The change in weather during autumn can be quite hard on our beloved horses. When temperatures suddenly drop, it rains more frequently, and the days get shorter, our four-legged friends often feel these changes more acutely than we realize.
What changes for our horses in autumn?
Firstly, their coat changes, and the transition from summer to winter coat can be really strenuous. The body needs a lot of energy to manage the shedding, and this often means more stress for the immune system . Sudden, cold weather can weaken the immune system and make the horse more susceptible to colds or other infections.
Furthermore, paddocks and pastures often become muddy, which can lead to hoof problems . Damp ground unfortunately promotes skin diseases like mud fever , and constant contact with moisture puts a strain on the hooves, making them more susceptible to thrush . And anyone who has ever had a horse with hoof problems knows how unpleasant that can be for the animals!
Our horses' digestion can also be disrupted by changes in the weather. When it suddenly gets colder and less grass grows in the pasture, their feed needs to be adjusted. This change can sometimes lead to digestive problems , which we should definitely keep an eye on.
Horses are therefore sensitive to these changes in autumn – be it the weather, the feed, or the ground conditions. But with a little extra care and attention, we can help them get through this season healthy and happy!
Challenges for horses in autumn - what do I need to pay attention to with my horse in autumn?
Horse owners face some particular challenges in autumn, as the season brings changing weather conditions and altered needs for the horses. Here are some important aspects to consider:
1. Shedding of fur:
In autumn, horses shed their summer coats for a denser winter coat. This can lead to an increased energy requirement, as their metabolism is under greater strain. Regular grooming helps remove loose hair and promote healthy skin.
2. Feeding:
As temperatures drop and less fresh pasture grass is available, feeding should be adjusted. It is often necessary to add hay, silage, or concentrated feed to meet energy requirements.
👉 Here you can read more about rolled oats and the risks involved in storage.
3. Grazing conditions:
Autumn rain can make pastures muddy, increasing the risk of hoof diseases such as mud fever. Horses should be regularly checked for such problems, and it may be necessary to protect them from excessively wet or muddy ground.
4. Exercise and training:
The colder temperatures and wet ground can make training more difficult. It is important to still give the horses sufficient exercise and ensure a longer warm-up period to prevent injuries.
5. Light and day length:
With shorter days, it is often more difficult to find enough time for training or grooming, especially if you do not have access to a lit riding arena.
6. Flies and parasites:
Insects such as horseflies and flies may still be active in early autumn. Furthermore, it's important to pay attention to deworming treatments, as the risk of parasites is often higher in autumn.
7. Ceiling management:
The question arises whether the horse should be blanketed. Not all horses need a blanket, but older or clipped horses might require extra protection in autumn.
Therefore, in autumn, make sure to regularly check your horse's needs and react accordingly to the changing conditions.
How can zeolite support our horses in autumn?
Zeolite can be used in various ways to support horse husbandry in autumn. Zeolite is a natural mineral with a microporous structure that is becoming increasingly popular in horse care and feeding due to its binding and cleansing properties.
Here are some ways zeolite can be helpful in autumn:
Zeolite as a feed additive in autumn
1. Detoxification and support of the digestive system:
In autumn, when the feed supply changes (from fresh grass to hay or concentrated feed), the horse's digestion can be strained. Zeolite As a feed additive, it binds pollutants, toxins, and heavy metals in the intestines, thus helping to stabilize the intestinal flora and support digestion. This can also reduce the risk of colic. and reduce diarrhea .
2. Strengthening the immune system:
The shedding of the winter coat, the often accompanying loose stools, and the fluctuating weather conditions in autumn can put a strain on a horse's immune system. Zeolite It contains valuable minerals and trace elements such as silicon, which can strengthen the immune system and make the horse more resistant to disease.
👉 Here is a collection of studies on how zeolite works in cases of diarrhea.
Zeolite for hoof health in autumn and when it gets cold
3. Hoof health and skin problems:
Wet and muddy conditions in the pasture can lead to skin and hoof problems such as mud fever or thrush . Zeolite It can be applied externally to support the healing of wounds and skin irritations, as it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It helps absorb moisture and forms a protective layer on the skin.
Zeolite for a healthy stable climate in autumn
4. Reduction of pollutants in the barn:
Zeolite can also be used as bedding to improve air quality in the stable, as it binds ammonia and moisture. This creates a healthier stable environment, which is particularly important in autumn when horses spend more time indoors and ventilation is limited due to colder temperatures.
5. Support during shedding :
Since zeolite can stimulate metabolism, it could support the shedding process by helping the body eliminate excess metabolic products and optimize mineral supply.
