where it all began
Westgate first introduced the idea of postal worm counts to horse owners back in 1999, when very few people knew anything about testing for worms. A few had had tests done with their vet, but the usual worm control consisted of giving a variety of doses throughout the year, whether the horse needed them or not.
Westgate’s mission has always been to improve the way horses are wormed in the UK and this ethos remains at the heart of the business. The laboratory offers a quick, easy to use, great value postal worm count service that enables carers and keepers to target the wormers given to horses and keep them as healthy as possible. Westgate don't sell wormers so that their advice also remains independent.
TESTS YOU CAN TRUST
When it comes to worm egg counts not all tests are created equal - both the quality of the test and then the quality of the follow up advice are very important. Westgate continues to lead the way in this area as a trusted source of advice, recognised with numerous awards and accolades for their services.
Westgate's tests are backed up by veterinary approved advice through friendly education and support from our inhouse vet and team of qualified AMTRA SQP’s (Suitably Qualified Professionals certified to prescribe and give advice on worming through the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority).
Westgate have a purpose built laboratory specialising in worm egg counts for grazing animals and test thousands of samples every week. Rigorous processes ensure customers get the correct result for each animal using the industry standard ‘Modified McMaster test’ process to generate your result.
Despite all the information out there, too many animals are still being wormed routinely and so we’re certainly not resting on our laurels! Growing in a scalable way to maintain the personal service to our customers whilst deepening our commitment to sustainability and the environment is our objective and we’re certainly up to the challenge.
Doing Good Is Good Business
Westgate is founded on improving the health of horses and other grazing animals and remains committed to innovating and sharing best practice on animal health. Being able to make a difference in this way and in turn contribute to the bigger picture of slowing drug resistance and preserving the longevity of chemical wormers is a great thing.
Gold standard parasite control might not be glamorous but we don’t mind; it still gives us the warm fuzzies! We try hard to extend this goodwill to the business decisions we make and the people we work with.
Times have changed and today targeted worming programmes, which worm only the wormy horses, have become mainstream. Westgate actively promote targeted worming as best practice. Leading parasitologists, local vets and even companies manufacturing wormers all support this approach too.
Westgate actively contributing to pan industry campaigns such as CANTER, Controlling ANTiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly. Support thousands of horse owners, yard managers, retailers, merchants and vets to implement targeted parasite control programmes and protect their animals from growing resistance problems.
Working with others
- We collaborate wherever possible to bring partnership benefits.
- We have a select number of Brand Ambassadors who act as advocates and help spread the word to horse owners about the importance of worm control and reputable diagnostic testing as part of overall horse health.
- We are active members of CANTER, Controlling ANTiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly, a new pan industry group formed in 2023 to tackle the increasing threat that wormer resistance poses to horse health and the equine industry. We have invested significant resource to supporting this important initiative. Claire Shand sits on the Core Steering Group and leads the Communications subgroup, Kristy Hodgson is a member of the Diagnostics subgroup.
- Active members of the National Equine Welfare Council which provides the Code of Practice for Welfare Organisations involved in the Keeping of Horses, Ponies and Donkeys
- Offer charity business rates for all registered animal charities. We work with World Horse Welfare, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Bransby Home of Rest for Horses, Riding For the Disabled Association, Remus Horse Sanctuary, to name a few.
- Provide free tests for World Horse Welfare Field Officer cases.
- Contribute free editorial to publications, create videos and social media content, support equine events, attend trade shows and speak at conferences, Riding Clubs and students to help educate and inform on best practice.
