This week was the autumn feed room and tack room clean-out. I am always so delighted to get the horses out for the summer that the cleaning of those two rooms always gets put on the “I’ll do it over the summer” list.

Then all of a sudden, it’s October and the plans for bringing the horses in for the winter are upon me.

The usual recycling of feed bags and empty supplement pots ensues. The fear of throwing an old head collar out that you could use to tie a gate is always an emotion to be grappled with.

What’s hoarding and what’s helpful in the horse context? Ask most equestrians how many rugs they have and they’ll begin an exhaustive list of weights, sizes and lining details.

The equine car boot sales and Facebook Marketplace are often useful platforms for parting with what you no longer need (and mostly replacing it with stuff other people no longer need).

Prepping three-year-olds for backing was also on the list this week. I’ve two I’m getting ready for the road and the annual reminder of what a stable is, so far, has gone relatively smoothly. Whether trailer training will go as smoothly will remain to be seen but slow and steady usually does the trick.

Investing

This year I’m making the investment into water drinkers for the horses that will live in. I’ve offered myself this little (and relatively pricey installation) to save my hands the rigmarole of hoses, taps, trugs and wet gloves.

I’ve also ordered new rodent proof feed bins. No matter how clean we keep the feed room or how careful we are, feed bin lids seem to get cracks and that’s all it takes for our furry friends to binge on the horse feed. The yard cat is getting on a bit and I fear his Bagpuss body can’t quite keep up anymore.

On the opposite side of the equine career spectrum, this week one of the riding horses was retired on recommendation of the vet.

His arthritis has caught up with him. He’s a ripe old 25 years old so he’s done pretty well to have still been cantering up the hills at the beginning of the summer.

The key factor regarding the retirement decision should always be your horse’s quality of life. Are they finding certain activities more challenging but still enjoying a gentle hack?

You don’t have to stop riding veteran horses unless they are injured or have a progressive condition such as arthritis. A sudden disruption in routine can be stressful for them, especially if they are used to regular activity.

If you’re unsure, have a discussion with your vet. Our own equine vet provided really valuable support and insight into our horse’s health to help make the retirement decision.