In a milestone celebration marking a quarter-century of dedication to equine health, Westgate Labs commemorates its 25th anniversary as a pioneer in improving horse worming practices. Founded in 1999 by husband-and-wife team David and Gillian Booth, the company embarked on a mission to revolutionize horse parasite control from their humble farm in Northumberland.
Reflecting on the early days of the business, David Booth recalls the determination to drive change: “We recognized the looming threat of resistance in sheep farming and realized the urgent need for a similar shift in horse worming practices. Back then, the concept of using worm egg counts was virtually unheard of. We saw an opportunity to make a difference and decided to seize it.”
Gillian Booth adds, “From its modest beginnings, Westgate Labs has exceeded all expectations. We take immense pride in our contributions to the evolution of worming practices and the positive impact on horse health. Education and innovation have been pivotal in our journey.”
Over the past two and a half decades, Westgate Labs has remained at the forefront of equine parasite control, offering invaluable advice and pioneering solutions. Despite progress, challenges persist, with resistance to conventional worming chemicals outpacing advancements in new practices.
Continuing their commitment to innovation and education, Westgate Labs remains a trusted authority in the field, recognized with numerous awards and actively contributing to industry-wide initiatives such as CANTER (Controlling ANTiparasitic Resistance in Equines Responsibly).
With a dedicated team of 15 staff members, including founders David and Gillian Booth serving as non-executive directors, Westgate Labs continues to provide personalized service to horse owners, yard managers, retailers, merchants, and veterinarians across the country.
Looking ahead, daughter Claire Shand, who joined as a Director in 2015, emphasizes the company’s ongoing dedication to equine health: “As we embark on the next chapter, our focus remains on adapting to evolving challenges while prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. With our core principle of horse health guiding us, we’re excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
As Westgate Labs celebrates 25 years of innovation and service, their legacy of excellence in equine health continues to inspire and drive positive change in the industry.
Feature image: From its small beginnings; Westgate Labs now employs 17 members of staff in their purpose built laboratory.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.