Essential Stable Yard, and Tack Room Checks for Autumn Maintenance: A Horse Owner's Guide (Plus Tips for Your Mindset and 1-to-1 Coaching)

An autumnal image of a horse in a field with the sun low in the sky behind it.

Autumn brings cooler weather and new challenges for horse owners, but with the right preparation, you can keep your yard, stables, and tack room in top shape. Not only is it important to ensure your facilities are ready, but it’s also a great time to focus on your mindset and personal riding goals. That’s where my mindset coaching and 1-to-1 coaching sessions can help you get ahead, both in and out of the saddle. Let's dive into what you need to check this autumn—and how you can set yourself up for a successful season.

1. Stable Yard Maintenance: Prepping for Wet Weather and Falling Leaves

Autumn rains and falling leaves can create slippery, messy conditions in the yard. Proper yard maintenance will ensure a safe environment for your horses.

Image of a gloved hand removing leaves from a stretch of guttering. — Clearing the gutters

Checklist:

Check drainage systems: Ensure that gutters, drains, and ditches are clear of debris to prevent flooding. Blocked drains can lead to water pooling around stables and walkways.
Maintain paths and walkways: Inspect and repair surfaces where horses walk to avoid slipping hazards from wet leaves or mud.
Prune trees and hedges: Falling branches and accumulated leaves can pose safety risks. Keep trees near stables trimmed to avoid damage from storms.
Fence and gate inspection: Autumn weather can weaken wooden structures, so check for loose or rotting posts and hinges that may need repair.

Mindset Tip: Preparing your yard is about more than just physical work—it’s a chance to clear your mind and set your intentions for the upcoming season. As you tidy up, reflect on how you can mentally "declutter" and focus on what you want to achieve with your horse this autumn. Feeling overwhelmed? My mindset coaching can help you create a calm, clear approach to tackling your seasonal goals.

2. Stable Preparation: Keeping Your Horse Warm and Safe

As the weather gets cooler, it’s important to ensure your stable is well-prepared for both comfort and safety.

an untidy stable yard — Trey to keep your stable yard neat and tidy

Checklist:

Inspect stable roofs and walls: Check for any leaks or drafts. Fix any gaps or cracks that could let in cold air or rainwater, making the stable uncomfortable for your horse.
Bedding supplies: Stock up on warm, absorbent bedding such as straw or shavings to keep your horse dry and comfortable through the wetter months.
Check stable doors and windows: Ensure doors close properly, and windows are secure to prevent drafts. Proper ventilation should be maintained while keeping your horse warm.
Rodent control: As the weather cools, rodents may seek shelter in your stables. Check for signs of infestations and take preventative measures to protect feed and tack.

1-to-1 Coaching Highlight: The changing seasons are a great time to review your horse's care routines, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to assess your riding and training plan. In my 1-to-1 coaching sessions, we can work together to create a tailored approach to your riding, focusing on refining your skills and building confidence as the weather changes. Let’s work on keeping both your horse and your riding in top shape.

3. Tack Room Organisation: Preparing for Cold and Damp Conditions

Autumn brings increased moisture in the air, which can be damaging to leather tack and equipment if not properly managed.

Saddles and bridles correctly stored in a tack room — Store Your leather tack in a warm, dry, secure place.

Checklist:

Tack condition: Inspect all tack for wear and tear, especially leather items, which can be damaged by moisture. Clean and condition tack to prevent cracking or mold growth.
Storage solutions: Invest in waterproof storage bins or covers for your tack to protect against dampness. Ensure tack is stored in a dry, well-ventilated space.
Check feed storage: Inspect feed bins and containers for holes or gaps that rodents could use to access your horse’s food. Ensure they are airtight to keep feed fresh.
Rug stock: Take an inventory of your horse rugs, ensuring they are clean, in good repair, and ready for the colder nights ahead.

Mindset Tip: An organised tack room equals an organised mind! When you feel in control of your environment, it reflects in your riding and decision-making. My mindset coaching service can support you in creating routines that reduce stress, allowing you to stay focused and motivated, even as the days get shorter.

4. Feed and Water Preparation: Adjusting for Colder Weather

As temperatures drop, your horse’s dietary needs may change, and ensuring access to clean water is crucial.

A bucket of horse feed and an apple on a bale of hay. — Keep your hard feed vermin free, and don't forget the importance of succulents

Checklist:

Water supply: Make sure automatic waterers are functioning properly. If using water troughs or buckets, check for leaks and ensure they are placed where they won’t freeze during colder nights.
Seasonal feed: Review your horse’s diet to ensure they are getting the right nutrients. You may need to adjust their feed as the grass quality declines and energy needs increase.
Stock up on hay/haylage: Ensure you have enough quality hay/haylage stocked for the coming months, as pasture growth slows.

