Autumn changes: Keeping calm
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Read time 8 min
Table of Contents
Shorter days, less turnout and more hay can unsettle your horse this autumn. KEY TAKEAWAYS Why can horses become unsettled and less calm in autumn? Less turnout = less natural movement and stimulation Understand the importance of forage Grass and hay are NOT nutritionally identical Could your horse simply be fresh? Support a calmer horse through nutrition Why Blue Chip Calming Balancer is so valuable FUN FACTS Frequently Asked Questions Other articles you may like
Shorter days, less turnout and more hay can unsettle your horse this autumn.
Learn why it happens with simple ways to help them stay calm.
As summer turns to autumn, the changing weather, ground and shorter days can mean a significant change to your horse's daily routine.
Turnout may become more restricted; time spent in the stable can increase and the balance between grass and hay or haylage in the diet begins to shift.
For some horses, these changes can adjust behaviour too, from becoming more excitable and fresh to appearing unsettled, anxious or difficult to manage.
While some horses adapt easily, others can find the transition challenging. So, what's actually changing for your horse this autumn, and how can you help them settle into their new routine comfortably?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Autumn often brings several changes at once: less turnout, more time stabled, altered exercise and a shift from grass to hay or haylage.
Forage is vital for nutrition and wellbeing. We recommend 2 to 2.5% of bodyweight daily in dry matter, and never less than 1.5%.
Grass and hay are NOT nutritionally identical, a feed balancer will help fill gaps in the diet.
Make any changes to diet and routine gradually.
A calming balancer can support a settled temperament as part of a wider approach.Ā
Why can horses become unsettled and less calm in autumn?
As creatures of habit horses generally thrive on a consistent routine. As autumn arrives, several aspects of that routine can change all at once.
Turnout time may become shorter, exercise routines can alter, and horses may spend considerably more time in their stable.
At the same time, grass availability and nutritional value can fluctuate, meaning more hay or haylage is introduced to maintain their forage intake.
If your horse is sensitive to change, you may notice your horse becoming:
- More excitable or fresh - when ridden or handled
- More anxious or reactive - spooking or tension at things they'd normally ignore
- Less settled when handled - fidgeting when groomed, tacked up or led
- More vocal or impatient - particularly around feed times
- Less able to concentrate - struggling to focus when schooling or hacking
- More restless when stabled - box walking, pawing or weaving
- More prone to unwanted stable behaviours - as boredom and frustration build
Less turnout = less natural movement and stimulation
One of the biggest changes for many horses during autumn is spending more time indoors.
Horses naturally spend much of their day moving, grazing, foraging and interacting with other horses. When they're stabled for longer periods, opportunities for these natural behaviours become restricted.
Prolonged stabling reduces movement, social interaction and foraging opportunities, contributing to boredom and stress.
For horses that become particularly fresh with less turnout, consider how you can maintain movement and mental stimulation:
- Make the most of safe turnout - whenever ground conditions allow
- Maintain regular exercise - where appropriate for your horse
- Hand-walk or graze in-hand - on days when riding isn't possible
- Provide stable enrichment - to keep their mind occupied
- Keep companions close - within sight or earshot where possible
- Use forage-based enrichment - to encourage natural foraging behaviour
Even small changes can make a real difference to your horse, helping them to stay calm when they are spending longer periods indoors.
Understand the importance of forage
Horses have evolved to spend a large proportion of their day eating and foraging.Ā
Providing appropriate forage helps satisfy their natural need to chew which also produces saliva to buffer stomach acid and aid healthy digestion.Ā
Horses should eat approximately 2% of their bodyweight in dry matter per day (never lower than 1.5% for good doers or those who need to lose weight).
How forage is provided can also influence how long your horse spends eating.
Small-holed haynets, forage feeders or other enrichment can help extend feeding time.
For good doers, or horses whose calorie intake needs careful control, slowing down forage consumption can be particularly useful.
Grass and hay are NOT nutritionally identical
The balance of grass and forage in the diet can change significantly in the autumn. From eating predominantly grass during the summer to receiving a much greater proportion of hay or haylage as grazing becomes less available.
The nutritional content of forage varies considerably, so it's important to consider the whole diet rather than assuming that increasing hay or haylage will provide exactly the same nutrients as the grass your horse was previously eating.
Forage is the foundation of your horse's diet, a suitable feed balancer will help fill any nutritional gaps, particularly as the contribution from grass changes.
Could your horse simply be fresh?
For some owners, autumn brings the familiar problem of a horse that suddenly feels much more energetic! A reduction in exercise combined with more time in the stable can leave some horses with more energy than they know what to do with.
Take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself:
- Has my horse's exercise reduced?
- Has their turnout reduced?
- Are they spending longer periods in the stable?
- Has their diet changed?
- Are they receiving more energy than they currently need?
