Horse care tips

Egg counts don't reliably detect tapeworm. Use a saliva or blood test instead, ideally in spring and autumn.

Encysted small redworm larvae hide in the gut wall over winter and don't show up in egg counts. Ask your vet or SQP about a blood test or a winter dewormer.

'Mud fever' covers several skin conditions. If you're unsure, ask your vet to confirm what it is before you start treating it.

Sweet itch is mostly seen from March to November, when biting midges are active. Don't ignore early signs such as rubbing at the mane or tail.

Atypical myopathy signs include stiffness, muscle tremors, sweating, weakness and dark red or brown urine. It can worsen within hours — call your vet urgently.

Signs of acorn poisoning include acorn husks in droppings, dullness, poor appetite, colic and bloody diarrhoea. Call your vet if you're worried.

For a few weeks after an event or time away from the yard, keep a closer eye on your horse's temperature, heart rate and breathing.