Preparing Your Broodmares & Foals for Autumn: Weaning, Nutrition and Yard Routines.

Preparing Your Broodmares & Foals for Autumn: Weaning, Nutrition and Yard Routines.

As September rolls in over the East Yorkshire Wolds, the golden autumn sunlight brings a quiet change at West End Farm Stud. The whirlwind of the foaling season and summer breeding schedules begins to settle, making way for one of the most critical times in the breeding calendar: preparing our mares and foals for the seasonal transition into autumn.

Whether you have a single foal born at home or manage a small herd, early preparation is the key to maintaining health, condition, and peace of mind as the nights start to draw in.

Here is how we approach the transition from summer pasture to autumn management – and how you can set your mares and youngsters up for a stress-free season.

1.       The Art of Low-Stress Warning.

By Autumn, most foals are around 5 tp 6 months old – strong, curious and eating solid food independently. Weaning is a major milestone, but it doesn’t have to be a high-stress event for either mare or foal.

·        Take  a Gradual Approach: At West End Farm Stud, we favour a gradual weaning process. Allowing foals to spend short periods alongside neighbouring, gentle companions – or slowly introducing them to a small social group – helps build independence before complete separation.

·        Pair up for Confidence: If possible, pair foals together or place a steady, quiet nanny mare in the field. Youngsters draw immense confidence from a herd structure.

·        Keep Handling Consistent: Weaning is a crucial window for basic handling. Daily haltering, leading, pick-up foot practice and gentle grooming establish respect and trust early on, making life easier for your farrier and vet later.

2.       Navigating the Auumn Nutritional Shift

As September progresses, grass growth slows and nutritional quality drops – even on pasture that looks lush. Balancing diets of both mares and growing foals requires careful adjustment.

·        For the Foal: As mare milk production naturally decreases, the foal’s diet must compensate. Ensure youngstock receive a high-quality creep feed or foal balancer tailored for growing bones, joints and muscles without causing sudden growth surges.

·        For the Mare:  Drying off requires careful monitoring of the mare’s udder to prevent mastitis. Reducing her concentrate feed slightly in the days leading up to and immediately following weaning helps slow milk production. Once dried off, focus on restoring her body condition score before winter sets in.

3.       Pasture & Parasite Management

Autumn moisture combined with lingering warmth creates peak conditions for internal parasites.

·        Targeted Worming: Before moving mares or foals onto winter grazing or into stables, run a Faecal Egg Count (FEC) with your vet to target specific worm burdens rather than  blanket-treating.

·        Resting Paddocks: Pasture management is vital for youngstock health. Pick droppings regularly and rest summer paddocks so winter turnout stays clean and well-grassed.

4.       Transitioning to Stabling and Winter Routines.

 Moving from 24/7 summer turnouts to stabled routines (or split turnout) can be a shock to a young horse’s system.

·       Introduce Stables Slowly: Let mares and foals spend brief periods stabled together before weaning so the environment feels safe and familiar. Spacing out large, airy foaling boxes with deep straw beds give youngstock plenty of room to stretch out safely.

·       Keep up the Movement:  Growing bones and joints need movement. Even as weather deteriorates, ensure daily turnout in safe, well-fenced paddocks or nursery fields to promote joint health and burn off play energy.

Need support with Weaning or Livery?

Weaning your first foal or managing youngstock alongside a busy routine can feel daunting.

At West End Farm Stud, we offer professional weaning services and Broodmare livery on our family farm. From experience daily handling and spacious foaling boxes alongside straw barns we can provide a calm, safe environment for your mare and youngster.

Planning ahead for next season? Contact Jo Milnes at West End Farm Stud today to discuss our weaning packages, broodmare livery or early stallion bookings for 2026.