Common parasites to watch for
Small redworms (cyathostomins)
These are the most common and potentially harmful parasites in horses in the UK. Larvae can remain encysted in the gut wall over winter and then emerge in large numbers in spring. This can lead to serious illness if not managed correctly.
Roundworms (ascarids)
These are more commonly seen in younger horses. They can cause poor growth, a pot belly and sometimes respiratory signs during their migration through the body.
Tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliate)
Tapeworms are transmitted through oribatid mites, often called grass mites, which live on pasture. Horses ingest these mites while grazing. Tapeworm infections are associated with colic, particularly around the junction between the small and large intestine.
Why guessing is not enough
In the past, horses were often wormed on a routine schedule. We now know this approach can contribute to resistance, making wormers less effective over time. Not every horse carries the same worm burden, so routine treatment can lead to unnecessary use of medication and increased resistance risk.
The smarter approach: worm egg counts and saliva tests
A worm egg count is a simple test that measures the number of worm eggs in your horse’s droppings. This allows you to treat only when necessary, choose the correct product and monitor parasite levels over time. This test won’t be able to see tapeworm so in Spring and Autumn we also do a saliva test which detects the antibodies that horses produce if they have tapeworm.
A more personalised worming plan
Every horse and yard is different, so a targeted approach is more effective. Our customers receive their own record card to keep with their horse’s passport, along with tailored advice based on their horse, grazing and test results. Ongoing support and testing reminders help ensure nothing is missed throughout the year.
Good pasture management still matters
Regular poo picking at least two to three times per week, avoiding overstocking, rotating grazing where possible and not spreading untreated manure on grazing land will all help to reduce parasite risk.
Final thoughts
Spring is an important time to stay ahead of parasites before problems begin. By combining awareness, testing and a tailored plan, you can protect your horse’s health while using wormers responsibly. When you gain control of your horse’s worm burden, you will be able to dramatically reduce the amount of worming medication that you use and step down the need for testing. If you would like help with testing or setting up a worming plan, please get in touch.
