Mobile Equine Weighbridge services for owners. Covering the south west (Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Hampshire and Dorset) of the UK.
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📣"What do you mean the next weekend appointment free is at the end of October?" 📣
You heard Bear right! The next weekend appointments that are available are Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October !!! Weekday and evening appointments are available throughout September but don't wait to get a slot booked in.
📞 07812420782
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💻 www.sg-equine-weighbridge.co.uk
⚖️ Grazing tip No.1️⃣ ⚖️
Over these next few post I will share some tips and alternative methods that we as horse owners can use to help our equines from the grazing perspective.
-- Track Systems--
Increasingly becoming popular in the UK with many yards opening up offering this style of management. As we know horses are herd animals and trickle feeders and these systems mimic these natural instincts well.
What is a track system ?
Track systems involve the horses living on a long track, usually around the perimeter of a field or several fields. Ideally, this track has low levels of grass or no grass at all (some are completely off grass), and resources such as hay, water, shelter, and enrichment are distributed around the track area. This purportedly encourages horses to move more than they would in a standard field environment.
The idea of a track system is predominantly based on the book “Paddock Paradise” by Jaime Jackson, who advocates grass free, surfaced tracks which will help to support hoof structure and health. A report constructed in 2020 by the University of Liverpool reported that 62% of owners reported that their horses loss weight when living on a track system.
Pros and Cons
Pros :
- movement is encouraged
- horses can be on the track 24/7 if adequate food, water and shelter are provided
- environmental enrichment - areas can be incorporated with scratching posts, poles and different surfaces can be used
- Herd and Social interaction
Cons:
- cost - the initial set up can be costly
- Wear on the grass - this method is not ideal for the best grassland management- but then not all tracks have to be permanent.
--HOW? --
Various shapes of tracks can be used but the more complicated shapes can inhibit movement so simplicity is key sometimes. Here are some examples of tracks that you can set up in a field. Spreading enrichment, food, water and shelter around the track will encourage movement.
More info:
https://www.thelaminitissite.org/emsid-faq/track-systems
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/equine/common-conditions/weight/
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/horse/wellbeing-and-care/grazing-systems-for-horses
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💻 www.sg-equine-weighbridge.co.uk
BOLLY UPDATE - H B Equestrian Services
Oh Bolly! So the past 2 sessions Bolly has gained weight BUT and this is a big BUT (pun not intended) Bolly has had some time off ! A well deserved holiday for Hannah to some enviously sunny climates and a ni**le for Bolly means he has had some weeks off. SO weigh gain and muscle loss for a horse that is a good doer is perfectly natural ! is it ideal.. no but it is natural especially if any of the following things are happening:
- it summer
- you have excellent grazing or cow grass
- your horse is an exceptionally good doer who lives off looking at a blade of grass
- you have dropped exercise as its too hot
- you give them a holiday
OR any number of reasons!! So over the next few weeks I'll aim to share some hints and tips on management of weight gain!
Bolly's weigh so far :
17/05/23 - 613kg - low 4
05/06/23 - 628kg - low 4 (+15kg)
19/07/23 - 621kg - high 3 (-7kg)
26/08/23 - 627kg - 3 (+6kg)
19/09/23 - 621KG - 3 (-6KG)
14/10/23 -611kg - 3 (-10kg)
15/11/23- 612kg - 3 (+1kg)
22/01/24 - 600kg - 3 (-12kg)
16/03/24 - 590kg - 3 (-10kg)
15/04/24 - 590kg - 3 (0kg)
30/05/24 - 594kg - 3 (+4kg)
26/06/24 - 604kg - Low end of a 4 (+10kg)
06/08/24 - 616kg - Low end of a 4 - (+12kg)
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Officially on our way now ! I will get back to messages on Monday.
‼️ I am going to the olympics ….. to watch ! I wish to ride 😂‼️
I will be away from Thursday 1st August- Sunday 4th August and back to teaching on Monday 5th !
Such an interesting article for us EMS horse owners !
The focus of feeding programs for EMS horses should be to reduce body weight and minimize the insulin response.
I have some last minute availability on Tuesday 9th July midday/ late morning in the BS49 area. Please message if you'd like to book in !
📞 07812420782
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💻 www.sg-equine-weighbridge.co.uk
What a wonderful visit back down to the New Forest in May! So many horse to see and I was happy to attend a Western Show and see so many blingy outfits I felt I needed to go home and jazz up my show jacket. Would you believe that Yella (Palamino) is a 25 yr old quarter horse stallion ?! He is looking super for his age!
