As summer fades and the crisp autumn air sets in, horse owners in Victoria will it’s time to adjust their care routines. The changing season brings cooler temperatures, wetter conditions, and shifting pasture quality, all of which can impact your horse’s health. 

A proactive approach ensures your horse stays in peak condition throughout autumn and into winter!

In this guide, we’ll cover the essential health checks every horse owner should prioritise, including veterinary visits, dental care, and vaccination updates. These steps will help prevent seasonal health issues and keep your horse thriving.

Why Autumn Care is Crucial for Horses in Victoria

Autumn in Victoria means cooler nights, increased rainfall, and changing pasture quality. These seasonal shifts can lead to nutritional deficiencies, hoof issues, and a higher risk of illness. 

Key reasons why autumn horse care is essential:

• Weather fluctuations can affect coat growth, metabolism, and immune function.

• Reduced pasture quality may require diet adjustments.

• Increased mud and moisture can contribute to hoof and skin problems.

• Parasite risks change with seasonal conditions.

• Vaccination and dental care are crucial to prevent health complications.

One of the most important steps in autumn preparation is scheduling that veterinary visit!

Scheduling a Veterinary Check-Up

A seasonal vet check will confirm your horse is healthy and ready for the cooler months. 

Autumn is the perfect time to address any underlying health concerns before winter makes treatment more challenging.

Key Areas of a Vet Check in Autumn

During an autumn check-up, your veterinarian will typically assess:

• Weight and body condition 

• Hoof health 

• Coat condition

• Parasite control 

• General health screening 

As you probably know, regular veterinary visits help catch potential health problems early, saving time, money, and stress in the long run.

Dental Care: Why It’s Essential

Horses require regular dental check-ups to prevent discomfort and improve digestion. 

Common Dental Issues in Horses

• Sharp enamel points that can cause ulcers in the cheeks and tongue.

• Uneven wear that may lead to difficulty chewing or weight loss.

• Loose or missing teeth, which is particularly common in older horses.

Signs Your Horse May Need a Dental Check

• Dropping feed while eating

• Weight loss despite adequate feeding

• Excessive salivation

• Head tossing or resistance to the bit

• Bad breath or swelling around the jaw

A professional equine dentist or veterinarian can float (file down) sharp teeth and address any underlying issues.

Autumn Vaccination Updates

Vaccinations protect horses from serious infectious diseases, many of which can be more prevalent in cooler, damp conditions. Work with your vet to review and update your horse’s vaccination schedule before winter sets in.

Core Vaccines Recommended for Horses in Victoria

• Tetanus

• Strangles 

• Hendra Virus (where applicable) 

• Equine Influenza

Risk-Based Vaccines

Depending on your horse’s lifestyle, your vet may also recommend vaccines for:

• Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)

• Rotavirus (for young foals)

• Leptospirosis

By staying up to date with vaccinations, you reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and keep your horse in top health throughout the season.

This is just the beginning! I’ll cover hoof care, nutrition adjustments, preparing for wet weather, and more in the next section.

Parasite Management as the Weather Cools

Autumn is a crucial time for parasite control, as changing weather conditions can influence parasite activity in pastures. Horses grazing on wet, muddy fields are at increased risk of exposure to parasites like strongyles and tapeworms.

Effective Deworming Strategies

• Faecal Egg Counts (FECs) – Before deworming, a vet can conduct an FEC to determine if treatment is necessary.

• Targeted Deworming – Overuse of dewormers leads to resistance; it's best to treat only when needed.

• Tapeworm Treatment – Autumn is the ideal time to address tapeworms with a praziquantel-based dewormer.

Pasture Management to Reduce Parasites

• Rotate grazing areas to prevent overgrazing and reduce parasite load.

• Remove manure regularly to limit parasite reproduction.

• Avoid overcrowding to minimise direct transmission of worms.

With the right approach, you can keep parasite levels low and your horse healthy as temperatures drop.

Hoof Health in Autumn

Mud and wet conditions create the perfect environment for hoof-related problems such as thrush, abscesses, and cracks. Preventative care is key to keeping your horse’s hooves strong throughout the season.

Common Autumn Hoof Issues

• Thrush 

• Sole Bruising 

• Cracks and Chips 

How to Maintain Healthy Hooves in Autumn

• Schedule regular trims with a farrier (every 4–6 weeks).

• Clean hooves daily to remove mud, debris, and manure.

• Apply hoof conditioners to prevent excessive moisture absorption.

• Use hoof boots for extra protection on wet or rocky terrain.

Hoof care in autumn lays the foundation for strong, resilient feet heading into winter.

Nutrition Adjustments for Seasonal Changes

As pasture growth slows, horses require dietary changes to maintain their condition. Autumn is the time to monitor weight, adjust forage intake, and add supplements if necessary.

