Mal’s Equine Worm Egg Counts, 691 Brown Mountain Road, Underwood (2026)

24/05/2026

Why Parasitologists Get Nervous About Routine Moxidectin Use?

Moxidectin is one of the most valuable worming ingredients we have in horses — and that’s exactly why parasitologists are so cautious about overusing it.

It’s incredibly effective, including against encysted small redworm larvae (cyathostomes) — parasite stages that don’t show up on a standard faecal egg count but can cause serious disease when they emerge.

But there’s a catch.

The more often worms are exposed to any wormer, the more pressure we place on them to develop resistance.

Long-acting products can increase that selection pressure because worms are exposed to low levels of drug over extended periods. That means the worms most able to survive the treatment are the ones left behind to reproduce.

And once resistance develops, we can’t undo it.

Resistance to moxidectin has already been identified internationally and in Australia, which is why preserving its effectiveness matters so much.

That’s why many parasitologists get nervous about routine or unnecessary moxidectin use — especially when it’s being used simply because:

* it’s convenient,
* long acting,
* “stronger,”
* or on special.

A product being long acting or heavily discounted doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for every horse or every property.

But Here’s The Important Part…

This does not mean moxidectin is “bad.”

In fact, moxidectin is one of our BEST wormers.

That’s exactly WHY we want to protect it.

So When Is Moxidectin Appropriate?

Moxidectin absolutely has an important place in modern parasite control.

Situations where it may be appropriate include:

* Annual autumn treatment targeting encysted small redworm larvae
* Horses at higher risk of encysted cyathostominosis
* Younger horses or consistently high shedders
* Properties with significant pasture contamination pressure
* Cases where season, history, testing, or clinical signs suggest larvicidal treatment may be beneficial
* Situations where your vet or parasite management plan specifically recommends it

In many adult horses with low-to-moderate FECs, ivermectin or abamectin may adequately target the adult worm burden without unnecessarily using one of our most valuable larvicidal actives.

What About Environmental Impact?

Environmental impact matters too, and some studies suggest differences between worming actives and their effects on dung fauna such as dung beetles.

That’s an important conversation to have — but resistance preservation and strategic use are still critical parts of sustainable long-term parasite control.

The Goal

The goal isn’t to avoid moxidectin forever.

The goal is to:
✔ use it when it offers a genuine benefit
✔ avoid unnecessary exposure
✔ preserve its effectiveness for the future
✔ make treatment decisions based on testing, risk, season, and the individual horse

Because smart parasite control isn’t about using the strongest product all the time.

It’s about using the right product, at the right time, for the right reason.

🧪 Smart. Strategic. Science Based.

16/05/2026

🐴🧭 Who’s going to the Navigation Ride on Sunday 7th June, held by Northern Adult Riding Club?! I am… are you?! 😍

I absolutely LOVE these rides and honestly look forward to them every year 💜

Beautiful trails, clue hunting, quiz questions, horsey chaos, lots of laughs, catching up with people… and of course the iconic mid-ride port and sausage stop 😂🌭🍷

I’ll be there again this year with my Mal’s Equine setup, so if you’ve been meaning to do a worm egg count, this is the PERFECT chance to get it done 🪱🔬

I’ll have everything there ready to go:
✔️ Gloves
✔️ Zip lock bags
✔️ Pens
✔️ Submission forms
✔️ An esky ready for samples

So literally all you need to do is collect a sample and drop it off with me 😊

And if there are horses you’d like tested that won’t actually be at the ride, you’re very welcome to bring samples from home along too!

Can’t make the ride? You can still post samples or use one of my amazing drop-off locations 💜

Come find me on the day — I’ll be the one in the bright Mal’s Equine shirt 😊

You’re always welcome to:
🐴 Ask questions
🔬 Check out the display
🪱 Learn more about testing
💩 Grab collection gear
😊 Or simply stop for a chat

Smart. Strategic. Science-Based.
Confirm before you worm 🪱🐴

11/05/2026

🌿 Natural Worming — Let’s Talk About It 😊

Natural worming is something I get asked about more and more these days, so I thought it might be a good opportunity to have a gentle and honest chat about it ❤️

Firstly… I completely understand why natural worming appeals to horse owners.

