Seasonal changes are a normal part of life for horses. Fall provides an excellent opportunity to become more observant. Shorter days, changing temperatures, shifting forage and altered routines all provide information that the equine body and brain use to adjust to the environment. Pay attention to changes in appetite, energy, body language, activity and willingness to work.
Help owners look for patterns rather than reacting to one unusual day by sharing this article in newsletters or on social media.
Source: Equine Wellness, September 10, 2026. Link.
Feeding and exercise schedules can act as secondary cues for the horse’s biological rhythms, alongside the dominant light-dark signal.”
Related: Understanding autumn laminitis in horses, The Horse, September 28, 2026. Link. The higher sugar levels in grass during the spring and autumn months are a key reason why laminitis is more prevalent during these times of year.
Photo by Sheila Swayze on Unsplash
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