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📣📣 Lucy's Weight 📣📣
They may be mother and daughter but they couldn't be more different to manage with their weights!! Lucy is notoriously hard to keep and put weight on, however she seems to have come out the other side. This time last year Lucy was 580kg, this year she is 656kg - thats a 76kg increase !!!! She has finally blossomed and put on a nice amount of weight and muscle..... however now is the time to keep an eye on her and make sure that the b***y does not become too b***ylicious 🍑.
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💻 www.sg-equine-weighbridge.co.uk
BOLLY UPDATE - H B Equestrian Services
Bolly is on ABSOLUTE FORM! After successfully doing Hazelton Manor, he's only gone and come 9th at West Wilts BE !! Doing wonderfully he has put on 4kgs which we will monitor but nothing to worry about! He is 19kg's lighter now than he was at this time last year! but his body condition score is so much better!
Bolly's weigh so far :
17/05/23 - 613kg - low 4
05/06/23 - 628kg - low 4 (+15kg)
19/07/23 - 621kg - high 3 (-7kg)
26/08/23 - 627kg - 3 (+6kg)
19/09/23 - 621KG - 3 (-6KG)
14/10/23 -611kg - 3 (-10kg)
15/11/23- 612kg - 3 (+1kg)
22/01/24 - 600kg - 3 (-12kg)
16/03/24 - 590kg - 3 (-10kg)
15/04/24 - 590kg - 3 (0kg)
30/05/24 - 594kg - 3 (+4kg)
📞 07812420782
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💻 www.sg-equine-weighbridge.co.uk
📣📣Giselle 📣📣
Giselle is officially the lightest weight she has ever been at 571kg (since I have been weighing her)!! After going on a medication for her osteoarthritis and now being able to do some work (20 mins of lunging per day)!
After a sugar syrup test we found Giselle has an abnormal response to sugar/grass. So currently she's permitted 30 mins of grass per day to see how her insulin responds. With the work I am aiming help her weight stay
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💻 www.sg-equine-weighbridge.co.uk
One of the reasons I absolutely love my job ! Meeting rare breeds !
Meet Athena (and her sister Adara not pictured) these two sisters are a very rare breed and it was a pleasure to meet them this past weekend weighing ........ Can anyone guess what breed we are ???
⬇️⬇️⬇️ - scroll down to find out- ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Skyrian or Skyross Pony - these two are 2 of only 300 Skyrian horse/pony in the entire world and 2 of 20 in the UK!
If anyone wishes to support this very rare breed of horses/ponies. Karen their owner has shared with me a go fund me page to help Athena and Adara’s breed in Greece.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/friendsoftheskyrianhorse-hayappeal?utm_term=rVpN2kdEd
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📣📣 SHOUT OUT TO BELLA 📣📣
Congratulations to Bella and her mum Laura (with assistance from Laura's friend). 🥳Bella has gone from being 524kg to 436kg in 10 months !!!! 🥳
I think we can all agree that we can see the difference in Bella's body, just shy of 100kg loss and her body condition score has certainly come down.
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Wow ! Meet these two absolutely gorgeous horses ! Belle (Strawberry Roan) and Blue (Blue Roan). These stunning horses are Belgium Brabants (Belgium drafts). Belle at 14 is fully grown and in her working career, where as Blue is only 3 and just starting some groundwork.
Brabants can get to over 17hh (Blues dad and grandfather are 18hh+) and the Mares to around 800kg and geldings to 900kg+. Helen their owner wanted me out as they are looking at horse boxes that would take these two not only in height but for the payload.
Just food for thought !
How many horses boxes are overladen because we don't know our horses weights?
I have heard from a horse transporter that they are seeing a rise of horse boxes being pulled over and sent to vehicle weighbridges to get checked...... don't get caught out !
📞 07812420782
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💻 www.sg-equine-weighbridge.co.uk
BOLLY UPDATE - H B Equestrian Services
Bolly is flying ! Sucessfuly doing Hazelton Manor last weekend Bolly is taking his return to eventing after team chasing well! Bolls stayed at the same weight this weigh in but is still looking super. Me and Hannah chatted about how at the end of a normal team chase season he usually is quite lean by comparison. This is a very interesting topic to chat about as depending on the horses job does depend on how much fat coverage there will be over the muscles. Team chasing is a very CV based event so the horses wont carry much fat (like racehorses).
