How to keep your horse focused this season

As we head into autumn, those chilled-out, hazy days of summer can seem a distant memory. Circumstances conspire which can result in a sharper, more reactive horse.

Horses who have been living out all summer may now find themselves with increased time in their stables. They also face a change of diet away from ad lib pasture towards more preserved forages and bucket feeds. An unnatural diet can challenge gut health, leading to a dysbiosis (imbalance) of the hindgut microbiota. This can negatively impact mood and behaviour along the gut-brain axis, allowing the hindgut microbes to directly influence the brain, and vice versa.

At this time of year, alongside a change of regime and knock-on dietary changes, we often see changes to exercise patterns. Poorer weather and shorter hours of daylight can mean less exercise, particularly during the week. Again potentially influencing your horse’s focus when you do want to ride.

Of course, when you do get saddle time, there is much to get excited about at this time of year. Autumn fun rides can be great fun – for both horse and rider – or the move to indoor competing. 

All plenty for your horse to get excited about. While enthusiasm is key to a successful season, we do want to ensure that focus stays forward. It’s important that distracted horses don’t bubble over into reactiveness or lack of concentration. 

Award winning NAF Five Star Magic is the ideal choice for easily distracted horses, providing natural support for focus, learning, and concentration. Proven to not sedate your horse or pony in any way, Magic instead supports your horses’ learning and confidence. We firmly believe once they understand what is expected of them they can focus and go forward.

Magic has been independently trialled and verified with a peer reviewed, published paper by academics at The Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester. The results showed improved learning and reduced reactivity, and as lead researcher, Dr Andrew Hemmings concluded:

‘Still your horse – just more trainable.’

This time of year can also be full of the unexpected. Particularly for your horse or pony, who thrive on routine. but the only ‘spooks’ we want to see are the ghosts and ghouls of Hallowe’en!

Be prepared for the unexpected this season, whether Hallowe’en, Bonfire Night or Diwali. Minimise changes as much as possible. Talk to neighbours holding parties and help them understand the risk to horses. You may be able to organise a way to reduce surprises. Keep your horse in their normal routine as much as possible, feeding ad-lib hay to keep them occupied. 

If stabled, consider leaving a light on and some music on the yard as a distraction. For reactive types it may be advised to feed a short term natural calmer. This gives your horse that extra bit of thinking space. Allowing them to work out that while it’s a loud noise, it’s not actually hurting them. 

If your horse struggles at this time of year or you feel they are likely to panic, then discuss with your vet what your best options are. They may advise use of a sedative, or even moving your horse for the night.

If the display is close to your land, don’t forget to check your fields the following morning. Pay attention to clear any debris which could be potentially dangerous for your horse.

Want more information? Visit our store locator to find an Equine specialist near you for more advice.