05/25/2026
Tick season is here.
And apparently the ticks did not get the memo that nobody invited them. 🤦♀️
If you own horses, hike trails, work outside, or even walk through long grass, this matters more than people think.
Ticks are not just annoying little hitchhikers. They can carry diseases that affect horses, dogs, and humans.
For horses, the biggest concern in many areas is Lyme disease, caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks can also spread Anaplasmosis and other infections depending on your region.
Some horses never show obvious signs at first. Others can develop:
• Stiffness or soreness
• Sudden behaviour changes
• Sensitivity when grooming or saddling
• Lethargy
• Joint swelling
• Lameness that seems to “move around”
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Muscle tenderness
• Poor performance
And yes… sometimes the “lazy horse” is not lazy at all.
Science has shown Lyme disease can affect the nervous system, joints, muscles, and overall inflammation levels in horses. Diagnosis usually involves blood testing combined with clinical signs and history. Treatment often includes veterinary-prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory support. The earlier it’s caught, the better the outcome.
Daily tick checks matter. Especially:
• Under the mane
• Between the legs
• Under the tail
• Around the ears
• Between jawbones
• Around the udder/sheath
Ticks love hidden warm spots. Tiny vampires with commitment issues.
What helps protect horses?
Natural options people commonly use:
• Garlic in moderation
• Apple cider vinegar in feed
• Essential oil sprays made for horses
• Keeping fields trimmed
• Removing brush and standing leaf litter
Commercial options:
• Permethrin-based sprays
• Fly sheets with neck covers
• Tick repellents approved for equine use
• Barn and pasture management
• Veterinary prevention programs
No product is 100% perfect. Layering protection works best.
And humans? Honestly… same story.
Wear light clothing so you can spot ticks easier.
Use repellents.
Check your scalp, behind knees, waistbands, armpits, and socks after being outside.
Shower after trail rides or hikes.
If you find a tick:
• Remove it with fine tweezers close to the skin
• Pull straight out slowly
• Clean the area
• Watch for rash, fever, fatigue, headaches, or joint pain over the next days to weeks
A tick can be attached for hours before transmitting some diseases, so finding them early matters.
This is your yearly reminder that trail riding season is amazing… but nature always sends tiny unpaid auditors with eight legs. Stay safe out there. 🐴🌿
