Groom on the Go

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Groom on the Go Experienced Freelance Groom/Rider based in Scottish Borders, also covering North Northumberland Checkout my website for further information.

Professional & Experienced Freelance Groom/Rider based in Northumberland. Available to help with all your equine needs: Clipping, Pre-hunting/competition turnout, exercising, general yard duties and holiday care.

Some sad news this morning 😢 I spent many an afternoon looking between these ears over the years, RIP Fraggle. Thinking ...
13/03/2022

Some sad news this morning 😢 I spent many an afternoon looking between these ears over the years, RIP Fraggle. Thinking of you Sarah xx

Baby Tommy had his very first hair cut today. He was very brave and stood good as gold!I always try to make their first ...
12/10/2021

Baby Tommy had his very first hair cut today. He was very brave and stood good as gold!
I always try to make their first one as stress free as possible, it’s an experience they take with them forever, and let’s face it, having a horse that’s difficult to clip is a pain 😊🐴

08/10/2021

**CENTAUR BIOMECHANICS BLOG SERIES**

GIRTH BUCKLE HEIGHT – DOES IT MATTER?

It has been a long-held belief that the position of the girth buckle can influence the rider’s leg position and effectiveness of their leg aid. To limit this, riders can choose a girth which allows the buckles to be fastened so that they do not hinder the riders leg position or effectiveness. This generally means using a short girth so that the buckles are fastened in the region behind the horse’s elbow (A), meaning the buckles are out of the way of the rider’s lower leg.

Previously we have demonstrated the effect that girth design has on equine locomotion (1, 2). In brief, girth pressures are highest in the region behind the horse’s elbow and not over the sternum. When girth pressures were reduced with girth modifications, this was associated with improved gait features. In conclusion girth pressures can have a significant effect on the locomotor apparatus of the horse.

As already mentioned, girth pressures are highest in the region behind the elbow therefore, by positioning the buckles in this region, you are increasing the pressures and consequently affecting the horse’s locomotion. The girth lies over the junction of various muscles: intercostal, thoracic serratus ventralis, descending/ascending pectorals, external abdominal oblique and re**us abdominus all of which are involved in posture and locomotion therefore, girth fit and design are important considerations along with the girth buckle height. The horse will develop a locomotor strategy to alleviate any discomfort caused by, in this case, the girth. Girth pressures are directly related to locomotion with girth pressures occurring every stride therefore, it seems logical to understand why some horses will alter their way of going in response to equipment induced pressures.

As a general rule, the higher the girth buckles can be positioned, the better avoiding the region behind the elbow (B). This does not affect the riders leg position or use of their leg aid therefore, the long-held belief that girth buckles should be low down, is a fallacy and greater awareness of the effects that girth buckle height can have on equine comfort and performance is needed. Girth fit, design and positioning of the buckles should be discussed with a qualified saddle fitter and the effect that the girth can have on equine comfort and performance should not be underestimated.

Hope the above is interesting.

Previous blogs http://www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/

Please like / follow our page for more blogs and please share to raise awareness.

Dr. Russell MacKechnie-Guire
Centaur Biomechanics

1. Murray R, Guire R, Fisher M, Fairfax V. Girth pressure measurements reveal high peak pressures that can be avoided using an alternative girth design that also results in increased limb protraction and flexion in the swing phase. Vet J. 2013;198(1):92-7.
2. Murray RF, V.; Fisher, M.;Pfau, T; and MacKechnie-Guire, R. Girth design in galloping racehorses influences limb kinematics, under-girth pressures and force distribution. Equine Veterinary Journal. 2021;53(S55):11-.

Rounded off the day with clips number 6&7 for this week. Gorgeous shiny boy 😊🐴✂️
07/10/2021

Rounded off the day with clips number 6&7 for this week. Gorgeous shiny boy 😊🐴✂️

In 2014, Badger joined my list for what was originally maternity cover for Jane….. well maternity cover turned into 7yrs...
06/10/2021

In 2014, Badger joined my list for what was originally maternity cover for Jane….. well maternity cover turned into 7yrs and counting 😂! Team Peart has expanded in that time in both two legged and four legged family members😂There’s been new arrivals and some departures but always Badger on the to do list.
But the time has come to wish Badger a well earned happy retirement! She’s never put a foot wrong in all that time, we’ve never parted company….. although we’ve come close more than once with her trade mark spooking, no napping on the job with her 😂 Enjoy being a lady of leisure Badgey!☺️

28/09/2021

Hi everyone! That time of year again and the clipping diary is already busy! So if you’re planning a clip, can I ask you give me a little notice so I can make sure I get you pencilled in as soon as I can. Thanks!😊🐴🍂✂️

14/09/2021

All horses need deep sleep overnight that requires lying down completely. Stall size, bedding, and stress can cause horses to get insufficient rest.

