We know that worming can be a minefield, so our E-SQP, Hannah, has put together our simple top tips to help you select the best parasite control methods for your horse:

  • Speak to an SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) who will help you choose the correct product. At Supplement Solutions our in house E-SQP, Hannah Wild (awarded Virbac 3D E-SQP of the year 2015) is happy to help you with all your worm related questions.
  • Use worm count kits to determine your horses worm burden before routine worming:
    • Westgate Laboratories Faecal Egg Count for round worm (during the grazing season)
    • Equisal Saliva Test for Tapeworm (every 6 months, ideally Autumn and Spring
  • Treat all equines as individuals. Previously, the recommendation was to treat every horse on the same stable yard with the same wormer, now treatment depends on the burden each individual horse is carrying.
  • Treat all equines as individuals. Previously, the recommendation was to treat every horse on the same stable yard with the same wormer, now treatment depends on the burden each individual horse is carrying.
  • Find out which parasites you need to treat your horse for and pick the correct horse wormer to treat them.
  • Location is important as some areas of the country have different worm types eg. pin worms.
  • The time of the year is also a factor to choosing your horse wormer or worm count kit.
  • Select a product that suits you and your horse's requirements:
    • Pick the correct wormer according to the size of your horse. Some wormers only treat up to 575kg or 600kg, so if you own a heavy horse then you must choose a wormer that treats up to 700kg (Brands such as Equimax, Eraquell, Equest Pramox & Equest all treat up to 700kg) or purchase two wormers and dose accordingly.
    • If you struggle to treat your horse using a syringe/paste then tabs are a great option (Virbac produce two wormers which are tabs – Equimax and Eraquell are the only tabs currently available and with one tube treating a horse of up to 800kg body weight).
  • Find out the weight of your horse and treat accordingly:
    • For an accurate weight, take your horse to a weigh bridge (some vets offer this service and often large shows have them too).
    • Use a weigh tape which gives a estimated weight.
    • Once you have calculated weight then treat the horse accordingly. Always give slightly more rather than less. For example if your horse weighs 578kg, give him 600kg worth of wormer.
    • Don't presume your horse is the same weight every time you worm, weigh him before every administration of a wormer to ensure you are giving the correct amount.
  • Never under-dose. It is better to give slightly more rather than less as under dosing can lead to parasite resistance.
  • If your horse is under 6 months old or you have a pregnant or lactating mare, ensure you check that the wormer you choose is suitable. Recently Equest Pramox has been licensed safe to use in pregnant mares.
  • Order the correct quantity of wormer for your horse when you are worming.
  • Ensure that you have an effective parasite control plan, including pasture management and worm count tests. Please do contact our SQP for further help in developing an effective programme.