Smallholder & Equine

Tapeworms are the biggest worms to affect horses in this country. The most common type of tapeworm can grow up to 20cm long, but there is a much rarer type that can grow up to 80cm!

A faecal worm egg count indicates whether you need to give your horse a wormer or not. It measures the number of worm eggs contained in a sample of your horse’s dung.

To help keep your horse free from illness, you need an effective worm control plan. Parasite life cycles are linked to the seasons, so your worming schedule should consider the time of year.

Small and large redworms, large roundworms and tapeworms are four of the most dangerous equine worm parasites that can affect your horse. Every horse, like any animal, is home to countless microscopic creatures. Most of them are nothing to worry about.

Any pet owner will know to keep on top of fleas with regular treatment. But what do we really know about these little pests?

Soil is all around us, and a lot of people just think it is there for growing plants and vegetables. But there is a lot more to soil than you think.

We all think that we know our feline friends inside and out, but cats are even more interesting pets than we thought. Our 10 interesting facts that you might not already know about cats can help you understand some of the weird and wonderful behaviour of our loyal friends and potentially help them live happier and healthier lives.

If you’re one of the hundreds or even thousands of owners in the UK whose horse or pony suffers from laminitis, you’ll be acutely aware of the dangers of Spring grass.

Horses were first domesticated by humans about 5500 years ago, during the Stone Age. They were utilised for their strength in a number of industries including agriculture.

Horses are natural ‘flight’ animals. If something scares or concerns them, they turn and run. This is part of what makes them such natural athletes. But as riders, we also need to help calm them to keep them focused and ready to do what we ask of them. Checking for any physical issues, such as back and teeth problems, together with good management and training will help, but some horses will also benefit from the targeted nutritional support of a calmer.