Black insect - flea or lice??!?

[ropa]

I have now seen two very small black insects that have come off my horse and onto me. It was very small and slithered rather than jumped or flew! Anyone ever seen anything like this?? What is it??

 

[suzysparkle]

Sounds like ticks. Before they attach they are really small and black.

 

[little_critter]

I have now seen two very small black insects that have come off my horse and onto me. It was very small and slithered rather than jumped or flew! Anyone ever seen anything like this?? What is it??

Are they round or long and thin? (I realise you say they are small)
The way you say they move makes me think of thunder bugs, very small but are long and thin rather than round (which I would imagine empty ticks to be like)