Trail Riding Season is Here – So are The Ticks!

These tiny pests thrive in wooded and grassy areas and can do more than just cause irritation, they can transmit serious diseases to your horse. Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are among the most common tick-borne illnesses in our region.

 

Both can lead to symptoms like lameness, stiffness, fever, and in more advanced cases, neurologic issues or behavioral changes. Left untreated, these conditions can impact your horse’s comfort, performance, and long-term health.

 

The good news? Most tick-related problems are preventable.

 

Before and after trail rides or turnout, check your horse thoroughly, especially around the ears, mane, tail, underbelly and between the legs. Keeping pastures trimmed and using a quality tick repellent can significantly reduce risk. If your horse spends a lot of time in tick-heavy areas, ask your vet about preventive options and early detection tools.

 

A few minutes of prevention can save you months of recovery time- and keep your horse feeling and performing their best all season long!