Groom on the Go is relocating!After making the decision in 2019 that it was time for a move.... it’s finally happening. ...
18/02/2021

Groom on the Go is relocating!
After making the decision in 2019 that it was time for a move.... it’s finally happening.
21 years after coming to Wark to work with horses it’s time to hop back over the border (but only just lol) I will still be in the Bellingham area on a daily basis during the week for the foreseeable, but it does mean for logistical reasons I am saying a sad farewell to some of my lovely clients who are further afield 😢
I can’t thank you all enough for your support over the last 7 and a half years, both horses and owners have been fantastic and nothing but a pleasure! 🥰 I look forward to following all your adventures and successes on here when we can all get out and about again!
Amanda xx

It’s nearly always windy up here, but this afternoon it was so still and quiet ❄️ That was in between the snorting and b...
06/01/2021

It’s nearly always windy up here, but this afternoon it was so still and quiet ❄️ That was in between the snorting and bouncing from Badger, because being able to see and hear for miles creates all sorts of excitement 😂🐴

Always nice to get pictures from happy customers out and about 😊
28/12/2020

Always nice to get pictures from happy customers out and about 😊

Four mane tidy ups and a pre hunting plait up to start the morning 😊🐴
28/12/2020

Four mane tidy ups and a pre hunting plait up to start the morning 😊🐴

A snowy end to the working week! Wishing all my clients, their families and four legged partners a very Merry Christmas!...
24/12/2020

A snowy end to the working week! Wishing all my clients, their families and four legged partners a very Merry Christmas! I’ve been thoroughly spoilt with gifts this week! Looking forward to a new year (and spring 😂) 🎄☃️❄️ Amanda x

Yard done, pony ridden, dogs been out for a wander..... not the morning originally planned, but might as well continue t...
20/12/2020

Yard done, pony ridden, dogs been out for a wander..... not the morning originally planned, but might as well continue the theme of 2020 😂

A day of clipping and schooling followed by scrubbing and plaiting. It’s always been my favourite time of the day either...
12/12/2020

A day of clipping and schooling followed by scrubbing and plaiting. It’s always been my favourite time of the day either early in the morning or last thing in the day when a yard is quiet and it’s just you, the horses and the radio getting them ready 😊

So pleased with the little man today, he really tried for me and lovely to see his Mum as pleased with him as me 🐴😊
06/12/2020

So pleased with the little man today, he really tried for me and lovely to see his Mum as pleased with him as me 🐴😊

Started clipping at 8am, quick break mid morning to get one exercised and washed ready to show jump tomorrow then back t...
05/12/2020

Started clipping at 8am, quick break mid morning to get one exercised and washed ready to show jump tomorrow then back to clipping this afternoon. Home time, ready for a cuppa and a shower! 🐴✂️🚿☕️

-3 ❄️ time to fish out the exercise sheets, but I’ll take cold and frosty over wet and muddy any day!
28/11/2020

-3 ❄️ time to fish out the exercise sheets, but I’ll take cold and frosty over wet and muddy any day!

26/11/2020

Shiney boy after a haircut this afternoon 😊✨

24/11/2020

The ban will come into force in FEI events next summer

Pretty start this morning, shame it didn’t last long ☔️
27/10/2020

Pretty start this morning, shame it didn’t last long ☔️

Another happy clipped customer this afternoon 😊✂️
22/10/2020

Another happy clipped customer this afternoon 😊✂️

Another haircut this afternoon 😊🐴✂️
06/10/2020

Another haircut this afternoon 😊🐴✂️

From 2 degrees this morning in the fog to schooling in a t-shirt this afternoon..... it’s definitely autumn 🙈.... and I’...
29/09/2020

From 2 degrees this morning in the fog to schooling in a t-shirt this afternoon..... it’s definitely autumn 🙈.... and I’ve just pencilled in the first clip of the season for Thursday.....here’s to being itchy for the next 6 months 😂🍂🐴

15/09/2020

A morning of equine dentals, 7 horses and ponies all good to go again, followed by an afternoon of flat work, got off the last one at 5pm and it’s still 22 degrees☀️

13/09/2020

Surround yourself with those who help you up, not put you down 🙌🏼

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