>> Larger Yards

Start your yard on worm counts! Basing your worming on counts can work really well for yards and prove cost effective too. All that is really needed, as with any effective worming programme, is for one person to take control and make sure that everyone joins in.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Send for your free collection kit from Westgate Labs. You will be sent everything you need for the first test, plus easy to understand information and instructions.

2. Choose a day to collect samples when worming is due for all or most of the horses.

3. When the results are returned you will see which horses, if any, have counts of 200 epg or more. They will need worming. You can discuss suitable products with the Lab if unsure what to use. Do not worm clear or low count horses.

4. Wait 3 months and test again. As before, target your wormers where they are needed. Test 3 monthly except for mid winter. (See below.)

5. In late autumn (and possibly Spring too) give all horses a routine tapeworm treatment. Equitape will target only tapeworms and not interfere with the timing of your counts and redworm programme.

6. In mid winter replace your worm count with a routine dose to treat encysted redworm, either Equest or 5 day Panacur Guard (though be aware of widespread worm resistance to the latter). No other wormers treat these important stages of redworm.

7. New horses should be tested and wormed as necessary before joining the herd.

8. A full downloadable list of wormers and their uses is available on the Westgate Labs website. Please email or ring for help if you need it.

9. Don’t forget! Keep your pasture as clear of droppings as you can. Keep records of each horse’s counts and worming over the year.

Download a handy yard record sheet. You should soon see patterns emerging, be able to deal with problems and improve your worm control.