For many people, it comes from a really thoughtful place:
• wanting to reduce unnecessary chemical exposure
• wanting a more natural approach
• concerns about resistance
• supporting gut health and overall wellness
• trying to make informed, careful choices for their horses

And honestly, those are all very valid things to care about.

Some natural products may absolutely have a place in a horse’s general wellness routine, but supporting overall health is not the same thing as reliably controlling internal parasites.

If natural products are something you choose to use as part of your horse’s overall wellness routine, I would strongly encourage regular faecal egg count (FEC) monitoring alongside them so you can see what is actually happening from a parasite perspective 😊

That way, you’re not guessing. You’re checking.

Because sometimes horses are coping beautifully…
…and sometimes they’re quietly carrying more worms than anyone realises.

This is where FECs can be such a helpful tool, especially for owners wanting to take a more natural or minimal-chemical approach.

FECs allow us to monitor egg shedding, identify higher shedders, make more informed treatment decisions, and reduce unnecessary worming where possible.

Modern parasite management has shifted a lot over the years. These days we aim to be much more strategic and evidence-based rather than blindly worming every horse on a routine schedule.

It’s also important to remember that FECs do not detect every parasite or every life stage, which is why good parasite management should always look at the bigger picture:
• age of the horse
• clinical signs
• pasture exposure
• season
• body condition
• history
• paddock hygiene and manure management
• strategic treatment when needed
• and ongoing monitoring

Now, gently and honestly — over the years I have worked with a few clients using natural worming approaches, and in those cases, testing did reveal significant worm burdens.

That doesn’t mean those owners didn’t care. Quite the opposite. They were usually very thoughtful owners trying to do the right thing.

But parasites can be tricky, and horses can sometimes look completely fine externally while still carrying a burden that needs addressing.

So my answer to “natural worming — yay or nay?” is probably….. proceed carefully.

Personally, I would not rely on natural worming products alone as a parasite control program.

What I do strongly encourage is informed decision-making, regular monitoring, and using the testing tools available to help guide what is — or isn’t — working for your individual horse 😊

Because parasites can be very easy to underestimate, and horses can sometimes carry significant worm burdens while still appearing completely healthy externally.

And importantly, if monitoring starts showing rising egg counts or significant worm burdens, being open to strategic chemical worming when needed can play a really important role in protecting horse health too ❤️

At the end of the day, most horse owners want the same thing:
healthy horses, sensible parasite control, and avoiding unnecessary chemical exposure wherever possible ❤️

And honestly, that’s exactly why I do what I do 😊

My FEC tests are intentionally kept affordable because I genuinely want owners to feel supported, informed, and able to monitor what’s going on without stress or judgment.

Whether you use traditional worming, natural products, or a combination of approaches, I’m simply here to help provide information, testing, support, and a clearer picture of your horse’s parasite status

05/05/2026

🐴 So… what do worm tests actually look for?

If you’ve ever looked at your results and thought “wait… what about all the other worms?” — you’re definitely not alone 😄

Let’s make it make sense 👇

⸻

🧪 FEC (Faecal Egg Count)

This is your starting point.

It looks for the main troublemakers — small redworms (strongyles) and roundworms.

👉 These are the ones we keep the closest eye on because they’re the biggest players when it comes to everyday parasite burden in horses.

💡 One little thing to know:
A FEC measures egg shedding, not every single worm inside your horse — so it’s a guide, not the full story.

⸻

🔁 FECRT (checking your wormer)

This is just a fancy way of asking:
👉 “Did that wormer actually work?” 😅

We compare a sample from before worming to one 10–14 days after.

✔ Big drop in egg count → great, it’s working
✔ Not much change → time to rethink the plan

⸻

🪱 Tapeworm

Tapeworm like to keep things interesting 🙃

They don’t always show up on a standard FEC, so if we want to check for them properly, we use a specific tapeworm test.

⸻

🧷 Pinworm

Pinworm don’t play by the rules either…

Instead of showing up in manure, they lay their eggs around the tail area — which is why we use a sticky tape test.

👉 If you’ve got a horse rubbing their tail like crazy, this is the one to think about

⸻

🪰 Bots

Good news — you don’t need me for this one 😉

You can spot bot fly eggs yourself — they look like tiny yellow dots stuck to your horse’s coat (usually on the legs or shoulders).

👉 So you’ve absolutely got this one covered

⸻

🧠 “What about all the other worms?”

