We are sometimes asked why fecal testing four times a year is necessary and why twice isn’t enough. Fecal testing is only reliable when done frequently. It is essential to monitor the worm cycle closely. The cycle of the most common intestinal worm (small strongyle) is 6 to 8 weeks. If a horse is sensitive or has lowered immunity, the worm population can quickly grow, leading to an infection. If you go 5 to 6 months without testing, your horse may already be showing symptoms, or it becomes difficult to break the cycle, resulting in recurring infections. During the summer, infection pressure increases, which is why we advise no more than 2 months between tests. This way, you can effectively monitor the cycle and treat in time if necessary.