👉 You can find more information in the article: Coat change in horses
At the end of August, demand for zeolite wound ointment and zeolite hoof powder increases at Steinkraft-Zeolith.
At this time of year, the transition from summer to autumn slowly begins, and this brings with it some typical problems for horses and their owners.
Here are a few reasons why these products are in such high demand right now:
1. Humid weather:
With the onset of the first autumn rains, pastures and paddocks often become muddy. Horses that spend a lot of time outdoors frequently stand on damp or even muddy ground, which puts a lot of strain on their hooves. This wetness can negatively affect hoof health, and hoof powder is used to absorb moisture and dry the hoof before serious problems like thrush develop.
2. Increased skin problems in autumn:
Frequent contact with wet ground also increases the risk of skin diseases such as mud fever. The skin in the pastern area is softened by the moisture and thus becomes susceptible to bacteria. Zeolite wound ointment helps to protect the skin and treat minor injuries or inflammations.
3. Minor injuries due to shedding:
When horses begin shedding their winter coats at the end of August, their skin is often more sensitive, and they are more prone to minor abrasions. Especially on their legs and bellies, where they tend to rub themselves, wound ointments are increasingly needed to care for the skin and soothe irritation.
4. More time in the stable:
When horses spend more time in the stable due to changes in the weather, damp conditions can also occur there. This, too, promotes skin and hoof problems, which is why owners are increasingly turning to zeolite hoof powder and zeolite wound ointment. Take preventative measures. And zeolite bedding is increasingly being used. Take a look at this natural bedding. It binds ammonia and pollutants, and of course, moisture in the bedding.
In short, the weather changes from the end of August onwards, and with the wet, muddy ground and the onset of the shedding season, skin and hoof problems in horses increase. Therefore, hoof powder and wound ointment containing zeolite are essential. During this time, they have become indispensable grooming products for horse owners and belong in every stable medicine cabinet.
👉 Read here why Heike Kemmer recommends zeolite hoof powder as the only remedy for thrush.
👉 And here's the link to the article: Sustainable horse bedding - highly recommended reading.
And now, as a final note, here's what Tanja Braune writes in a horse magazine:
Volcanic rock power for healthy hooves in winter
We've all been there: the snow has melted, leaving deep puddles in the paddocks. The horses stand in water and mud all day long, and their hooves gradually become wetter and more sensitive. This often leads to thrush, the decomposition and gradual transformation of the frog horn into a slimy, foul-smelling, discolored mass caused by putrefactive bacteria. Thrush is recognizable by deep clefts in the frog and the putrid odor released when cleaning the hooves. It is caused by putrefactive bacteria, which are found everywhere in the soil and penetrate small injuries to the frog horn. In the absence of air, they then lead to the decomposition of the frog and, in the worst case, to inflammation of the bulbs and the sensitive laminae. Many horses are affected by this, especially in spring.
Several factors, particularly prevalent in winter, contribute to the development of thrush: Limited movement and prolonged stall confinement restrict the self-cleaning mechanism of the hoof. Additionally, ammonia from urine accumulates in the bedding and from wet pasture soil. This ammonia is corrosive to the frog horn, providing bacteria with additional breeding grounds. When the horse's hoof becomes clogged with dirt, air cannot reach it, allowing the bacteria to proliferate and decompose the frog.
Therefore, it is definitely worthwhile to pay attention to certain everyday aspects of posture:
Dry, ammonia-free stables, rented paddocks, and daily hoof care are essential for preventing thrush. If thrush does occur, it is recommended that the farrier thoroughly trim away all rotten areas of the frog. "Incidentally," assures Swiss hoof orthopedist Armin Eberle , "daily rinsing with water does not harm the hoof. On the contrary, it washes away the rot-causing bacteria on the ammonia. Afterwards, however, the hooves should be thoroughly dried and not greased, as this prevents oxygen from penetrating to the deepest parts."
“To combat thrush, proper hoof trimming is necessary, aiming to widen the hoof. Following this, a hoof powder made from natural zeolite can be used to clean and dry the affected areas. Ideally, the central sulcus of the frog should be cleaned with a clean cloth or gauze bandage, and then the hoof powder applied, or even gently worked into the sulcus with a blunt, flat object (such as a wooden stick). The central sulcus can also be further padded with gauze or cotton wool,” recommends Martina Wimmer, a hoof boot expert from St. Johann in Tirol. “For added protection, the hoof can also be sealed with a hoof balm in addition to the hoof powder.”