This is one of the most common questions I get — and it’s a really good one 😊

Not every type of worm shows up on a standard FEC, and not every worm needs to be routinely tested for.

Some are:

* less common
* don’t produce eggs we can easily measure
* or are better assessed based on risk, history, and timing

👉 That’s why we focus on the worms that have the biggest day-to-day impact — and build from there if needed

⸻

💡 So why not just worm everything anyway?

Great question — and this is where things have changed a lot.

Worming without testing can:

* expose horses to unnecessary chemicals
* encourage resistance
* and leave you guessing

👉 Testing first means you can treat only when needed, and know it’s actually doing its job

⸻

💛 Real talk

You don’t need to know all of this — that’s my job 😊

Whether you’re brand new to testing or just want a clearer plan, I’ll help guide you through what’s needed (and what’s not) — no judgement, ever.

⸻

🧪 Ready when you are

If you’ve been thinking about testing but weren’t quite sure where to start — just reach out 💬

— Mal
Mal’s Equine – Worm Egg Counts
Smart. Strategic. Science-Based.

02/05/2026

Feeling very grateful today 💛

A huge thank you to the owners and staff at Devonport Saddleworld for having me here today and for their continued support of Mal’s Equine.

It’s been such a fun day — a great atmosphere, lots happening, plenty of treasures to find, and so lovely to see people stopping by for a chat, asking questions, and showing an interest in smarter, more strategic worm control.

I’m really grateful to be welcomed into these spaces and supported by local businesses who believe in what I do.

And having my little apprentice there to help out and keep me company made the day even better 💛

Thank you again for your support, kindness, and encouragement — it truly means a lot 🐴💛

29/04/2026

From me, you get zero judgement, complete confidentiality, and all the support you need 💛

I had a lovely message from a client the other day that made me want to say this clearly.

Worming routines can slip, dates can get forgotten, and sometimes you realise it’s been longer than you meant it to be.

Life gets busy. For me too.

That’s what testing is for.

Taking that first step and getting that first FEC done gives us a clear starting point, and from there I’ll help guide you to make a plan that works for you, your horses, and your property.

But please know this: you never need to feel judged, shy, embarrassed, or humiliated if your worming regime isn’t quite where you’d like it to be, or if you get an unexpectedly high result.

And that goes beyond the numbers, too. I’ve even had people feel embarrassed about the amount of manure in their paddocks when I’ve visited — but honestly, I will never judge. Life with horses is busy, messy, and very real.

Whether it’s your paddocks, your worming routine, or your FEC results, you can feel safe reaching out.

Your results are always completely confidential.
They’re yours, and yours only.

I’m here to help you learn, feel supported, and move forward — no pressure, no judgement, just support 😊

Mal’s Equine – Worm Egg Counts
Smart. Strategic. Science-Based.

26/04/2026

🐴 I’ll be at Devonport Saddleworld this coming Saturday 2nd May from 9am–12pm.

If you’ve been meaning to get a worm egg count done, you can start collecting your sample any time from now and bring it in on the day for same-day testing.

You can find sample collection details on my website or page, and if you’re unsure, feel free to send me a message 😊

Come and say hi and ask all your wormy questions 🪱🐴

24/04/2026

❄️ Waiting for the first hard frost… and the cooler weather that follows — but do you know why?

This is something that gets talked about a lot — especially this time of year — but not always explained 😊

Over the warmer months, you’ll often notice those little yellow bot eggs stuck to your horse’s legs and shoulders.
And if you’ve been scraping them off when you see them — that’s honestly such a great habit to get into. It all helps reduce how many your horse might pick up over time.

Now, here’s where the weather part comes in…

❄️ We’re not just waiting for one chilly morning.

What we’re really looking for is that proper seasonal shift — a hard frost, followed by consistently cooler weather — because that’s what brings bot fly activity to an end.

Once the adult bot flies are no longer active, no new eggs are being laid on your horse.

And that’s the key.

👉 It’s not about the frost itself — it’s about what it tells us: the bot fly season is finishing.

That’s why you’ll often hear people say to wait until after the first proper frost when thinking about bots. It simply means you’re no longer dealing with ongoing exposure — or at least that exposure has dropped right down as the season changes.

But (and this is the important bit)…

This doesn’t mean you need to rush out and worm just because you’ve seen a bot fly earlier in the season.
And it also doesn’t undo all the good work if you’ve been regularly scraping eggs and keeping things well managed.

