horsewatch recommendations
The following is an excerpt from the UK Horsewatch Alliance Security Tips brochure. You can find this document and more information from Horsewatch at Horsewatch Alliance FAQs
Livestock
Have an accurate description of your horse or pony. Write down details of horse's height, colour and any distinguishing features; take photos of the animal from both sides, front and rear. Update the details regularly.
Freezemarking is a popular permanent method of making horses more identifiable, allowing the horse to be traced back to its owner if stolen. The process is quick. The branding iron is cooled in liquid nitrogen and applied to the skin. Pigment cells on the skin are destroyed and the hairs grow back white and stay that way for life. The irons are applied to a greys skin for a little longer. The hair follicle is destroyed leaving a bald patch in the shape of the numbers and letters. This does not cause the horse any discomfort, but do not forget the sun tan cream!!
Microchipping is an alternative to freezemarking. A chip the size of a grain of rice is inserted under the animal's skin with a hypodermic needle. Each chip hold basic information and is registered on a computerised system. When a scanner is passed over the horse, this information can be matched with the owner's details. Until recently there was no outward evidence on a microchipped horse, but now the horse can also be freezemarked with a small symbol indicating the existence of the microchip.
Hoof Branding is another approach. The owner's postcode is burnt onto the horse's hoof. Although highly visible at first, it must be renewed approximately every six months as the hoof grows.
Put signs on your fences stating the horses are security-marked. This can deter a thief but don't get complacent; a thief may take the risk if the animal can be easily removed from the premises.
Fields and Yards
What type of gates do you have, and can they be lifted off their hinges? To secure gates use a close-shackled padlock and a pad bar rather than a chain, which can be cut through easily. Thieves will watch a yard to assess the movements of owners. Vary your timings to make life more difficult for them.
Equipment
Security mark all your equipment. Each item should be marked with a unique code and all items should be photographed.
Tackrooms
Windows are a common point of access, so put bars on the inside. Doors can be secured with padlocks, but make sure the hinges cannot be unscrewed - a burglar will not think twice about removing the door.
Transport
Trailers are also easy targets, which need to be immobilised, but in such a way they can be accessed in an emergency. Wheel clamps and hitchlocks are popular, and the latest security measure is to apply your unique identifying mark to the trailer roof using black paint or bitumen pitch.
