5 Simple Ways to Refresh Your Horse Care Routine

The new year always feels like a fresh start, doesn't it? As we think about our own goals, it’s also the perfect time to take a good look at how we care for our horses. We all know a solid routine is the foundation for a happy, healthy horse, but even the best habits can use a little tune-up. Taking a moment now to see what’s working, what could be better, and what you want to achieve this year can set you both up for success. This isn’t about tearing everything down and starting over, but about making small, smart adjustments. Here are five straightforward ways to refresh your horse care for 2026, helping make it a great year for you and your partner.

Why you should refresh your horse care routine every year

We all know horses love their routines, but their needs don't stay the same forever. A yearly check-in on your horse care lets you adjust to changes in their age, workload, health, and even their environment. The plan that was perfect for a young, growing horse probably won't be the right fit when that same horse is competing at their peak or easing into their senior years.

Looking at your program once a year helps you stay ahead of the curve. It's a chance to spot small things before they become big problems, such as a supplement they don't need anymore, a training goal that needs a tweak, or a piece of tack that's starting to look worn. This annual review just makes sure your horse's care is always in sync with what they need right now, which is key for their long-term health and happiness. It’s really just good preventative maintenance for your partner.

5 simple ways to refresh your horse care routine

Here are five key areas to focus on as you plan for a successful year with your horse.

1. Plan their health schedule

An organized health plan takes a lot of stress off your plate and ensures your horse gets consistent, proactive care all year. Spending a little time at the start of the year to map out these essential appointments means they won't get lost in the shuffle of daily life.

• Vaccinations: Your veterinarian is your most important teammate. Work with them to schedule core vaccinations as recommended by the AAEP. For most horses in North America, this includes Tetanus, EEE/WEE, West Nile Virus, and Rabies. Spring is often the best time, before mosquitoes get bad. This is also a good time to chat about any risk-based vaccines your horse might need based on where you live, travel, or show.

• Dental and Farrier Care: Healthy teeth and hooves are the cornerstones of a healthy horse. Get your farrier visits on the calendar for the whole year. Most horses do well with a trim or reset every six to eight weeks to keep their hooves balanced and sound. At the same time, book an annual dental exam. A horse's teeth grow their entire life, and sharp points can develop that make it painful to chew. Regular floating keeps those edges smooth so your horse can eat comfortably.

• Modern Parasite Control: The old way of deworming every couple of months is outdated. The latest AAEP guidelines recommend a targeted approach to fight parasite resistance. Instead of just giving dewormer on a schedule, plan for your vet to run Fecal Egg Counts (FECs) once or twice a year. This simple test tells you exactly what kind of parasite load your horse has. With that info, you and your vet can create a deworming plan that treats only when needed with the right product. It's smarter for your horse and better for the pasture.

2. Conduct a thorough tack and gear audit

An annual gear check is all about safety, comfort, and organization. It's also the right time to think about investing in equipment that's made to last, saving you headaches down the road.

• Grooming and Daily Supplies: Start small. Go through your grooming kit and toss out any old salves, empty bottles, and worn-out brushes. A clean, organized kit makes daily grooming easier and more pleasant for both of you. If your current tote is falling apart, it might be time for a durable one built for barn life, like the Kensington Grooming Tote.

• Protective Gear Inspection: Lay out all your horse’s blankets and sheets for a close look. Check every seam, strap, and buckle on your winter turnout blankets. Look for small rips that can turn into big ones and make sure the waterproofing is still holding up. Do the same for your summer gear. Inspect your fly masks for any tears in the mesh, especially around the eyes. A small hole can let bugs in or get snagged on a fence. This is really important for masks that offer UV protection, like the UViator Fly Mask, which can block up to 90% of harmful rays. A tear could reduce that protection for horses with sensitive skin. Finally, run your hands over your halters and lead ropes to feel for any weak spots that could break under pressure.

• Invest in Durability: Making repairs or replacements now saves you the stress of finding a broken strap on a cold, rainy night. When you do need new gear, choosing products with a strong guarantee offers real value. We believe essential gear should be an investment. That’s why Kensington offers a Lifetime Guarantee on our products, which includes a one-time replacement at 50% off if the product is registered within 30 days of purchase. It’s our way of making gear you can count on for years to come.

3. Re-evaluate your horse's nutrition

A horse's dietary needs are always changing. They shift with age, how much work they're in, and the seasons. The new year is the perfect time to make sure their feed program is still on track.

