Lets face it, looking after horses in the winter is tough. Freezing temperatures, limited daylight hours and mud galore can make even the simplest tasks a challenge, but with a little forethought and planning, you can ease the burden.Here are five things to consider doing now, to help make horsey life that little bit easier when the wet, cold weather really sets in.1. Gradually introduce changesIn winter, we often make changes to our horses routine for example, bringing them in at night after a summer spent out at grass 24/7, changing their main source of forage from grass to hay, and changing their hard feed.Adjustments to your horses routine should be done gradually over 10 to 14 days to prevent stress and reduce the chance of colic from sudden dietary changes.2. Prepare fields to prevent mud damageA drop in temperatures, combined with wind, rain, and snow, can cause serious damage to pasture. However, a little preparation now will ensure that fields are kept in the best possible condition over the winter.Avoid overgrazing and compaction by resting and rotating your fields regularly.Its also important to check the drainage system. Ideally, paddocks are in a position where sufficient drainage is provided throughout the year, which is on high ground with a gentle slope.Drainage gravel underneath footings will allow the water to flow naturally into the ground, and a drainage pipe can divert water away from the pasture. Nearby ditches should be cleared so that drainage is not restricted by natural sources.Consider treating or putting down a surface in field gateways and high-traffic areas to help prevent them becoming boggy.3. Check your horses worm riskAs winter draws in, there are particular worms and parasites that should be considered by owners: redworm, tapeworm and bots.Find out more about winter worming here.4. Essential yard jobsTo keep things running smoothly on the yard, there are a few jobs to do now that will save you time and energy later.Check gutters and downspots check for repairs and clear out any debris that could cause blockages. You could store your rainwater in butts to soak your hay or wash out wheelbarrows and tools and fill up water buckets (providing you keep it clean).Prepare for a blackout keep a flashlight and headtorch in a few easy access locations to save you from fumbling around in the darkCheck your lighting check the health of your bulbs and replace any that are starting to look old or worn out, to save yourself from an unnecessary blackout. If anything doesnt look safe, call an electrician, as dodgy electrics are also a fire hazardInsulate your water supply use old clothes or insulating foam to prevent taps and pipes from freezing as the temperatures drop. Its not the best idea to pour boiling water on taps, as it can crack the mechanisms inside.5. Check your kitMake sure any turnout and stable rugs you will need are in good condition and ready to go and crucially that you can find them quickly when you need them.Its also a good idea to have a plan in place for where you will hang wet, muddy rugs to air and dry after being worn in the field.Remember, too, that cooler rugs and exercise rugs are likely to be useful when the weather really turns, so put these aside too.Youre also going to need your own warm, waterproof gear ready to wear when you need it. No one likes wellies with holes in or not being able to find their hat and gloves on a crisp morning. This is your cue to find them in good time!Related contentImpaction and gassy colic in horses explained by a vet7 common winter vet call outs and how to avoid them this seasonThree worms that all horse owners need to consider this autumnCan horses drink rainwater? Expert shares rainwater harvesting tips for equestriansThe post Five things horse owners need to do now to prepare for winter appeared first on Your Horse.