Key Nutritional Considerations

• Hay vs. Pasture – Reduced grass means horses rely more on hay for fibre. Make sure high-quality hay is available.

• Salt and Electrolytes – Especially in cooler weather, horses still need access to a salt block and adequate hydration.

• Digestive Support – Adding probiotics or digestive aids can help transition from fresh grass to hay.

• Weight Monitoring – Use a weight tape weekly to track changes and prevent weight loss.

A well-balanced diet supports immune function, coat condition, and energy levels throughout autumn. Contact a certified Equine Nutritionist or chat with your vet at the check-up to feed your horse exactly what they need!

Preparing for Rain and Mud

Victoria’s autumn rains can turn paddocks into muddy messes, increasing the risk of hoof issues, skin infections, and cold stress. Proper preparation can keep your horse comfortable and healthy.

Tips for Managing Wet Conditions

• Provide Dry Shelter 

• Use Waterproof Rugs Wisely 

• Prevent Mud Fever 

• Improve Drainage 

A proactive approach to wet weather care prevents common health problems associated with muddy conditions.

Exercise and Conditioning for Cooler Weather

As temperatures drop, maintaining your horse’s fitness and mobility is essential. A gradual adjustment to workload helps prevent stiffness and injuries.

How to Keep Your Horse Active in Autumn

• Warm-Up Thoroughly – Cooler muscles are more prone to injury, so extend warm-up times before riding.

• Modify Workload as Needed – If turnout is limited due to wet paddocks, adjust exercise accordingly.

• Monitor Joint Health – Older horses may need joint supplements or additional support for stiffness.

• Avoid Overfeeding – Reduced exercise means calorie intake should match activity levels to prevent weight gain.

Keeping your horse fit makes for better health and mobility going into winter.

Blanketing and Coat Management

One of the biggest debates in horse care is whether or not to rug in autumn. Horses naturally grow thicker coats as temperatures drop, but in some cases, rugging is beneficial.

Should You Rug Your Horse in Autumn?

• Yes, if…

• Your horse is clipped and needs warmth.

• It’s an older horse or underweight and struggles to maintain body heat.

• There are heavy rains and no natural shelter.

• No, if…

• Your horse has a natural winter coat and adequate shelter.

• The weather is cool but dry, and the horse is in good health.

• You’re monitoring weight and coat condition closely.

If rugging, check under the rug daily to prevent overheating, rubbing, or sores. As always, if you’re unsure, it never hurts to give your vet a call!

Monitoring Respiratory Health

Cooler air and increased time in stables or shelters can put horses at risk of respiratory infections. Autumn is a good time to check for early signs of breathing issues.

Preventing Respiratory Problems

• Improve Stable Ventilation – Reduce dust and ammonia buildup.

• Use Low-Dust Bedding – Straw and sawdust can irritate airways.

• Soak or Steam Hay – Reduces dust and allergens for sensitive horses.

• Watch for Symptoms – Persistent cough, nasal discharge, or laboured breathing need vet attention.

Keeping the airways clear and lungs healthy helps your horse stay active and comfortable.

Joint Care for Older Horses

Colder weather often worsens arthritis and stiffness in senior horses. Preventative care can help keep them comfortable and mobile.

Supporting Joint Health in Autumn

• Joint Supplements – Look for glucosamine, MSM, or hyaluronic acid.

• Regular Gentle Exercise – Movement reduces stiffness and maintains mobility.

• Warm-Up & Cool Down – Proper warm-up routines prevent strain on joints.

• Blanketing When Needed – Keeping muscles warm reduces discomfort.

Proper care ensures older horses remain active and happy as temperatures drop. You can talk to your vet to come up with the best plan. Make sure your trainer or barn manager is in on it too!

Recognising Early Signs of Illness in Autumn

Autumn’s changing conditions can lead to health issues if not detected early. Horse owners should watch for:

• Changes in Appetite – A sudden drop in food intake could indicate dental or digestive issues.

• Lethargy or Weakness – Could be a sign of illness or nutritional deficiencies.

• Weight Loss or Gain – May require dietary adjustments.

• Coughing or Nasal Discharge – Can signal respiratory infections.

• Stiffness or Lameness – Often worsened by colder temperatures.

Regular health checks prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Emergency Preparedness for the Season

Weather changes can bring unexpected emergencies. Prepare with:

• A stocked first-aid kit

• Vet contact details readily available

• An evacuation plan in case of floods or storms

Having a plan in place gives peace of mind and leads to quick responses!

Wrapping it Up

Preparing your horse for autumn in Victoria involves vet check-ups, dental care, vaccination updates, and proactive management of their diet, hooves, and overall health. By staying ahead of seasonal challenges, you can keep your best buddy strong, healthy, and ready for the colder months ahead.

For expert advice, always consult your equine veterinarian. Your horse will thank you for it!