Some horses despite being maintained in the same environment as herd mates, sustain less of a worm burden than others. Scientists have determined that there is a genetic factor involved that provides these horses with greater immunity against worms than their companions.

Age of horses

Foals and youngsters are more at risk than older or adult horses as they have immature immune systems with little or no resistance to the parasites.

Very old and debilitated or sick horses are also at risk of sustaining higher worm burdens because their immune systems are compromised or failing.

Management of the parturient mare:

The dam provides the prenatal environment and the immediate postnatal environment. A healthy mare, in appropriate condition that has benefited from good management is more likely to produce a healthy foal, that in the longer term will be less susceptible to worm infestation.

Pasture management:

Regular maintenance of pasture can reduce the worm burden on fields. Methods include mixed species grazing i.e. cows, sheep, even a few chickens or ducks, rotation of fields on a seasonal basis and either resting the field entirely or growing a hay or other crop.

Regular chain harrowing (or raking) in order to break up the manure and spread it, thereby exposing it to the desiccating effect of sun/frost/ birds.

The removal of manure from fields or paddocks on a regular basis (preferably daily, but certainly weekly).

Stable management:

Stabled horses who may spend long hours in their boxes with limited forage will usually 'clean up' hay fallen from hay nets or mangers from the floor. The floor and walls may be contaminated by faecal matter thereby reintroducing worm larvae to the horse.

Nutrition:

Worms favour an environment that is rich in nutrients. The preferred nutrients are carbohydrate dense and therefor concentrate fed horses often sustain a higher worm burden than forage fed horses. Spring grass has a laxative effect and this helps to eliminate adult worms.

Stocking levels:

Large numbers of horses within a limited grazing area, as is often the case at riding and livery establishments, will increase the probability of parasitism by worms.

There are a variety of herbs that are known to be effective in reducing the level of worms by making the gut environment unattractive to parasites. These include thyme, parsley, garlic and wormwood. Equilibrate natural worming supplements also include diatomaceous earth, that has long been used in the control of both external and internal parasites. Its effect is mechanical, abrading the adult worm and resulting in its death.

Equilibrate now offer a testing service to clients that can reduce dependence upon chemical wormers which is better for the health of their horse and reduces financial inputs: see enquiry form.

Regular faecal egg counts are an essential part of a natural worming system.

A small quantity of manure is checked for worms and eggs, using a microscope. If the egg count is less than 200 eggs within 2 grams of sample, the horse does not require a chemical wormer.