Autumn often brings persistent rain, poached gateways and slippery patches in the field. Uneven or unstable footing increases the risk of slips, twists and strains, particularly when horses are playing or picking their way through deep mud.

While you can't control the weather, you can reduce the risks and ensure joint care for the long term:

• Check turnout areas regularly - Look for deep mud, hidden holes and slippery patches, especially around gateways, water troughs and hay feeders where horses gather.
• Improve high traffic areas - Hardcore or field mats in gateways can make a real difference to how secure your horse feels underfoot.
• Rotate or rest paddocks - Where you have the space, moving horses before the ground becomes too damaged, helps protect both their legs and your grazing.

It's also worth thinking about your horse as an individual. Older horses, those with a history of joint problems and horses returning to work may all need extra joint care when the ground is wet.

As temperatures drop, some horses look noticeably stiffer when they first come out of the stable or start work. This is often more obvious in older horses but can apply to younger horses too. Joint Care is for all. 

There's plenty you can do to help:

• Warm up gradually - Spend longer in walk when warming up than you would in summer, giving joints, muscles and soft tissues more time to loosen before work.
• Use an exercise sheet - On cold, wet days a quarter sheet can help keep large muscles warmer during the early part of your ride.
• Cool down properly - Finish with plenty of walking again so your horse doesn't go back into the stable tight and tense.
• Weight watch - Horses holding excess weight put extra strain on their joints. If their workload drops, adjust their feed to suit. A feed balancer is  great low calorie option. 

Nutrition plays an important role. A balanced diet that includes appropriate joint care ingerdients can be part of a proactive approach to keeping your horse comfortable through the colder months.

With daylight disappearing and conditions less predictable, it can be harder to stick to your usual exercise routine. Many horses spend more time indoors and have fewer have the chance to wander freely around the field.

Movement matters. Regular, appropriate exercise helps maintain muscle strength, fitness and mobility, and keeps synovial fluid (the joint's natural lubricant) circulating. Standing still for long periods, on the other hand, can leave horses feeling stiffer.

Aim for a consistent routine that suits your horse's age, fitness and individual needs:

• Turnout - Even a few hours in a safe paddock or sand arena lets them move naturally.
• In hand walking - A great option for any horse or on days when riding isn't possible.
• Ridden or lunge work - Short, regular sessions are often better than occasional long ones.
• Encourage movement in the stable - Spreading hay into several small piles or using more than one haynet location encourages your horse to move around.
• Provide enrichment - Treat balls and safe toys help reduce boredom on long stabled days.

Even small changes to your horse's daily routine can make a big difference to their comfort and wellbeing.

It's tempting to think about joint care only once a problem appears. But autumn is the ideal time to review your horse's feeding and management, and to build good habits before the demands of spring return.

Whether you're planning longer hacks, a return to competition or simply more time enjoying the outdoors, supporting your horse through winter is part of a year round approach to their wellbeing. A good autumn check list includes:

✅ Review their diet - As grass quality drops, make sure their daily ration still provides all the vitamins, minerals and micronutrients they need, alongside plenty of good quality forage, and suitable supporting ingredients for their needs.

✅ Book routine health checks - Autumn is a sensible time for a vet check, dental check and to plan your worming programme.

✅ Keep a diary - Noting how your horse moves on cold mornings, after turnout or after work helps you spot changes early.

✅ Plan your winter exercise - Decide now how you'll keep your horse moving when the weather turns, so their fitness doesn't drop away completely.