Glasgow Equine Hospital and Practice, University of Glasgow
A state of the art Veterinary Hospital and First Opinion Practice
The Glasgow Equine Hospital is situated in the scenic Garscube Estate in Bearsden, on the north-western fringe of Greater Glasgow, approximately 6 miles from the city centre. An equine hospital has been at this site for many years but the current hospital was opened in 1995, with subsequent expansions made to increase patient capacity and provide entirely separate isolation facilities. The Glasgow Equine Hospital works closely with veterinary surgeons throughout Scotland and northern England to provide support and referral services for horses in need of specific procedures or further diagnostics, treatment and hospitalisation. Referral is open to all cases and should be discussed first with your own vet, who will then liaise with the vets at the Hospital. Staff are dedicated to providing a professional, reliable and cost effective service whilst maintaining the highest standards of patient care. The Glasgow Equine Practice is the ambulatory side of the Equine Hospital, and offers high quality veterinary care to the horses in its local catchment area, with stable-side diagnostics and 24-hour emergency provision. Horses, ponies and donkeys registered with the Practice also have the option of being cared for at the Hospital when in need of further intensive treatment or nursing. The hospital’s team of on-site staff, extensive facilities and diagnostic laboratory offers the advantage of 24-hour nursing with continuous professional care. Patients are stabled in large, well ventilated modern stables with additional facilities for intensive care patients, mares and foals and a sand-floored stable for laminitic cases. Our vets have postgraduate specialist training in different aspects of horse medicine and surgery, between them holding four Diplomas from European Specialist Colleges, two American Diplomas and seven RCVS post-graduate Certificates. Four of the vets are recognised by the RCVS as specialists (similar to hospital consultants) in either Equine Medicine or Equine Surgery, and we work closely with in-house specialists in anaesthesia and diagnostic imaging. The team ethos remains practical, with the aim at all times of achieving the best possible outcome for both you and your horse. The Hospital is registered with the European Board of Veterinary Specialists as a training centre in both medicine and surgery for veterinary surgeons wishing to develop further skills in these areas. There are currently five resident veterinary surgeons working at the Weipers Centre whilst completing a 4-year further training period in specialist medicine or surgery. Our nursing team includes four Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) who bring combined experience from different equine veterinary hospitals and practices. The equine nursing team is assisted by animal technicians and year 5 veterinary students, enabling us to give effective and economic 24-hour nursing to our inpatients.
12/09/2025
Henry had lameness in a front leg that improved with rest, but never fully went away. Because the injured tendon was inside his foot, there was no swelling to see — which made diagnosis tricky.
Using standing MRI, we were able to identify the tendon damage without the need for a general anaesthetic. Once we knew exactly what we were dealing with, Henry came into surgery.
Through a small keyhole approach, the damaged tendon fibres were carefully cleaned away and stem cells were injected directly into the injury. These stem cells support stronger healing and help reduce the risk of re-injury.
Henry’s case shows how advanced imaging and regenerative treatments can work together to give horses the best chance of a safe return to soundness.
08/09/2025
This clip shows what happens when a hoof doesn’t land evenly.
Instead of the foot absorbing impact in a balanced way, one side strikes the ground first. Over time, this uneven loading can put extra strain on joints, tendons, and ligaments — increasing the risk of lameness.
That’s why regular farriery and careful monitoring are so important. Balanced trimming and shoeing support the hoof’s natural shock-absorbing design, while our vets can investigate when movement suggests discomfort or injury.
By spotting these changes early, we can work with farriers to correct imbalances and help protect your horse’s long-term soundness.
06/09/2025
Autumn is a good time to schedule dental checks before horses come onto more hay and hard feed for winter.
Routine dentistry helps us pick up early changes such as decay, sharp enamel points, or painful diastema, preventing problems before they affect condition or performance.
Here the sharp points on the teeth have caused ulceration in Rosie's cheeks.
UofG School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
05/09/2025
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Professor Sandy Love.
Sandy was the first Director of the Weipers Centre and a central figure in shaping veterinary education at Glasgow. His vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence created a foundation that has supported generations of veterinary surgeons. Many of today’s clinicians and academics can trace their careers back to the opportunities and encouragement Sandy provided.