Bolly's weigh so far :
17/05/23 - 613kg - low 4
05/06/23 - 628kg - low 4 (+15kg)
19/07/23 - 621kg - high 3 (-7kg)
26/08/23 - 627kg - 3 (+6kg)
19/09/23 - 621KG - 3 (-6KG)
14/10/23 -611kg - 3 (-10kg)
15/11/23- 612kg - 3 (+1kg)
22/01/24 - 600kg - 3 (-12kg)
16/03/24 - 590kg - 3 (-10kg)
15/04/24 - 590kg - 3 (0kg)
Superb past few weeks weighing ! Just an ANNOUNCEMENT. I am getting booked up very quickly at the moment so please do plan ahead as much as possible if you'd like a session. Here are my booked in ZONE DAYS, otherwise please message to book:
Sunday 5thy May - Lacock/Devizes/ Urchfont - Spaces available
Saturday 23rd May - New Forest - FULLY BOOKED
Sunday 23rd June - 2nd New Forest Day - Spaces Available.
📞 07812420782
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💻 www.sg-equine-weighbridge.co.uk
Bolly and Hannah rocking and rolling around Hazelton Manor !
WE’RE BACK!
A few rusty moments on my part but super pleased to have pulled off a 28.5 Dressage. The rest we need to sack the jockey 🫣 the excitement got to me!
This boy deserves all the credit! He is just awesome!!
Plan. Refocus and on to the next 🎉🎉
Hazleton Manor Equestrian
Sophie Gregory Mobile Equine Weighbridge
📸 Top Shots Photography
🌼📚 We're kicking off BETA Feed Fact Fortnight with a bang! 🎉 Check out our cracking graphic: "How much sugar is in…?" 🍬 Huge thanks to SPILLERS one of our fantastic BETA member supporters, for providing this awesome resource! 🙌
Ultimately, horses, just like people, gain excess weight when they consume more calories than they burn, regardless of where those calories come from. A horse stabled 24/7 and fed nothing but a low sugar hay replacer will gain weight if they consume more calories than they need, much like a person will gain weight if they over-consume nothing but ‘healthy’ foods. That said, diets high in sugar and/ or starch increase the risk of insulin dysregulation and laminitis (starch is sometimes overlooked but if your horse needs a low sugar diet, chances are they need a low starch diet too!).
If you’re trying to reduce your horse’s sugar intake, forage is the place to start. When it comes to ‘bucket feed’ (as opposed to forage), remember to consider the feeding rate and not just the percentage of sugar. The amount of sugar (and calories) consumed from any feed will depend on how much of it is eaten!
Did you know? Forage is the largest source of sugar in a horse’s diet!
Spring Feed Fact Fortnight is here, and we're thrilled to bring you a wealth of useful tips, informative videos, live interviews with experts, and exciting competitions! 🌱💡
In this edition, we're focusing on 'Healthy weight management – practical tips based on scientific research,' and we're debunking myths around sugar. 🚫🍭
Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates and announcements—share it all with your friends! Let's make this Feed Fact Fortnight one for the books! 📚💫
🌷🐴
What a superb weekend last weekend weighing 40+ horses. I think we can all agree that Tuffy and Flicka are doing their best model impressions!
Do get in touch if you'd like to arrange a visit :
📩 DM me
📞 07812 420782
📣BIG SHOUT OUT TO JILLY!!📣
I met Lara and Jilly back in Sep 2023 to weigh her and her pal Rocky. Jilly was overweight and everyone was aware, Jilly not only has surpassed her 1st weight loss goal but absolutely SMASHED IT!
Overall Jilly has lost a whopping 108kg in 6 months! With the majority being in the last 4 months. Lara has been on a mission with Jilly having moved yards and now at a yard surrounded with mahoosive hills Jilly has been working her ass off .... literally and figuratively! Still with a bit to loose and muscling up to come Jilly is well on her way !!!
*** FULLY BOOKED*** another 2 dates being put on 20th April and 23rd June
📣Calling all horses owners in the Salisbury/Ringwood/Pool/Bournemouth/ Lymington Area (the outlined triangle) 📣
I am planning a zone day in the area with my mobile equine weighbridge on Saturday 25th May!
