THERE’S something about the shifting light and golden fields of autumn that draws us into reflection - and preparation. While spring may be the traditional season for a good clear-out, autumn cleaning might just be the horseperson’s best-kept secret for staying one step ahead of the chaos winter brings.

Before the relentless rain and short days, now is the perfect time to get your yard and fields in order. A few strategic actions now can save you time, stress, and even money in the coming months.

Function over clutter

The yard has a way of accumulating odd buckets, broken tools, empty feed bags and mystery rugs over the summer. Start by doing a walk-around audit:

  • Bin or repair any broken tools, leaky hoses or frayed headcollars. If it’s not functional, it’s a hazard.
  • Sweep and disinfect feed rooms and tack areas. This is especially important if you’ve had any signs of rodents - cleaning now helps deter unwelcome winter guests.
  • Rugs: Sort, wash, and repair your horse rugs now, before they’re needed. There’s nothing worse than pulling out a heavyweight rug in December only to find it chewed or mouldy.

    • No mud, no mayhem

    Our fields and paddocks are a blessing - until they turn to bog. Autumn is the time to plan for managing winter grazing.

  • Rotate and rest fields now if you can. Let one paddock recover while the other is grazed.
  • Fence repairs: Mend loose posts or sagging wire before wet ground makes repairs more difficult.
  • Gateways: These are the first areas to turn into muck traps. Lay down hardcore or rubber matting in well-used entrances and exits to reduce mud and minimise injury risk.
  • Water troughs: Empty and scrub them to remove algae and debris. Check ballcocks and insulation - frozen troughs are a headache you don’t want mid-winter.

    • Lighting and drainage

    With evenings drawing in, good lighting is more than a luxury - it’s a safety essential. Check all outdoor yard lights, replace bulbs, and consider adding solar-powered lights in darker corners.

    Inspect drainage around the yard and stables. Clear gutters and downpipes, and check that water flows away from building foundations - not toward them. A small blocked drain now could be a flooded stable in November.

    Stable sense

    Deep clean stables: remove all bedding, scrub floors and walls, and disinfect thoroughly. Let them dry completely before re-bedding. It’s the perfect time to assess bedding supplies - are you stocked for the season? Prices tend to rise with demand, so ordering early can be a smart financial move.

    A season for strategy

    Autumn cleaning isn’t just about neatness - it’s a strategic move to safeguard your horses’ health and your own sanity. Preparing now means less firefighting come January, and more time to actually enjoy your horses - even if it’s just a quiet ride on a crisp morning.

    So pull on the gloves, grab the wheelbarrow, and make the most of the season’s last dry days. Winter is coming - but you’ll be ready.