• Start with Forage Analysis: Hay or pasture should be the biggest part of your horse’s diet. It's the foundation of their health. The only way to know what's really in your hay is to get it tested. A hay analysis is simple; you just send a sample to a lab. The report tells you about energy, protein, and fiber levels. This information removes feeding guesswork. You'll know if your hay has enough protein for a performance horse or if it's too rich for an easy keeper. Knowing your baseline lets you supplement wisely, adding only what's missing.

• Adjust for Workload and Season: Be realistic about your horse's activity level. A horse in full training has very different calorie needs than one taking it easy over the winter. Feeding for the work you hope to do can lead to weight gain, while not feeding enough for a hard-working horse can cause them to lose condition. Diet also needs to change with the seasons. When lush summer grass is gone, horses can miss out on nutrients like omega-3s and Vitamin E, which are found in fresh grass but break down in cured hay.

• Consult the Experts: Once you have your hay analysis and a clear picture of your horse's workload, it’s a good time to talk with your vet or an equine nutritionist. They can help you make sense of the results and build a plan to fill any nutritional gaps. Just remember that a horse’s digestive system is delicate; always introduce any feed changes slowly over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset.

4. Set new training goals

Having clear, achievable goals gives your rides purpose and helps keep both of you motivated. It turns your daily work into progress toward something bigger.

• Define Your Ambitions for 2026: What would you like to accomplish together this year? Your goals don't have to be huge. It could be as simple as doing more groundwork, feeling confident enough to hack out alone, or finally getting that lead change. Or maybe it is a bigger goal, like entering your first show. Whatever it is, write it down. Then, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. If your goal is to show, your steps might include weekly lessons, practicing a pattern at home, and hauling to a new place just for a positive experience. This makes big goals feel much more doable.

• Incorporate Active Rest: A well-rounded horse is a happy horse. If you’ve just finished a tough show season, your horse might appreciate a change of pace. Active rest doesn't mean stall rest. It means shifting gears. Instead of intense arena work, spend a few weeks enjoying long, relaxing trail rides or trying some fun groundwork. This mental break can refresh their attitude, while using different muscles can improve their overall fitness and prevent them from getting sour.

5. Update your emergency plan

A clean, organized barn is a safer barn. And when an emergency does happen, a well-stocked, current first-aid kit is something every responsible horse owner needs.

• Declutter and Organize: The new year is a great excuse for a deep clean. Tidy up your feed and tack rooms. Get rid of any expired supplements or medications. Sweep up spilled grain that can attract pests, and make sure all your feed is in secure, rodent-proof containers. A tidy space just makes it easier to spot potential problems and find what you need in a hurry.

• Check Your First-Aid Kits: Being prepared is everything in an equine health emergency. You should have a full first-aid kit in your barn and a smaller one in your trailer. Go through both and toss anything that's expired. Restock any items you used last year. Your kit should include essentials like:
  • A digital thermometer and exam gloves
  • An antiseptic scrub like Chlorohexidine or Betadine
  • Sterile saline for flushing wounds
  • A good supply of sterile gauze, non-stick pads, vet wrap, and standing bandages
  • Blunt-nosed scissors and forceps

• Review Emergency Documents: When you're in an emergency, you don't have time to dig for paperwork. Make sure your horse’s Coggins and health certificate are current. Keep the originals somewhere safe, and put copies in a waterproof folder in your barn and trailer where they're easy to find. Most importantly, post your vet's regular and emergency numbers somewhere obvious in the barn. Put those numbers in your phone, too, so help is always just a call away.

Your at-a-glance 2026 checklist

Use this table as a quick reference to stay on track throughout the year.

Seeing how other equestrians manage their seasonal routines can provide great inspiration. This video offers a look into a fall refresh at the stables, covering many of the cold-weather preparations you might be planning for your own horse.

A look into a fall refresh at the stables, covering many of the cold-weather preparations you might be planning.

Setting up a great year

Refreshing your horse care routine doesn't have to be a huge project. By focusing on these five areas: scheduling, gear, nutrition, training, and organization, you're building a solid framework for a healthy, safe, and successful 2026. The proactive steps you take now will pay off all year long, giving you more quality time to simply enjoy your horse.

At Kensington, we understand this is more than a hobby; it’s a partnership built on trust and care. Since 1954, we've focused on enduring craftsmanship to create products that protect what matters most. As you prepare for the year ahead, we’re here to support you with gear that is built to last and backed for life.