This is a typical worming programme for a small to medium livery yard, where the majority of owners will follow the plan.  It assumes that some pasture management is employed, but that it is not ideal.  In a yard with every horse following the programme, and excellent pasture management, then the number of Faecal Egg Counts (FECs) performed would be lower, perhaps just one in the initial Summer.  In a very busy yard with many arrivals and departures and poor pasture management, then FECs would perhaps not be recommended, and routine worming would instead be employed.

The spring worming is necessary to remove any worms that have survived the winter – either inside the horse, or as larvae on pasture.  If this is carried out then there should be minimal need to worm for the rest of the summer, however, in the first year it is prudent to check on this with FECs performed every 8-10 weeks.  If these reveal a worm burden then worming would be advised.  If a worm burden is consistently found then we must review pasture management, and worming compliance.  A larvicidal wormer is given in Autumn to kill encysted larvae (see our Worming – Small Strongyles section).

Depending on the results of the Year 1 FECs, then they may be repeated in Year 2, or may be deemed unnecessary.  A well managed yard with good pasture management can usually control worms effectively with twice yearly worming, in Spring and Autumn, with a single FEC performed 10 weeks after Spring worming.  Small stables with just a few horses can occasionally manage with Autumn worming alone, and a Summer FEC.  Other yards may need worming up to 4 times yearly.

This is a sample programme and shouldn’t be used on your own horses – however, if you want a Worm Control Plan constructed for your yard, then please contact us on 01942 886174.