When To Worm A Horse

Owning a horse is a big responsibility, and one crucial aspect of horse care that should never be overlooked is maintaining your horse's health through effective deworming. In this article, we'll explore when to worm a horse, various treatment options, and how to keep your equine companion healthy and happy.

Understanding The Importance of Worming

Worms are common parasites that can affect a horse's digestive system and overall health. They can cause weight loss, poor coat condition, colic, and even severe, life-threatening complications. Timely and effective worming is essential to keep your horse in the best possible condition and avoid any potential health risks.

Common Types of Worms

• Roundworms (Ascarids)
• Small Strongyles (Cyathostomes)
• Large Strongyles (Strongylus vulgaris)
• Tapeworms (Anoplocephala)
• Pinworms (Oxyuris equi)
• Bots (Gasterophilus)

When To Worm A Horse: The Best Approach

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the ideal worming schedule depends on various factors such as the age of the horse, its individual health, and the environment it lives in. However, there are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Foals

Foals are more susceptible to worm infestations due to their still-developing immune systems. As a result, it's crucial to begin worming them early. Generally, you should start administering deworming treatments at two to three months of age, followed by a strict schedule of every 2-3 months until they reach 1.5 to 2 years old.

2. Adult Horses

The worming schedule for adult horses can be divided into three main approaches:

• Interval-Based Deworming: This method involves treating your horse for worms at regular intervals (usually every 6-8 weeks) throughout the year. This approach may not be suitable for all horses, and it may contribute to the development of resistance in worm populations.
• Targeted Deworming: This approach requires monitoring your horse's health and environment closely, administering deworming treatments only when necessary. This means routinely performing fecal egg count tests to identify the worm burden and treat accordingly. This method promotes responsible use of deworming products and reduces the risk of resistance.
• Risk-Based Deworming: This strategy takes into account individual horse's risk of worm infestation considering their age, living conditions, and management practices. Higher risk horses receive more frequent treatments, while horses with lower risk receive less frequent deworming interventions.

Choosing The Right Wormer

Several types of wormers are available on the market, each targeting specific types of worms. The most common classes of wormers include:

• Macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin, moxidectin)
• Benzimidazoles (fenbendazole, oxibendazole)
• Tetrahydropyrimidines (pyrantel pamoate, pyrantel tartrate)
• Organophosphates (trichlorfon)
• Praziquantel (for tapeworms)

It's essential to choose the correct wormer and consult with your veterinarian to establish an effective deworming program tailored to your horse's specific needs.

When To Worm A Horse Example:

Imagine you have a four-year-old adult horse that is regularly turned out to pasture. According to its risk factors, you and your vet determine that a risk-based deworming strategy is most suitable. You perform fecal egg count tests every 3 months and discover a high worm burden during spring. You choose a wormer containing ivermectin to treat the infestation effectively. After waiting the recommended time for the product to take effect, you have another fecal egg count performed to ensure the treatment was successful.

Understanding when to worm your horse is vital for its overall health and well-being. Consult with your veterinarian and develop a tailor-made deworming program to keep your equine companion in excellent condition. If you found this article helpful, please share it with fellow horse owners and explore other guides on How to Own a Horse to further enrich your knowledge about horse care.