Deworming...how often?

by Catherine Howard-Lightstone
(Alexandria, Ontario)

I have 2 rescue TB's, right off TO racetrack, had them 3yrs, one 13yr, one 8yrs both geldings. Also one , new this year, 15yr old QH mare. I was deworming them twice a year in Spring and when the first freeze came but was told I should deworm every 5-6wks is that right?
I also have in their herd 4 rescue miniature donkeys..they are supposed to be dewormed every 5-6 weeks, they definitely hate the procedure! Donks are Mum and Dad ,fixed now, 10yrs , and daughter 5yrs, and son almost 2yrs and fixed.
I grew up in Devon England, with a donkey , and several ponies and horses....we never dewormed! They all lived long and healthy lives. We also never gave supplements or hay as we didn't have Canadian winters!
The first year and 1/2 I gave the TB's fat and fibre supp.and I always give a vitamin block( plus salt all yr round) and mineral blocks for all in the winter.
Our herd have a large field and a wooded area to roam freely all year. We give meadow hay all winter. They have run in shelters and choose when to eat, play or snooze. We ride them on wooded trails. We are learning to drive the donkeys...lots of fun!Next phase bitless bridles and going barefoot for TB's only ones shod in summer.
Thanks,
Kate

Answer:

There is lots of debate as to how often and with which medications to deworm our horses with, yet the veterinarian community is acknowledging that we are deworming too often which is causing many of our medications to become ineffective! This in itself will cause a huge problem. The protocol to deworm every 5 to 6 weeks is quickly falling by the wayside.
“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!” is a common phrase that might fit your situation perfectly. Care and environment and weather conditions play huge roles in this decision and it seems you may this part well taken care of.
So then it comes down to a personal decision that you are comfortable with.

Here is a great article that I found very helpful for my decision making process.

TO BE "dewormed" OR NOT TO BE "dewormed" - THAT IS THE QUESTION!

Elaine Polny