A recent study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science marks an advancement in understanding the relationship between parasites and horse health and a scoring system projected to improve welfare outcomes in equine populations.
Researchers evaluated the parasitic loads of horses at the University of Connecticut while simultaneously applying the new skin and coat condition scoring system. They found that horses with higher levels of parasites exhibited poorer coat conditions, particularly in hair luster. This finding is significant, as it provides a quantifiable method to assess the impact of parasites, particularly strongyles, on horse health.
Source: Innovative Veterinary Care, February 26, 2026. Link.
Paying close attention to coat quality can provide valuable clues about what’s happening inside the horse.”
Also see:
- Equine Science Update, November 16, 2025. Link.
- New scoring system for horse skin, coat condition, Vet Candy, October 29, 2025. Link.
INSIGHTS: Scoring systems lend additional credibility to what veterinarians frequently already know from their observations and horse owners’ stable history.
Image: Link.
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