A teacher extraordinaire, Sandy combined deep knowledge with a gift for communication. His lectures were legendary — insightful, rigorous, and often laced with the dry, wry wit that made him so memorable to students and colleagues alike. He demanded high standards but gave even more in return, inspiring confidence and ambition in those he taught.
Beyond the lecture theatre, Sandy was an accomplished amateur jockey and a true man of Glasgow, with a love of horses and a pride in his city that was woven through his professional and personal life. He brought these passions together in a career that not only advanced veterinary medicine but also connected with the equine world in a way few others could.
Sandy’s passing marks the end of an era for the Weipers Centre and for the wider veterinary community. He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his humour, generosity, and the enduring impact he had on the lives of those he taught and worked alongside.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on in the many careers he launched, the profession he strengthened, and the countless lives he touched.
UofG School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
30/08/2025
⏳ Just 24 hours left to enter our August Hidden Horse competition!
To be in with a chance of winning the gorgeous LeMieux Elite Pro Grooming Kit, all you need to do is:
🐴 Find one of the hidden horse icons on our website
💡 Suggest a topic you'd love to hear more about at one of our client evenings
📨 DM us your screenshot and idea by midnight tomorrow (August 31st)!
🗣️ And while we’re planning the next competition…
What should the next prize be? Another grooming kit? A branded rug? A treat bundle?
Drop your prize ideas in the comments below 👇 — we’re all ears!
29/08/2025
Today we said a fond farewell to Josie and Demi, two of our amazing interns who have come to the end of their year with us. Our interns are an integral part of the team, they work with both the surgery and medicine teams, alongside teaching our final year students. 🤩
Both of them have been brilliant team members, working day and night to give our patients the best care. They are both moving on to new chapters in their careers and we wish them the very best of luck for the future.
This means that there will be some new faces around the hospital, Annie has already started, and we’re looking forward to welcoming another new intern in September.
Thank you both, we’ll miss you around the hospital.
UofG School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
23/08/2025
⏳ LAST CHANCE to enter our August competition!
Have a look through the Glasgow Equine Practice pages and see if you can find a tiny horse icon 👀
You’ll need to send us a screenshot and suggest a topic you’d love to see at a future client evening — we want to know what you want to learn more about.
🏆 The winner receives a LeMieux Elite Pro Grooming Kit — and we’ll be drawing the prize in just a few days!
📨 DM us your entry by August 31st
17/08/2025
🐎 We’re halfway through August — have you found the Hidden Horse yet?
This month’s competition prize is still up for grabs — just screenshot one of the hidden horse icons on our site and tell us what you’d like to learn about at one of our client evenings.
💬 We've already had suggestions for worming advice and recognising subtle lameness. What’s yours?
DM us your entry before the end of August to be in the prize draw!
14/08/2025
🌡 Managing Horses Safely During This Week’s Heatwave
With temperatures soaring this week, it’s important to take steps to protect horses from heat stress. Buildings – especially those with limited ventilation – can heat up quickly, and warm, still air can put horses at risk.
Key steps to help your horse stay comfortable and safe:
Cool down promptly – Cold hosing or sponging with cool water can help lower body temperature.
Fresh water – Buckets and troughs can warm up in the sun; refresh water regularly so it’s clean and cool.
Maximise airflow – Turn out in shaded paddocks with a breeze where possible, or ensure good ventilation indoors.
Monitor temperature – Take your horse’s re**al temperature if you’re concerned; normal is around 37.5–38.5°C.
Rest and observe – Allow the horse to recover in a calm, shaded environment.
If there’s no improvement within an hour, or if your horse’s condition worsens, call your vet immediately.
We’re always happy to discuss any concerns – even if you’re unsure whether it’s urgent.
By staying proactive, you can make a big difference to your horse’s comfort and safety during this hot spell.
13/08/2025
🐴✨ June’s Prize Draw Winner – and a cheeky surprise guest!
