Advice on how to prevent theft

Every year hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of horses and related equipment are stolen in the UK. There is a huge market in second-hand goods. Sadly tack rooms and other outbuildings often have a very poor standard of security. Very few people actually bother marking their horses, saddles and equipment which makes identifying stolen goods virtually impossible.  Here is some initial advice, for ease we have added links of reputable companies we know offering these services, however, we do not endorse these companies specifically, and there are other companies offering these services:-

HORSE – To protect your horses, firstly make sure it is marked with one of the methods listed, as proof of ownership is crucial.

MICRO CHIPPING An electronically identifiable tag is implanted into the horses neck by a vet.  By scanning with an electronic reader a unique number relating to you and your horse can be read. If your horse is stolen you must notify the micro chip Company. We recommend this method and will ask you to  provide us with these details upon registration. www.petid.co.uk

FREEZE BRANDING Your horse will have a unique code branded in an area of your choice. Unlike the old ‘hot’ branding this method is less traumatic and clearly visible.  If your horse is stolen you must notify the Branding Company. We recommend this method and will ask you to  provide us with these details upon registration.  www.farmkey.co.uk

HOOF BRANDING Carried out by your Farrier, your postcode will be branded into the front of the hooves. Due to hoof growth this will need to be repeated several times per year.  www.equibrand.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHS – Good clear photos preferably from several angles showing any scars, unusual marking etc. Kept up to date, preferably showing a winter and summer coat. Keep these in your passport in a safe place, NOT left in your tack room. Please provide us with good, clear photos at the time of your membership – these can be updated by uploading new photos from time to time.

TACK – This needs to be marked in some way to identify ownership. Photos are essential from all angles of your saddle, these must again be kept in a safe place. Please provide us with good photos at the time of your membership – these can be updated by uploading new photos from time to time. 

FIELDS – Not all horse owners are fortunate enough to have state of the art stables with alarms, security lighting and all the mod cons. Field kept horses with no one on site are vulnerable. Padlocking your gate with secure fencing will help deter thieves. Do not leave head collars hanging on gates. Put up security signage, postcode all New Zealand rugs in bold, permanent marker.

STABLES/YARDS – Horses kept in stables are just as vulnerable.  However, more can be done to secure your buildings. Stables, tack rooms and outbuildings are one of the most common targets for the rural criminal. If unattended overnight, we advise to take tack home. Do not leave tools and other equipment lying around the yard these could be used to force entry. Secure windows, doors, roof etc, using locks BUT NEVER PADLOCK YOUR HORSES STABLE! Security lighting and alarms when possible will also help to deter criminals. A dog is a good deterrent.  www.equinesecurity.co.uk 

HORSEBOX/TRAILER – Park out of sight if possible, keep locked when not in use. Wheel clamps will deter the thief, however most stolen trailers are clamped. Blocking the box/trailer in by using vehicles or barriers. Photos are again crucial to identify the vehicle, taken from all angles especially showing damage, wear etc. Satellite tracking units are an excellent method of recovering expensive horseboxes/trailers and relatively cheap in comparison to replacing the vehicle and possibly a horse along with it. www.barriersdirect.co.uk/

FURTHER ADVICE IS AVAILABLE ON THE SECTION OF LOANING, BUT IF IN DOUBT PLEASE PICK UP THE PHONE.