddle fits.

We would advise scheduling a saddle check appointment as autumn progresses to ensure your horse remains comfortable. A saddle that fits well in the summer might cause pressure points or discomfort now that your horse’s body has changed. Investing in a professional saddle check can prevent long-term issues and help your horse transition smoothly into its winter workload.

2. Check the Stitching and Condition of Your Tack

Autumn is the ideal time to go through your tack and check the condition of all your equipment. Leather naturally dries out over the warmer months, and by now, it may be in need of a deep clean and reconditioning. Stitching, particularly on girths, stirrup leathers, and reins, is prone to wear and tear, so give these areas a thorough inspection.

Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your tack, saving you money in the long run. Keeping on top of cleaning and conditioning helps keep the leather soft, supple and strong especially at this time of year prior to the cold and wet weather.

3. Find All Those Little Essentials

It’s easy to put something away in a box in the tack room in the spring and forget where you have put them. Now’s the time to dig out all those winter essentials you might have tucked away as there is nothing worse than trying to find something you need and having no idea where you put it. Think sheepskin covers, field turnout boots, heavyweight rugs, and exercise sheets. Having these items at hand before the weather turns will save you stress later. Also while you are at it is it probably a good idea to check if you washed them before you put them away!

4. Check Your Saddle Pads

While your horse’s shape might change seasonally, it’s also crucial to inspect the condition of your saddle pads and numnahs. Over time, padding compresses, and the materials can wear thin, reducing the support and comfort they provide. An ill-fitting saddle pad can cause discomfort just as much as a poorly fitted saddle with pressure points and rubs. Give your saddle pads a good wash and check them all over for wear and tear, paying particular attention to half pads if you use one especially a corrective one, the shims used for adjustment can compress over time so may need replacing.

If your saddle pads have sheepskin there are washes available that will clean them without causing any damage to wool.

5. Prepare for Shorter Days

As the days grow shorter, it's important to review your routine and see where adjustments are needed to keep everything running smoothly. Fitting in riding sessions and daily care can be challenging with less daylight, so now’s the time to think about what changes can help you maximise your time. Consider adding reflective gear for safer rides during early mornings or overcast days, and investing in quality stable lighting could make all the difference.

You might also need to restructure your daily or weekly schedule to make the most of the daylight hours. Batch-preparing feeds and haynets can save you valuable time, while riding in the mornings (if possible) can give you more light to work with. Planning which days will focus on riding, groundwork, flatwork, or pole work this can always be flexible but having a loose frame work can really help.

Autumn is a time of change, however by being proactive you’ll ensure a smooth transition into the colder months with (hopefully) fewer last-minute panics and a happy, comfortable horse. If you need to book your saddle checks in you can find the booking form here the saddle fitters diary’s are usually booked up around 4 weeks in advance so it please book in advance for routine cheeks wherever possible.