Postal worm egg count specialists, Westgate Labs, was started by husband-and-wife duo David and Gillian Booth back in 1999. The business set out with a huge mission to improve the knowledge and practice of horse worming in the UK, from their farm in Northumberland.
Mr Booth said: “It was the most exciting of times, making plans and learning all we could to pave the way for the change we knew needed to happen. Resistance was coming to the fore in sheep farming, yet accepted practice in horses was still to dose on a routine schedule, it seemed no one had even heard of using worm egg counts back then.
“We could see what the threat of resistance could do and all this potential to make a difference. Somebody needed to take it on, and we made the decision to step up.”
Mrs Booth said: “From its tiny beginnings the business has surpassed all expectations. We’re immensely proud of what’s been achieved. Worm egg counts are now accepted practice for horse parasite control, research has given us additional tests and better knowledge about management to reduce our reliance on chemicals. I
“It’s very fulfilling to have led the way in these changes and to have made such a significant difference to horse health. In the beginning we absolutely underestimated the challenge of changing behaviour. It wasn’t just promoting a service but selling a whole new concept. Its why education, customer support and innovation remain at the forefront of everything we do.”
