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Autumn horse care checklist: free PDF

Autumn is the time to sort things before it is cold, wet and dark. One A4 to tick off. Southern hemisphere: this is your March and April.

Content checked in October 2026

PDF · A4 · version 1.2

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What’s on it

Instructions for grazing, rugs, hay and water.
Planned care and who checks again.
Yard, documents and current contact details.

How to use it

Print in September and hang it in the tack room.
Tick what is done, add dates.
Cross out what doesn’t fit your yard.

Autumn checklist

What to check before winter, in September and October (southern hemisphere: March and April)

Halster

Horse

Year

Grass and field

Discuss this horse’s grazing plan and record agreed times
Report changes in pasture, feed and health
Check fencing, power, gates and ground
Identify poisonous plants and prevent access
Agree tests and any treatment with the vet

Rugs

Check rugs and fastenings; follow maker’s care instructions
Record rugging instructions and checking times
Discuss clipping with the person caring for the horse
Assign skin, fit and dry-rug checks

Hay and water

Plan stock from the agreed daily amount: ____ kg / ____ bales
Store hay dry; record batch and supplier
Keep water accessible; agree checks and frost arrangements
Use diet and salt/electrolyte instructions suited to the horse
Review the feeding plan if condition or cold exposure changes

Health

Vaccinations checked in the passport or records; next date in the calendar
Weight and condition recorded (tape, photos), because winter hides a lot
Teeth checked if more than a year ago
Farrier cycle for winter agreed
Normal values (temperature, pulse) measured once and put on the “Before you call the vet” sheet

Yard and paperwork

Stable dry, airy and draught-free; lighting works for the dark hours
Stable card and horse sitter instructions up to date
Insurance and contact details of vet and farrier checked
Christmas: who feeds, and is it arranged?

In Halster

Keep track of unfinished autumn tasks

Note which autumn preparations are still outstanding and what you have already checked for your horse in Halster.

Test Halster for iPhone

Install the test version through TestFlight.

More about Halster

More on this topic

ArticleWhich rug at what temperatureThe chart, before the first cold night.ArticleAutumn grass and laminitisWhy the grass is sweet in October.ToolThe hay calculatorThis tool is undergoing review. Do not use its result as care or safety advice.

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