For some horses and some setups, that management goes a long way — and that absolutely counts.

⸻

So how do you decide whether bots need to be part of your horse’s plan?

A few things to think about are:

🪰 Did you actually see bot eggs on your horse this season?
If you never saw eggs, and your horse was in a lower-exposure environment, bots may not be a major concern.

🧽 Were you able to remove eggs regularly?
Scraping eggs off as you see them helps reduce how many are ingested.

🐴 Is your horse more vulnerable?
Young horses, older horses, horses under stress, or those with health challenges may need a more cautious approach.

🌿 What was your property like this season?
If bot flies were active, eggs were seen regularly, or there was higher exposure, bots may be worth considering once that seasonal shift has happened.

⸻

And just to tie it all together…

Bot flies are a bit different to the worms we usually test for — a standard faecal egg count won’t show them, because they don’t pass eggs in the manure like other parasites do.

So it’s not about reacting every time you see a bot fly.

It’s about stepping back and asking:

👉 “Were bots actually a meaningful exposure for my horse this season?”
👉 “Has the weather properly shifted enough that reinfection risk has dropped?”
👉 “Does bot treatment fit into my horse’s overall autumn parasite plan?”

That’s what turns it into a plan — rather than a reaction 😊

And that’s really the goal: calm, thoughtful parasite management that makes sense for your horse, your property, and the season you’re actually in.

As always, if you’ve got questions, I’m happy to help explain the “why” behind it all.

Smart. Strategic. Science-Based. ✨

18/04/2026

What a great day at Launceston Saddleworld today! 🐴

It was so lovely chatting with people about worm egg counts, parasite management, and showing everyone a bit of what I do under the microscope.

A huge thank you to Launceston Saddleworld for having me, and to everyone who came by for a chat, brought samples along, or showed an interest in smarter, more strategic worm control.

And in a very unexpected little highlight for the day… I even got interviewed on local radio, Chilli FM 😳🎙️

A big day, a great atmosphere, and such a lovely reminder of how supportive the Tasmanian horse community is 💛

Smart. Strategic. Science-Based.

16/04/2026

🐴 I’ll be at Launceston Saddleworld tomorrow, Saturday 18th April, from 9am–2pm.

If you’ve been meaning to get a worm egg count done, bring your horse’s sample along and leave it with me for same-day testing back at my lab.

I’ll also have my microscope there with some prepared slides, so you can have a look at what I actually see under the microscope and ask any questions.

It should be a great day too, with 10% off storewide, Chilli FM live broadcast, a free sausage sizzle, and more. Details in the comments…

Hope to see you there 💛

26/03/2026

💥 A case from this week — resistance in action

A horse came back with a high egg count (~2000 EPG). It had recently been treated with fenbendazole, but there was no meaningful reduction on follow-up testing (FECRT). ❌ Not what anyone wants to see after treating.

The owner mentioned this active ingredient had been used a few times over the past couple of years and wondered if the horse had become “immune”.

💡 So what’s going on?

It’s not the horse becoming immune — it’s the worms becoming resistant.

Over time, repeated use of the same active ingredient can select for worms that survive treatment until eventually it stops working altogether. Once resistance is present, that active ingredient may no longer be reliable in that horse or on that property.

💡 It’s also important to remember:

This doesn’t mean fenbendazole won’t work in all horses. Resistance varies between properties and individual horses.

💡 So where do things go wrong?

Routine worming often means we are treating without knowing if it is actually needed, which can lead to unnecessary treatments. Each treatment kills the easy-to-kill worms but allows the more resistant ones to survive, and over time those survivors become the dominant population.

Rotating wormers can sound like a good idea, but without testing it can actually make things worse. Each treatment still leaves some worms behind, and now we start selecting for resistance across multiple active ingredients instead of just one.

💡 The takeaway?

It’s not about routine worming or rotating wormers — it is about choosing the right treatment based on results, what you are targeting, and the time of year.

✔ Test before you treat
✔ Check that it worked

✨ Smart. Strategic. Science-based.

Mal’s Equine Worm Egg Counts

24/05/2026

16/05/2026

11/05/2026

05/05/2026

02/05/2026

29/04/2026

26/04/2026

24/04/2026

18/04/2026

16/04/2026

26/03/2026

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