Worming your horse has changed a lot since the days of “dose every six weeks and hope for the best.” Parasite resistance is on the rise, meaning worms are learning to survive drenches. That is why a strategic, Kiwi-focused worming plan is more important than ever.
Here is a practical guide to keeping your horses healthy and your paddocks clean with a focus on four trusted wormers available at NZ Tack: Equest Plus Tape, MecWorma & Bot Paste, Ultra-Mox, and Equitak Excel Horse Paste.
1. Stop “Blanket” Worming
Traditionally, every horse was treated the same but research shows that 80% of worms live in just 20% of horses. These are known as the “high shedders.”
The Golden Rule: Do not guess. Test.
Faecal Egg Counts (FECs):
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Take a fresh manure sample to your vet.
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FECs show exactly which horses need treatment.
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Saves money, prevents resistance, and keeps your herd healthy.
By targeting only the horses that need it, you reduce unnecessary worming and slow resistance buildup.
2. Target the Invisible Killers
FECs are useful but some worms are sneaky. Encysted small strongyles (larvae hiding in the gut wall) and tapeworms often do not show up on standard egg counts.
Autumn and Winter Strategy:
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Even if FECs are low, most NZ vets recommend a strategic worming in late autumn or winter to hit the dormant larvae and tapeworms.
Products that work:
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Equest Plus Tape contains Moxidectin and Praziquantel for encysted larvae and tapeworms
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Ultra-Mox contains Moxidectin for encysted strongyles
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Equitak Excel Horse Paste is an effective broad-spectrum option
3. Dose for the Correct Weight
Under-dosing accelerates resistance. For example, giving a 600kg horse a 500kg dose means the strongest worms survive and breed a resistant population.
Tips for accurate dosing:
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Use a weight tape, do not eyeball it.
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Consider a 10 percent buffer on the syringe to account for paste the horse may spit out.
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NZ Tack offers MecWorma & Bot Paste, ideal for precise dosing against bots and roundworms.
4. Pasture Management is 80 Percent of the Battle
You cannot drench your way out of a dirty paddock. Good pasture management breaks the parasite life cycle.
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Poo Pick: Remove manure twice weekly. This is the most effective step.
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Cross-Graze: Sheep and cattle eat horse worm larvae but cannot pass them on.
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Avoid Harrowing: NZ’s temperate climate spreads larvae more than it kills them. Only harrow in hot, dry conditions above 30°C.
5. Seasonal Worming Guidelines for NZ Owners
| Season | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | FEC Test | Identify high shedders before peak grazing. |
| Summer | FEC or Spot Treat | Manage bots and roundworms if needed. |
| Autumn | Strategic Dose | Use Moxidectin and Praziquantel products like Equest Plus Tape or Ultra-Mox to target tapeworms and bots. |
| Winter | The Big Clean | Treat encysted larvae before spring emergence using products like Equitak Excel Horse Paste. |
Choosing the Right Wormer
At NZ Tack, we stock trusted NZ brands for all your worming needs:
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Equest Plus Tape contains Moxidectin and Praziquantel
MecWorma & Bot Paste is great for spot treatment of bots -
Ultra-Mox targets encysted small strongyles
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Equitak Excel Horse Paste provides broad-spectrum coverage
For best results, combine smart worming with pasture management and FEC testing.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general educational information only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for your horse’s specific parasite management plan.
