Guide for De-worming Your Horse Without the Struggle
At least twice a year, many horse owners are tasked with administering deworming medication, like Ivermectin, to their horses. You might think that after doing this a few times, horses would simply accept the process without issue. For most, that’s true, but for some, deworming can become a stressful event for both the horse and the handler.
I was recently talking with someone about giving dewormer and was surprised when they suggested that a big person should “hold the horse’s head still” while they administer the medication. But this made me reflect on how often I’ve seen people struggling to get the job done.
The Analogy:
Imagine for a moment that someone you didn’t know suddenly walked up to you and made a grab for your front pants pocket, trying to stuff something into it. Naturally, you’d step back, possibly avoid them, and likely say something like, “Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” Your horse feels exactly the same way. When you approach them with the tube of dewormer, they might be thinking, “What on earth is going on here?”
This is when the head tossing and evasion begins. The horse isn’t being defiant—they’re simply unsure of what’s happening and trying to avoid discomfort. But when the handler gets frustrated, it’s easy for the situation to escalate, with both sides getting upset. Eventually, the handler “successfully” administers the medication, but often not without the horse swallowing some and dribbling the rest out. The handler might breathe a sigh of relief, thinking, “At least I only have to do this twice a year!”
A Better Approach:
I prefer to approach deworming in a way that’s more about offering the medication rather than forcing it. Horses, as prey animals, are naturally suspicious and wary of anything unfamiliar. When they see that white tube in your hand, they’re already on alert. The key here is to make the experience as calm and non-threatening as possible.
Instead of rushing in with the tube, start by letting the horse sniff it. Rub it gently on their lips and muzzle, allowing them to get used to its presence. This helps them feel more comfortable with it before you even try to administer the medication.
I like to squeeze a small amount of paste out of the tube and let the horse taste it. I do this by holding the tube near their lips and letting them get a little taste before removing it. The paste often has a fruity smell—sometimes like banana—which helps make it more appealing. As the horse gets used to the taste, they’ll begin to associate the tube with something positive, making them more willing to accept it.
Once they’ve gotten a taste, I gently insert the tube onto their tongue and squeeze out a little more paste. Afterward, I remove the tube, giving them a moment to swallow and process the taste. It’s important to go slowly—this isn’t about rushing. I may repeat this process a couple of times, letting the horse taste the paste and slowly getting them comfortable with it.
The key here is patience. When you don’t rush the process, and when you allow the horse to “ask” for more, they become more willing to accept the tube and the deworming medication. With this approach, I can usually get through the entire tube without much resistance, and the horse is calm and dewormed without the drama.
Why Slow and Steady Works:
Trying to force the whole tube into a horse’s mouth all at once is like trying to waterboard them—it’s overwhelming and uncomfortable. But by taking your time and allowing the horse to become familiar with the process, you’re setting the stage for a much smoother, less stressful experience. The more you practice this thoughtful, patient approach, the easier it becomes for both you and the horse.
In Conclusion:
Next time you’re deworming your horse, consider how you present the experience. Make it a positive one by allowing your horse to get used to the taste of the paste, using gentle communication, and avoiding rushing through the process. With a little patience and attention, your horse will be more willing to accept the deworming tube, and you can both walk away from the experience feeling better about the process.