Looking at the horse in front of us

No two horses experience seasonal change in exactly the same way.

Age, breed, workload, metabolism, dental health, previous medical history and individual condition can all influence what a horse needs.

That's why observation plays such an important part in our approach at Caplor.

We regularly look at body condition, appetite, behaviour, movement and the way individual horses are interacting within their herd. Often it is the small changes that tell us the most.

An older horse beginning to lose a little condition doesn't necessarily need an entirely different management regime. They might simply need some additional nutritional support.

Another horse may head into autumn looking extremely well and require very little intervention at all!

The aim isn't to manage every horse identically.

It's to give each horse what they need.

Changing with the Seasons: September at Caplor Equine

September is one of our favourite months at Caplor.

There can still be warmth in the sun and long afternoons out in the fields, but there are little reminders everywhere that the seasons are beginning to turn. Cooler mornings, softer evening light, shortening days and the first hints of autumn appearing across the farm.

For us, it’s also an important transition point in the year.

Good horse management is rarely about making dramatic changes overnight. It’s about observing what is happening — with the horse, the herd and the land — and gradually adapting as their needs change.

Working with the seasons

One of the great privileges of keeping horses in a farm environment is seeing just how closely their lives follow the natural rhythm of the seasons.

Our grazing changes throughout the year, and that's something we embrace.

September can still provide wonderful grazing and we're fortunate to have plenty of grass across Caplor. As we move through autumn, however, the way horses use that grazing and what individual horses need alongside it begins to change.

For some, very little additional support is required. Others may benefit from supplementary feeding earlier in the season, particularly older horses or those who find maintaining condition more difficult.

There isn't one date in the diary when we declare that summer management has finished and winter management has begun.

Instead, we watch.

Protecting Horses from Summer Skin Problems

Summer can bring a range of skin-related challenges, including sweet itch, sunburn, photosensitivity and bacterial infections.

Horses with pink skin, white markings or sensitive skin may require additional protection from prolonged sun exposure. Equally, some horses develop allergic responses to insect bites that can significantly impact their comfort and welfare.

Regular grooming and close inspection allow owners to identify problems early. Changes in skin condition, excessive rubbing or unusual sensitivity should never be ignored.

Creating environments where horses can access shade, shelter and natural protection remains one of the most effective management strategies available.