The Hidden Threat: Understanding Parasites and Their Impact on Horses

The Hidden Threat: Understanding Parasites and Their Impact on Horses

Worms are a common but hidden threat to horse health. As parasites, they live off the horse and can cause significant damage if not properly managed. Understanding what worms are and why they are problematic is the first step in ensuring your horse stays healthy and well.

Worms are parasites that live off the horse, with several different types following a similar lifecycle. The eggs are in the grass and on the ground, and horses ingest these eggs while grazing. Once inside the horse, the eggs hatch into larvae (baby worms). These larvae live in different parts of the horse, feeding either directly off the horse’s insides or the food the horse eats. When they grow into adults, they lay eggs that leave the horse through manure, continuing the cycle.

This graphical representation from the World Horse Welfare group gives an excellent overview.