A Fall Checklist for Every Barn Owner

November is here, and in places like Pennsylvania, the weather can change fast.

That sunny 60-degree ride? It could be followed by a frosty morning, a muddy mess, or a surprise snowflake.

It’s officially prep season, so here’s a quick checklist to make sure your barn (and your horses) are ready for whatever fall throws your way.

🧥 Blanket Prep

Now’s the time to:

Check your horses' body condition.

Inspect blankets for rips, missing straps, and crusty buckles.

Make sure you’ve got the right weights cleaned and ready: light, medium, and heavy.

💧 Water Check

Horses drink less when it’s cold, so make it easier:

Double-check water heaters and de-icers.

Top off buckets with warm water on chilly mornings.

Dump anything icy or slushy before refilling.

🍂 Tack Room Reset

Put summer gear in storage and bring out the cold-weather essentials:

Coolers

Quarter sheets

Rain sheets

And maybe a spare pair of gloves for yourself (or three…we get it).

🌽 Feed & Hay Inventory

Horses may need more calories as temps drop.

Keep hay dry, clean, and stacked for easy access.

And don’t forget to watch out for moldy pumpkins sneaking their way into the mix…

🦃 Plan Ahead for the Holidays

Got travel coming up?

Leave detailed instructions for your horse sitter, blanketing, feed, turnout, quirks, and all.

A little prep now means less stress when winter officially kicks in.

Stay warm, stay dry, and don’t forget to hug your horse today.