Parasites are a common challenge for horse owners, and rightfully so, if left unmanaged, parasites have the potential to wreak havoc on your horse’s health.  

Managing parasites requires more than deworming and checking a box. Here you’ll learn about some of the common internal and external parasites and five horsekeeping strategies to keep them at bay. While some level of parasite presence is inevitable, what you do and how you treat them can go a long way to reduce the likelihood of infestation and health repercussions.

1. Manage the Environment

Cleanliness and environmental control are the best ways to avoid having an abundance of parasites to
manage in the first place. Since flies are a known nuisance in most regions and settings, it’s often the first horsekeeping measure horse owners take. 

You can also use fly traps and Spalding Fly Predators, which can be spread on manure and attack fly larvae. Apply sprays, and use face masks and body sheets to reduce the likelihood that flies, including botflies, ticks, and other nuisances have access to your horse’s body to attach to or attack. 

Many parasites, such as botflies, mites, and ticks, love to breed in overgrown grass or wet and dirty bedding. To avoid this, mow pastures and lawns around your horse’s living area and regularly clean stalls to reduce breeding grounds. Standing water around your horse’s space can be problematic, too. 

2. Mind that Manure

Parasites, especially internal parasites, like worms, are often spread through manure. Along with regularly cleaning stalls and pens, manage manure in the pasture. Scoop poop when possible and rotate grazing areas to give your horse fresh, manure-free forage. If you live in a dry, warm climate, spread the poop with a harrow to help the manure break down. In humid areas, this is less effective as parasites can still survive under manure. Instead, spread and then wait for a cold winter season to kill parasites.

While it’s easier to rotate pastures when horses are together, overcrowding can increase the likelihood of parasitic spread, particularly if you have a horse that tends to carry a higher parasitic load. If you need to add livestock due to space constraints, consider adding cattle or sheep to the mix instead. Since many of the parasites that harm horses don’t impact these animals, having them as pasture mates can help disrupt parasitic life cycles. 

3. Keep Them Clean 

Regular grooming not only reduces the likelihood that your horse will be a safe space for parasites to take hold, but it also allows you to find them sooner so you can manage and treat anything you find quicker. For example, scraping botfly eggs from your horse’s chest or legs reduces the likelihood that they’ll ingest them. Treating mites, lice, or ticks helps your horse avoid mange or Lyme disease and keeps them from spreading it to their friends.

4. Regular Deworming Programs

Along with environmental hygiene, deworming can help you prevent and control internal parasites. Rather than giving the same dewormer on a regular cadence, year after year, veterinarians recommend taking manure samples to determine the type and level of infestation, administering selectively, and rotating dewormers for best protection.

5. Keep Horses Healthy

Healthy horses are less likely to experience the worst symptoms of parasites, so aim to keep them fit and well-fed. Prioritize regular maintenance and care by feeding high-quality feeds, providing clean water and exercise, and keeping up with veterinary care. 

If you suspect that your horse is dealing with a parasitic infestation, contact your vet. Symptoms can include a dull coat or sudden weight loss, poor appetite, diarrhea, colic, tail rubbing, or visible parasites in the manure or on the skin. 

—H&R—