Tiny but mighty—that’s the best way to describe ticks. These minuscule pests may seem like a minor annoyance, but the reality is far more serious. Ticks can carry bacteria that lead to Lyme disease, and horses are not immune.

Whether you live in a tick-heavy region or plan to travel with your horse through one, it’s essential to understand how Lyme disease works, what signs to watch for, and how to support your horse naturally if exposure occurs.

What Causes Lyme Disease in Horses?

Lyme disease isn’t caused by ticks directly—it’s caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. However, ticks are the delivery service. All it takes is one bite from an infected tick to pass the bacteria into your horse’s bloodstream.

Ticks are most active in wooded areas and tall grasses during warmer months, especially late spring through fall. Horses that spend time in pastures, on trails, or near the edge of woodlands are particularly at risk.

What Are the Signs of Lyme Disease in Horses?

Lyme disease can be tricky to diagnose because symptoms may develop slowly and often mimic other conditions. Here are common signs to watch for:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Lethargy or a change in attitude

• Muscle soreness or shifting lameness

• Joint swelling, particularly in large joints

• Neurological symptoms, like hypersensitivity or poor coordination (in more advanced cases)

Supporting Your Horse Naturally

Once Lyme disease is diagnosed, your vet will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics. But as with any illness, supporting the body holistically during and after treatment is essential to full recovery.

At Silver Lining Herbs, we believe in a whole-body approach to healing. We recommend a three-part herbal approach for horses recovering from Lyme disease:

✅ Immune Support – Lyme can seriously weaken your horse’s natural defenses. Our Immune Support blend is designed to help restore healthy immune function and should be used for an extended period (often beyond 60 days) to give your horse the support they need for long-term recovery.

✅ Brain & Nerve Support – Lyme often affects the nervous system, leading to hypersensitivity or uncoordinated movement. Brain & Nerve offers targeted support for healthy nerve function and communication.

✅ INF-X – This blend promotes a healthy inflammatory response, helping the body clear lingering toxins and reduce discomfort related to Lyme and other infections.

We recommend using this trio for 30–60 days, and continuing with Immune Support afterward to help the body stay strong, especially as the immune system may remain compromised for some time.

Preventing Lyme Disease in Horses

While no prevention method is foolproof, you can take steps to reduce your horse’s risk of Lyme disease:

• Check your horse daily for ticks, especially around the tailhead, throatlatch, legs, and under the belly.

• Keep pastures mowed and trim back brushy areas to reduce tick habitat.

• Use our natural tick repellent when riding or turning out your horse.

• Support the immune system year-round to help the body fight off pathogens before symptoms set in.

The Bottom Line

Lyme disease is a real threat, but with early detection, veterinary care, and the right herbal support, your horse can bounce back. Staying proactive—especially during tick season—can help you avoid bigger issues down the trail.

Explore our Immune Support, Brain & Nerve, and INF-X blends today to give your horse the comprehensive care they need to recover and thrive.