(6 months since the last visit)
🐴 One horse or 10 + horses can be weighed 🐴
All weighs include:
➡ The weigh itself
➡ Body condition scoring
➡ Optional height measuring
➡ Weight target setting
➡ Record card
Drop me a message if you would like to book in.
Our Equine students had a great revision session with Sophie Gregory Mobile Equine Weighbridge.
Sophie explained to our students the importance of knowing their horse's weight and body condition score. They were then able to get hands-on experience, feeling for themselves and solidifying their knowledge in preparation for their endpoint assessment.
Thank you Sophie, and Guinness, for being the weighbridge model! 🐴
BOLLY UPDATE - H B Equestrian Services
On Saturday I went to see my ambassador Hannah and Bolly. Poor Bolls has had a few rough weeks with sickness and a bruised sole so had an easier past few weeks. As well as this Noah and his Arc level rain has put a halt to his and as a whole the team chasing season so him and Hannah are trying their hand at eventing again.
Despite Bolly's sulky face his weight is looking super!
Bolly's weigh so far :
17/05/23 - 613kg - low 4
05/06/23 - 628kg - low 4 (+15kg)
19/07/23 - 621kg - high 3 (-7kg)
26/08/23 - 627kg - 3 (+6kg)
19/09/23 - 621KG - 3 (-6KG)
14/10/23 -611kg - 3 (-10kg)
15/11/23- 612kg - 3 (+1kg)
22/01/24 - 600kg - 3 (-12kg)
16/03/24 - 590kg - 3 (-10kg)
So despite Bolly's down time he has actually lost some weight but his BCS is still good with a nice amount of muscle covering.
Wonderful weekend filled with weighing ! Loads of horses weighed and targets set. It was great to see new clients and advising, alongside repeat clients and checking if they are on track.
Totally forgot to take photos aside from my ambassador Bolly! And a willing kitty ! 🐱
Hi All ! Apologies for being a bit quiet, it has been manic with me competing at regionals and area festivals with my pony !
Just a little heads up to anyone booking in, I am getting A LOT of messages currently and the diary is filling up quick!! Currently, weekend slots are available towards the end of March (23rd) and then after that its the end of April !
I have weekday and evening appointments free so fear not! Appointments are available as late as 7pm if need be.
Heads up ! With the summer approaching (FINALLY) and my weekends are filling with judging so I may only be able to give you times the week of.
See you all soon !
Wow what a week of weighing.
- 27 horses weighed
- total of 13,967kgs weighed
- 1 weighbridge/ nutritional talk to college students
- and more messages asking for a visit than I can shake a stick at 🥳!
Roll on this week with equally as many visits !
Please be aware at the end of Feb I am away for 2 of the weekends competing so may have limited availability.
🐴Giselle🐴
This supermodel of a horse is the reason why when I say 'I understand" I truly mean it. Giselle is my now 18 year old semi retired dressage horse. In 2022 whilst recovering from an injury we had a bout of laminitis and subsequently diagnosed with EMS (equine metabolic syndrome).
Me and the vet were totally gobsmacked at her blood results as she was a fit and healthy weight competition horse but she proved that any horse is at risk. So when I see horses and ponies that have EMS or Cushings or any metabolic condition I truly understand the struggle, issues and everything that comes along with having a horse with these conditions.
So when I say ' Non judgemental service' I mean it!
No horse or owner should be made to feel shame or judgement, because at the end of the day you if you are having me out, you are starting on the journey of having a horse with a metabolic condition and how to deal with it and ensure your horse lives life to the fullest.
What a year 2023 was for us! Roll on 2024!
I get the question "How often should I get my horse weighed?" quite frequently, and my answer is always the same. You should get your horse weighed as often or as infrequently as you'd like to.
However, the most popular routine is 6 monthly. I would often recommend that if you're thinking of this then the best times would be coming into winter and coming into summer so that you know what weight you are going into the season with.
If you'd like to get your horse booked in please do pop me a message.
So proud of Mr Teasel for his weight gain !
Big shout out to this young man!!
At 28 years old, gaining 7kg in just 2 weeks!! In the middle of winter!!
We have struggled with Teasle’s weight all year, after he was put on medication which caused him to go on hunger strike!!! 6 weeks ago we were all very concerned, his outlook looked very bleak.
With a few trial and error methods with have finally found a good balance to help improve his weight. 🎉🎉🎉
The best news to end the year on for this old boy!!
Thank you for all of your support during this very challenging period.
Melksham
SN12
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