- Are they getting enough opportunities to move and forage?
Addressing these underlying factors is an important first step in helping your horse stay settled.
For sharp, unpredictable horses and ponies, helping take the edge off sudden reactions so riding and handling feel safer and more confident again.
Ā ā
Helps to control anxiety and stress
Ā ā
Promotes gut comfort
Ā ā
Can help to calm excitable behaviour
Calming Feed Balancer is more effective than feeding a supplement, but why?
Ā ā Combines a complete feed balancer with a triple action calming supplement in one palatable pellet.
Ā ā Ensures nutrients are eaten evenly and absorbed more effectively than powders that can be left in the bucket or pass through too quickly.
Support a calmer horse through nutrition
Once management, exercise, forage and environmental factors have been considered, nutrition can form another part of your horse's overall calming programme.
A balanced diet provides the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed to support normal health and wellbeing. For horses prone to becoming tense, excitable or difficult to settle, many owners also choose a feed specifically formulated to support a calm and focused temperament.
A calming balancer provides targeted nutritional support while also balancing the overall diet, without adding large amounts of extra feed.
A calming feed should form part of a wider approach, rather than being relied upon to make up for insufficient turnout, exercise, forage or an unsuitable diet.
Why Blue Chip Calming Balancer is so valuable
When your horse is tense, sharp or struggling to settle, it affects both of you, and autumn's changes can make that feel even harder.
Calming Balancer is formulated on the understanding that stress and digestion are closely linked. Stress can cause digestive upset, and digestive upset can cause stress.
That's why Calming Balancer combines a complete daily feed balancer with a high concentration of probiotics and three active calming ingredients, all in one easy-to-feed pellet:
- Chamomile - a natural ingredient well known for its calming properties
- L-tryptophan - an amino acid and precursor to serotonin, often called the "feel-good" hormone
- Magnesium - often referred to as the "calming mineral", supporting normal nerve and muscle function
Because horses respond differently to different calmers, including three calming ingredients gives your horse a greater chance of benefitting.
Alongside these, Calming Balancer delivers everything you'd expect: a full spectrum of essential vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients, plus probiotics to support gut health and nutrient absorption.
NO molasses, NO whole cereal, and non-drowsy, so your horse stays calm and focused rather than dull.
As a small, concentrated daily serving, it's also an ideal way to balance a forage-based autumn diet without adding unnecessary calories, perfect for good doers spending more time in the stable.
FUN FACTS
š“ Horses are natural trickle feeders. Given free access to pasture, a horse will typically spend around 16 hours a day grazing, which is why long periods without forage can leave them feeling frustrated.
š“ Horses only produce saliva when they chew. Saliva helps buffer stomach acid, so keeping forage in front of your stabled horse helps look after their gut as well as their mind.
š“ Autumn grass can be surprisingly sugary. Cold nights followed by bright, sunny days can cause sugar levels in grass to rise, which is why autumn is a key time to keep an eye on horses prone to laminitis.
If you are concerned about your horse's digestive health, always speak to your vet or a qualified equine feed adviser for individual advice. Our team is always happy to chat. Call us on 0114 266 6200, email info@bluechipfeed.com, or drop us a message on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my horse so fresh in autumn?
It's usually a combination of factors. Reduced turnout, less exercise as the evenings draw in, cooler weather and changes to their diet can all leave a horse with more energy than they have outlets for. Reviewing their routine and energy intake is a great first step.
How much forage should my horse have when they're stabled more?
We recommends around 2 to 2.5% of your horse's bodyweight in forage dry matter per day, with their daily ration never dropping below 1.5% of their bodyweight. Weighing your hay, rather than guessing, is the best way to make sure they're getting enough.
How quickly can I change my horse's diet for autumn?
Gradually. We recommend making changes to your horse's diet and routine over approx. 10 to 14 days, to give their digestive system and microbiome time to adapt, including when switching from grass to hay or haylage.
Does my horse need a calming balancer or a standard balancer?
If your horse is settled and simply needs their forage-based diet balancing, a standard balancer may be all they need. If they tend to become tense, anxious or excitable, even once their management has been reviewed, a calming balancer offers the same complete nutrition with added targeted calming support. Our team is always happy to help you decide.
Will a calming balancer make my horse dozy?
No. Blue Chip Calming Balancer is non-drowsy. It's designed to support a calm, focused temperament, not to sedate your horse.
When should I speak to my vet?
If your horse's behaviour changes suddenly, is severe, or comes with signs of pain or discomfort, it's always worth getting them checked over to rule out issues such as gastric ulcers, back pain or lameness.
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Anna Franklin
Anna has a BSc (Hons) in Sports Conditioning, Coaching and Rehabilitation from Hartpury and extensive equestrian experience. She is anĀ ENFAR-accredited Blue Chip Feed Advisor, helping horse owners make informed feeding decisions.
