Tick infestation (on the body or ears) usually occurs during the spring, summer and early fall, but certain species of ticks can be seen attached to horses in the winter. Backcountry riding exposes you and your horse to ticks.

Ticks cause a variety of conditions in horses. Ear ticks cause ear inflammation and sometimes resulting bacterial ear infection. Ticks can cause local skin lesions including crusts, bumps and scabs with variable itchiness.

Importantly, ticks transmit a variety of diseases to horses and other animals including Babesia (Piroplasmosis) blood parasites, Anaplasma (Ehrlichiosis), Lyme Disease, Tularemia, and Theileria. Certain tick species can cause a condition known as tick paralysis, from toxins produced by the tick. This can cause weakness, wobbliness, even signs of abdominal pain (colic) and collapse.