1-to-1 Coaching Highlight: Have you considered how your horse’s changing nutritional needs may affect their performance and behaviour? In our 1-to-1 coaching sessions, we can discuss strategies to adjust your training, based on how seasonal changes impact both you and your horse. We’ll make sure you’re staying in sync as autumn progresses.

5. Equipment Check: Preparing for Winter Work

Autumn is a good time to check your equipment and tools in preparation for winter maintenance.

Wheelbarrow, shovel and broom — Suitable tools for yard work

Checklist:

Check wheelbarrows, forks, and tools: Inspect for rust or wear and replace any broken tools to avoid disruptions when doing yard work in colder weather.
Electric fencing and lighting: Ensure electric fencing is in good working order, and check lighting in and around the yard for shorter, darker days.
The Muck Heap: How is your muck heap? This is a great time to arrange removal as farmers may well be looking for fertiliser following the harvest. Make sure the muck heap is in a suitable situation and you are able to access it easily and keep it tidy.
Bedding: Make sure you have bedding suitably stored, and that you have a source for restocking when necessary.

Mindset Tip: A well-prepared yard and tools mean less stress and more time to focus on what truly matters—your riding. In my mindset coaching, we can discuss how to maintain a positive outlook through the seasonal shift, ensuring you're mentally equipped to handle both the expected and unexpected challenges.

Tidying the muck heap. — A tidy muck heap gives a great first impression of your yard.

With these checks and preparations, you can ensure that your yard, stables, and tack room are ready for the cooler, wetter months. Taking proactive steps now will help you avoid issues as autumn turns to winter, keeping your horse safe, comfortable, and healthy.

By taking care of your yard, stable, and tack room this autumn, you’re setting yourself and your horse up for success. But don't forget—your mindset and training routine are just as important! Whether you need help staying motivated, managing the mental challenges of riding, or fine-tuning your skills, my mindset coaching and 1-to-1 coaching are here to support you every step of the way.

What benefits can mindset coaching offer during the Autumn?

I truly feel Mindset plays a crucial role in achieving success, both in equestrian activities and other areas of life. Here's how mindset can help, especially in the context of riding, coaching, and horse care:

1. Boosting Confidence

A positive mindset can help riders approach challenges with more confidence. Whether it's mastering a new technique or handling a difficult horse, believing in your ability to succeed is half the battle. Through mindset coaching, you can overcome self-doubt and develop a stronger sense of self-assurance, leading to better performance in and out of the saddle.

2. Managing Stress and Anxiety

Horse riding and caring for horses can be stressful, especially before competitions or when facing challenging conditions like cold weather or difficult training days. Mindset coaching helps you learn strategies to manage stress, stay calm under pressure, and maintain focus even in tense situations.

3. Improving Focus and Goal Setting

A strong mindset helps riders stay focused on their goals. By working on mental clarity and setting clear, achievable objectives, you can track progress more effectively. Mindset coaching encourages riders to create a structured plan, helping them stay on track and continuously improve.

4. Enhancing Resilience

Horse owners and riders often face setbacks—whether it’s a fall, a tough training session, or a horse health issue. A resilient mindset ensures that you bounce back from these challenges with determination and a solution-oriented attitude. Mindset coaching can help you develop this resilience, allowing you to handle obstacles with ease.

5. Strengthening the Rider-Horse Connection

A calm and focused rider influences the horse's behavior. When you're mentally prepared, your horse picks up on your confidence and calm energy, leading to a more harmonious partnership. Mindset coaching helps riders maintain that emotional balance, fostering a stronger bond with their horse.

6. Supporting Long-Term Success

Mindset isn’t just about short-term improvements; it’s about developing habits that lead to long-term success. Riders and horse owners who prioritize mindset often experience growth that sustains them through different challenges over time. Regular mindset work allows you to continuously evolve, helping you reach new levels in your riding journey.

Mindset coaching helps you stay calm, focused, and resilient, boosting both personal performance and the rider-horse connection. Whether you're preparing for a competition or managing everyday horse care, a strong mindset is the key to long-term success and fulfillment.

If you’re ready to feel more in control this season and improve both your mental and riding performance, reach out to book a mindset coaching session or 1-to-1 coaching consultation. Let’s make this autumn your most successful season yet!