As much as I want to believe that the days aren’t getting shorter and the first few night rides under the arena lights (complete with epic spooks at jump standards’ shadows) aren’t just a few weeks away, I’m finally resigned to the fact that summer is over. Fall is here in full force, so it’s time for meÑand every other horse ownerÑto start preparing for winter.

Over the years I’ve prepared many a senior horse for the deep freeze, so I’ve got my routine down pat. Here’s what’s on my fall to-do list when I’m getting senior horses, like Dorado, ready for winter: