Scales For Weighing Horses

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Knowing a horse’s weight is absolutely vital to so many aspects of equestrian maintenance-- medication dosage, feed supply, selling, optimal racing, etc. Unfortunately, these massive animals don’t weigh themselves. However, there are several scales on the market designed to weigh horses (and other livestock, if need be) with both accuracy and ease. They provide more precise results than a weigh tape. They’re a great investment, particularly for larger establishments.

It is vital that your horse scale is designed to be as animal friendly as possible. Any scale you plan to weigh your animal with should have the ability to measure weight even as your object is moving. After all, since you cannot guarantee that a horse will remain still for even the brief duration it takes to weigh something, a scale that fails to incorporate this feature will render itself useless through its inability to provide accurate results.

Additionally, the overall design of the scale should be as unobtrusive as possible. Look for scales that have an ultra-low platform; it will make loading ...
... the horses easier. Consider also scales that operate quickly (under five seconds) and with as little noise as possible. These features will help avoid any negative reactions from the horse during the weighing process. Some manufacturers offer scales with built-in railings. It’s not an essential feature, but it can help you gain additional control over the animal while you’re weighing it.

Another aspect that lends a scale animal friendliness is the overall design. Considering the weight and wear your scale will experience, it should be constructed of welded heavy duty metal, multiple load cells, ideally made from stainless steel, and no moving parts. A high quality scale constructed like this will prove shock resistant, a definite asset when you’re dealing with several hundred pounds of shifting matter. Plus, the majority of scales are often easy-to-clean and water resistant. On this note, you should steer clear of scales that feature some sort of paint coating since the results are bound to be negative (e.g., chipping, pollution, and inaccuracy). Most scales also prove safe for outdoor use and storage.

Of course, like any scale, horse scales should also be user-friendly. For starters, this means a clear LCD display. Most equine scales have a large display that you can either hang on to or mount to an included swivel hook for easy, panoramic viewing. The scale should also offer you the chance to make the most of its digital capabilities, meaning you can connect to an Ethernet plug, memory card, or USB for easy data transmission and system integration. Likewise, a scale that reaches its full digital capacity will provide you with either automatic or one-time calibration. Since most equestrian weighing occurs outside, it’s also useful for your scale to be mobile and power source free, with rechargeable batteries. Finally, to ensure that the scale is user-friendly, make sure it is high capacity and easily operated by just one person.

As with any scale, horse models are no exception to demanding the best accuracy possible. The requirements specific to horse scales help guarantee these standards are consistently met.