A fresh start for horse, rider and routine
September has a certain feeling about it. As the summer competitive rush starts to ease slightly, for many riders, it feels like the perfect moment to press reset. With a few simple changes it can make autumn and the lead into winter easier.
Give your kit a seasonal MOT
September is the ideal time to go through your blankets, tack and sheets.
Check your horse's turnout rugs for damage, wash and reproof where needed, and make sure everything is clean, dry and ready before you need it. Don’t forget the less obvious lightweight sheets either. Fly sheets, liners and lighter rugs can all play an important role during the changeable autumn weather.
It’s much nicer to discover that your rug needs attention on a September afternoon than at 7am on the first cold, wet morning of October.
Re-set your own routine too
Autumn isn’t just a change of season for your horse. For riders, it can mean returning to lessons, training sessions or simply getting back into a more structured riding routine after summer. Rather than trying to do everything at once, choose a few realistic priorities. Perhaps it’s getting fitter, booking that lesson you’ve been putting off, or simply making time for an extra hack each week. Consistency will always beat an unrealistic September overhaul.
Prepare for the changeable weather
Autumn rarely arrives all at once. One day can feel warm and summery, while the next brings wind, rain and a noticeable drop in temperature.
That’s where having versatile blankets becomes invaluable.
Think in layers like the Aloga liners or hybrid styles like the Fly Dry 2.0, rather than reaching immediately for the heaviest rug in the tack room. A lightweight turnout option such as the Pro Turnout 50g allows for flexibility. The lightweight colour reflects sunlight to help reduce heat absorption while the 50g thermobonded fibre fill keeps key areas insulated without overheating. Liner loops allows additional layers to be added to increase the weight of the blanket when the time comes and as temperatures fluctuate.
A better kind of reset
The September reset doesn’t have to mean changing everything.
It’s about getting organised, noticing what your horse needs as the season changes and putting simple systems in place that make everyday life easier.
So, before autumn really gets going, take a moment to reset your routine, check your kit and look ahead.
A little preparation now can make the months ahead feel a whole lot simpler.