Parasite prevention remains a vital part of maintaining horse health—but gone are the days when you could rely on a routine deworming every eight weeks with the same product.

How flies spread parasites and disease - Flies are the bane of many horses’ existence from spring through autumn. In Canada, horse-biting flies include gnats (no-see-ums), black flies, stable flies, deer flies, horse flies, and mosquitoes, all of which create painful sores. Non-biting flies include house flies, eye gnats, face flies, bot flies, and warble flies, and can be just as irritating. It’s not just buzzing and biting that’s worrisome; flies may transmit parasites and diseases, can cause a horse’s immune system to overreact, and some use horses as hosts, all of which impact horse health. Preventing horses from being bitten is key. Before diving into solutions, here’s a summary of the damage that flies can inflict on Canada’s horses.

Keys to a Successful Move - When it comes to stressors, moving house is right up there with other major life changes. For horses, moving to a new home may be just as stressful, if not more so.

As horses exercise, their core body temperature climbs. To prevent overheating, the body relies heavily on sweat evaporation to cool down. Sweating is essential during physical activity, but it leads to the loss of both water and vital electrolytes. These include sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—key minerals that support nerve function, hydration, and muscle activity. Without proper replenishment, electrolyte depletion can impair performance and compromise your horse’s well-being. Supporting your horse’s recovery means restoring both water and electrolyte levels in appropriate proportions.