A big congratulations to our June Hidden Horse competition winner, who received her LeMieux Elite Pro Grooming Kit this week! 🎉
Her beautiful horse Woody was very keen to check out the new brushes… until the lovely yard cat Red decided he might need them more! 🐱❤️
Thank you to everyone who took part in June – we loved your entries and your brilliant ideas for client evening topics. The August competition is now live, with a twist… so keep an eye out for the hidden horse icon and send us your ideas for client education nights!
📸 Swipe through to see Woody’s curiosity and Red’s unexpected takeover!
UofG School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
07/08/2025
🚨 It’s back… but with a twist!
We’ve been flat-out with horses through July, so our Hidden Horse competition is now running through August — and it’s better than ever.
This time, it’s not just about spotting the 🐴 on the website…
👉 You also need to suggest a topic you'd love to see covered at one of our upcoming client education evenings.
That could be lameness, bandaging, nutrition, tack fit, behaviour — or something totally different. Surprise us.
📍 There are fewer hidden horse icons now, and they’ve moved — so you’ll need to look carefully.
🎁 You could win a gorgeous LeMieux Elite Pro Grooming Kit!
It is great to see our patients back out having fun!
Here is the lovely Oscar back competing in showing and dressage following sarcoid removal and treatment in the hospital.
His owners have very kindly provided an overview of their experience as shown below:
'When we realised Oscar had so many sarcoids , we were really apprehensive about how they would be treated . Our experience with the hospital was first class .
They put our mind at rest at each step and explained everything so clearly . We were so impressed with how neat the wound sites were . As he continued his treatment over the 9 weeks , the wounds just got better each time as they healed .
After a wee break , he has come back into work like nothing had happened . Recently Oscar’s been back out competing at county shows and putting his dancing shoes back on for dressage .
We couldn’t thank the hospital enough for everything'
Photography by Jamie Agnew and HKF photography
UofG School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Glasgow Equine Hospital and Practice, University of Glasgow:
The Glasgow Equine Hospital is situated in the scenic Garscube Estate in Bearsden, on the north-western fringe of Greater Glasgow, approximately 6 miles from the city centre. An equine hospital has been at this site for many years but the current hospital was opened in 1995, with subsequent expansions made to increase patient capacity and provide entirely separate isolation facilities.
The Glasgow Equine Hospital works closely with veterinary surgeons throughout Scotland and northern England to provide support and referral services for horses in need of specific procedures or further diagnostics, treatment and hospitalisation. Referral is open to all cases and should be discussed first with your own vet, who will then liaise with the vets at the Hospital. Staff are dedicated to providing a professional, reliable and cost effective service whilst maintaining the highest standards of patient care.
The Glasgow Equine Practice is the ambulatory side of the Equine Hospital, and offers high quality veterinary care to the horses in its local catchment area, with stable-side diagnostics and 24-hour emergency provision. Horses, ponies and donkeys registered with the Practice also have the option of being cared for at the Hospital when in need of further intensive treatment or nursing.
The hospital’s team of on-site staff, extensive facilities and diagnostic laboratory offers the advantage of 24-hour nursing with continuous professional care. Patients are stabled in large, well ventilated modern stables with additional facilities for intensive care patients, mares and foals and a sand-floored stable for laminitic cases.
Our vets have postgraduate specialist training in different aspects of horse medicine and surgery, between them holding four Diplomas from European Specialist Colleges, two American Diplomas and seven RCVS post-graduate Certificates. Four of the vets are recognised by the RCVS as specialists (similar to hospital consultants) in either Equine Medicine or Equine Surgery, and we work closely with in-house specialists in anaesthesia and diagnostic imaging.
The team ethos remains practical, with the aim at all times of achieving the best possible outcome for both you and your horse. The Hospital is registered with the European Board of Veterinary Specialists as a training centre in both medicine and surgery for veterinary surgeons wishing to develop further skills in these areas. There are currently five resident veterinary surgeons working at the Weipers Centre whilst completing a 4-year further training period in specialist medicine or surgery.
Our nursing team includes four Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) who bring combined experience from different equine veterinary hospitals and practices. The equine nursing team is assisted by animal technicians and year 5 veterinary students, enabling us to give effective and economic 24-hour nursing to our inpatients.
