We spoke with equine vet Johnny Atkins BVSc from VS Equine Dannevirke about why regular manure collection is essential for maintaining horse health.
The Benefits of Removing Horse Manure from Pastures to Control Parasite Burdens
Regular removal of manure from pastures is one of the most effective, low-cost strategies for reducing internal parasite burdens in horses, and something we recommend to all our clients. Internal parasites have life cycles that involve eggs being passed in manure, hatching into larvae, and migrating onto pasture where they are then consumed by grazing horses.
By removing manure at least twice a week, you interrupt this life cycle before larvae can develop and spread. Larvae can appear on surrounding pasture within 4 days in ideal conditions (think warm and moist), so prompt manure collection (usually at least every 3 days) greatly reduces reinfection rates. This in turn reduces the need for frequent chemical deworming and helps slow the development of drench resistance. We also see added benefits in pasture quality and cleanliness.
Combined with targeted faecal egg counting (a measure of the number of parasite eggs being shed by an individual animal), manure removal is a simple, sustainable way to manage parasite risks and promote long-term horse health without over-reliance on drenches.
Johnny Atkins BVSc
VS Equine Dannevirke
Why This Matters for Horse Owners
Manure collection isn’t just about keeping pastures tidy – it’s a vital part of your parasite management plan. Breaking the parasite life cycle protects your horses, reduces chemical use, and improves pasture quality over time. Clean pastures also create safer, more enjoyable environments for both horses and riders.
Make Manure Collection Easier
While manual collection works, it can quickly become time-consuming on larger properties. That’s where the Tow and Collect comes in.
Tow and Collect machines make manure removal fast, efficient, and chemical-free – cleaning up to half an acre in just 25 minutes. Whether you have two horses or twenty, these machines help you keep on top of manure before parasite larvae have a chance to spread, saving hours of labor each week.
Cleaner pastures, healthier horses – made simple.
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