Taking a Fresh Perspective on Parasite Control
27 February 2026
Testing Is Only the Start; Why Management Matters in Parasite Control
Parasite control is not a single product or a one off decision. It is an ongoing process that involves the horse, the land and the environment. If we want to reduce unnecessary worming, protect grazing and safeguard the effectiveness of treatments for the future, we need to take a fresh perspective. By highlighting a whole system approach, we're urging horse owners to follow three simple steps;
Risk Assess, Test, Manage.
Testing gives us vital information, but what happens next is just as important. Even when horses are tested regularly, poor pasture or dung management can allow parasite burdens to rebuild quickly, increasing reliance on treatments and putting pressure on wormer effectiveness. When testing and management work together, we can reduce reinfection, minimise chemical use and support long term horse health.
Step 1: Risk Assess
Understand your horse, your grazing and your circumstances. Before making decisions, take time to consider the wider picture:
- Grazing type
- Stocking density
- Horse movement and new arrivals
- Weather and time of year
- Individual age and health history
Every yard is different. A clear risk assessment helps you build a parasite control plan that is tailored, not routine.
Step 2: Test
Use evidence to guide action. Once you understand your level of risk, testing provides the information you need to make informed decisions.
- Regular worm egg counts for small redworm and ascarids
- Tapeworm testing every six months
- Seasonal assessment of encysted small redworm
- Annual larval culture to monitor large redworm risk
Testing allows you to identify higher egg shedders, avoid unnecessary treatment and monitor trends across the season.
Step 3: Manage
Reduce reinfection through practical action. Parasites depend on pasture to complete their lifecycle. Eggs passed in droppings hatch and develop into larvae, which migrate onto surrounding grass and are then ingested by grazing horses. Breaking this cycle is one of the most powerful tools we have. Good parasite management includes:
- Regular poo picking to remove eggs before they hatch
- Resting and rotating grazing where possible
- Avoiding overstocking Quarantining and testing new arrivals
- Managing horses carefully following treatment to reduce environmental contamination
Small, practical changes can significantly reduce infection pressure throughout the season.
A Whole System Approach
Parasite control is not a single product or a one off action. It is an ongoing process that involves the horse, the land and the environment. Parasite control works best when it is planned, evidence based and supported by good husbandry.
We are here to support you with expert advice, laboratory testing and educational resources to help you build an effective, sustainable parasite control plan.
Explore each step to build a parasite control plan that works for your horse and your yard and read some of our more in-depth articles (below and right) to help keep your horses and their grazing environment as healthy as possible.