Steinkraft hoof powder consists of natural zeolite. This volcanic mineral, in its fine form, not only binds hoof bacteria like an absorbent cloth, but also substances responsible for horn deterioration. Due to its unique properties, this natural zeolite repels fungi and bacteria while simultaneously absorbing excess moisture from the wet hoof caused by putrefactive bacteria.
This zeolite hoof powder is also enriched with organic tea tree oil, which provides additional benefits with its antiseptic, antibacterial, and fungicidal properties. Steinkraft's natural hoof powder acts like a protective film, providing long-lasting care for the hoof. Its effect disinfects and dries the affected hoof naturally, effectively preventing thrush and combating existing rot.
Customer testimonials: Zeolite application in autumn
💬 “Our two horses accepted the zeolite pellets from the very beginning. We dissolved them in water and integrated them into their regular diet! We are very happy – one of our mares' long-standing problem with loose stools resolved itself. The bloating disappeared, and the horse no longer had to constantly pass gas.”
Renate with Sunny & Sandra with Gina 🐴🐴
💬 “For us, HORSEKRAFT hoof powder is the most effective product to date for thrush or excessively moist hooves. It reduces pain, forms a protective film, and keeps the frog dry and clean. A noticeable improvement is visible very quickly.”
💬 “My senior dog always has problems with shedding. I fed him zeolite for 3 months – significantly improved coat quality.”
Albert ♡
👉 Read more customer reviews here and get inspired on how to use zeolite.
Questions and answers:
❓“When should I add zeolite to my horse's feed in autumn?”
Ideally, administer from the first significant drop in temperature or at the start of the shedding season. Specific dosage: approximately 5 g per 100 kg body weight daily as powder or pellets, for 4–6 weeks. Effects become noticeable after approximately 2 weeks.
❓“How does zeolite help with my horse's shedding?”
It binds toxins, stabilizes digestion and supports the immune system – this relieves the metabolism and promotes a healthy coat change.
❓“Can I use zeolite on wet hooves?”
Yes, the zeolite hoof powder binds moisture, dries the hoof and prevents thrush – ideal in muddy autumn conditions.
❓“Which form of zeolite is best for horses?”
Powder is well-suited as a feed additive or in DIY sprays; pellets are practical in concentrated feed – both are effective. Important: both variants are finely ground and tribomechanically for optimal binding of contaminants.
❓“Can zeolite help in the stable climate?”
Absolutely – zeolite and feed lime as bedding binds ammonia and moisture, improves air quality and is a real benefit, especially in autumn when the barn is closed.
🧪 Science & Experience – Sources on the effects of zeolite on horses
To better understand the effects of zeolite on horses, it is worth taking a look at studies and practical experience:
📘 1. Zeolite in animal nutrition – pollutant binding & detoxification
Zeolite (especially clinoptilolite) is used in animal feed to bind mycotoxins, heavy metals, and ammonium in the digestive tract. This relieves the metabolic burden and strengthens the immune system.
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Study: EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP), Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of natural zeolites (clinoptilolite) as feed additive for all animal species , EFSA Journal, 2013.
👉 efsa.europa.eu
🧴 2. Zeolite to support skin and hoof health
Zeolite can be applied externally to bind moisture, inhibit bacteria and promote skin regeneration – ideal for mud fever, thrush and small wounds.
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Study: Tzoupanos et al., Clinoptilolite in dermatological applications , International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2011.
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Practical report: Application of zeolite hoof powder in wet conditions – experiences from stable practice (e.g. customer feedback on Steinkraft)
🌾 3. Improve stable climate with zeolite bedding
Zeolite binds ammonia, thus reducing odor and moisture in the stable – important for respiratory health and hoof health, especially in autumn.
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Study: Papatsiros et al., Effect of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) on ammonia and moisture in animal housing , Animal Science Journal, 2012.
💬 4. Experiences of horse owners:
Many positive reviews come directly from practical experience. Horse owners report on:
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Easier shedding
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Stronger immune system in autumn
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Improved hoof and skin health
👉 Read customer reviews at steinkraft-naturerocks.com
📦 5. Dosage Recommendations
The right amount makes all the difference. The following have proven effective:
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Shedding: 5 g zeolite per 100 kg body weight daily
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Skin & Hoof: Apply or sprinkle locally daily.
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Stable climate: 50–100 g/m² bedding or apply directly to damp areas
👉 Detailed information about shedding can be found in the Steinkraft blog.
👉 FAQ blog post - a guide: Everything you need to know about zeolite for horses
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