Worm away

Unfortunately, no matter how well you care for your pony, worms are – to a point – unavoidable. But don’t panic, as there’s plenty you can do to protect your pony from the damage they can cause, and we’re here to help. Our top tips will have you clued up on everything worm related, keeping your pony happier and healthier all year round.

1. Do worm egg counts

The best way to discover if your pony is affected by worms is to do a worm egg count. These should be done around every two months – you’ll need to collect a fresh sample of your pony’s poo in a special tube, then leave the rest to your vet or a laboratory, which will test it to see how many worm eggs are in it!

It’s normal – and nothing to worry about – for a pony to have some worm eggs. Usually treatment is only needed if the count is higher than 250 eggs per gramme of poo – however, the centre testing the sample will advise you on what treatment, if any, is needed when they give you your pony’s results.

Did you know?

Small numbers of worms in your pony’s gut can be healthy, as they help to build up immunity. 

2. Know your worms

Do you know the names of the worms that affect ponies? There may be more than you thought! The different types are… 

• roundworms
• small redworms
• tapeworms
• pinworms
• threadworms
• bots

3. Stay on schedule

As well as worm egg counts, there are other tests to pick up different types of worm. Here’s what to do…

In spring: Do a saliva test for tapeworm. You can buy these online – ask an adult to help you.

Autumn: Carry out another saliva test for tapeworm.

Winter: Use a targeted wormer for small redworm and bots.

Top tip

Give your pony some tasty treats, like molasses, in a syringe from time to time so he doesn’t associate a syringe with being wormed.

4. Worm with confidence

Some ponies are really relaxed about being wormed, while others aren’t so keen. Here’s how to give it your best shot…

• weigh your pony or use a weigh tape so you can be sure you’re giving him the correct dosage, then set your wormer syringe to the relevant amount
• put a headcollar on your pony and, standing on his near side, place your right hand on the far side of his nose
• use your left hand to slide the syringe into his mouth and push the end of the tube with your thumb to empty the contents into your pony’s mouth
• lift his head for a few moments to make sure he swallows it and, hey presto, you’re done!

5. Pick up poo

Poo-picking your pony’s paddocks regularly is an effective way of controlling worm burdens, so, ideally, do this daily.

Not only does regular poo-picking keep worm populations down, it’ll also keep your paddock cleaner and prevent the build up of rough grass and weeds – cool huh?