Horsemen’d Laboratory

Horsemen's Laboratory, located at 70 County Rd 2700 N, Mahomet, IL 61853, USA, operates as a highly specialized service rather than a traditional walk-in **Pet Hospital**. While it doesn't offer typical veterinary clinical services like surgery or emergency care for general pets, it is a crucial resource for equine health, focusing specifically on parasite control for horses. The laboratory's primary function is to provide expert analysis and guidance for horse owners, aiming to optimize deworming strategies based on scientific evidence.

The environment of Horsemen's Laboratory is distinct from that of a conventional veterinary clinic. As a specialized laboratory, its environment is geared towards efficient sample processing and scientific analysis. While clients typically do not visit the physical location for services, the operational environment emphasizes precision, hygiene, and controlled conditions necessary for accurate diagnostic testing. The staff, including Dr. John W. Byrd, DVM, and the current owner Ivy Lewis, are professionals with deep expertise in equine health and parasitology. Their work environment focuses on the meticulous handling of fecal samples, advanced laboratory procedures, and clear communication of results. This internal environment is designed to ensure the reliability and speed of the testing services provided, which are then communicated remotely to horse owners and veterinarians across various locations. The commitment to a professional and scientific approach underpins their operations.

The core service offered by Horsemen's Laboratory is **Equine Fecal Egg Count (FEC) testing**, often referred to as McMaster's Test. This service allows horse owners to determine the parasite burden in their horses without unnecessary deworming, promoting responsible parasite management and reducing the risk of drug resistance. Clients purchase easy-to-use mail-in kits that include containers, sealed plastic bags, and pre-addressed, prepaid envelopes for sending samples to the lab. Upon receipt, the lab performs the fecal egg count, and the results are then conveniently emailed to the client. This service provides quantitative data on strongyle worm egg counts, indicating whether a horse is a high, low, or medium shedder, and helps identify if deworming is actually needed and what type of worms might need targeting. Beyond fecal testing, Horsemen's Laboratory also offers a **Consultation Service** with Dr. John W. Byrd, DVM. These are personal, one-on-one phone consultations designed to provide expert advice on proper worm control programs for individual horses or entire herds. Dr. Byrd emphasizes phone consultations to allow for a thorough discussion of the horse's history, care, and environment, ensuring the best recommendations for deworming strategies. They also offer a Tapeworm Test Kit as a separate service. The focus of all services is on evidence-based deworming, moving away from routine, blanket administration of dewormers that can contribute to resistance.

Several key features make Horsemen's Laboratory a unique and valuable service for horse owners. Firstly, its **specialization in equine parasitology** is a defining characteristic. This focused expertise, particularly in fecal egg count testing, allows them to provide highly accurate and reliable results that general veterinary practices might not offer with the same depth. Secondly, the **convenience of their mail-in kits** is a significant feature. This "fast and easy" process allows horse owners from various locations to access their specialized testing without the need for a physical clinic visit, saving time and often reducing costs compared to traditional veterinary diagnostics. The kits include everything needed, from sample collection to return postage, streamlining the entire process. Thirdly, the **rapid turnaround time for results** is consistently praised by clients, with many reporting receiving email results within just a few days of mailing their samples. This quick feedback enables prompt decision-making regarding deworming. Fourthly, the emphasis on **targeted deworming based on scientific data** is a critical feature. By providing precise egg counts, Horsemen's Laboratory empowers owners to deworm only when necessary, minimizing chemical exposure for the horses and reducing the development of anthelmintic resistance within parasite populations. This approach is highly beneficial for the long-term health of horses and the environment. Lastly, the availability of **expert phone consultations with Dr. Byrd** provides personalized guidance, adding significant value beyond just testing results. This direct access to a DVM specializing in equine medicine helps owners interpret results and develop effective parasite management plans.

While there isn't traditional "promotional information" in the sense of advertised sales or discounts, the strongest promotion for Horsemen's Laboratory comes from the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews and testimonials. Clients frequently express their satisfaction with the "easy to use kits and mailing," "quick turnaround with results," and the "excellent service." Many reviews highlight the cost-effectiveness, noting that the service is "much better price than having my vet do it" and allows them "to save on worming products" by deworming only when needed. The peace of mind gained from knowing their horses are healthy and not receiving unnecessary chemicals is a recurring theme. Testimonials emphasize the clarity of emailed results, the convenience of reminders for retesting, and the ease of the entire process. The personal touch of Dr. Byrd taking phone calls to "help sort out parasite problems for repeat offenders!" is also a strong point of promotion, demonstrating a commitment to client support and ongoing education. The efficacy of their service is underscored by reports of dramatically reduced deworming needs within herds, leading to healthier animals and farms. For horse owners, the combination of convenience, affordability, rapid results, and expert guidance on a critical aspect of equine health makes Horsemen's Laboratory a highly recommended and valuable resource. Their operational model, focused on precise laboratory diagnostics and remote consultation, effectively promotes responsible and cost-efficient parasite control for horses, solidifying their reputation as a top-tier provider in this specialized field.