north wales horse watch

07917 534495 

GOGLEDD CYMRU GWARCHOD CEFFYLAU

HORSE IDENTIFICATION

 

Take colour photographs of your horse in summer and winter and from front, back and sides.

Ensure that in the photos the horse is standing correctly as shown in your horse's passport.

Photograph unique marks and scars making sure it is clear where these appear on the animal.

In addition to saving photos to your computer, keep photographic prints. Have photos ready to circulate quickly in the event of your horse being stolen.

Ensure that identifying unique marks and scars are recorded on a suitable diagram.

SECURITY ADVICE FOR HORSES, PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

The following information gives general guidance on a whole range of security measures covering horses, tack, trailers, horseboxes and stables.

SECURITY MARKING

 

Having your horse and valuables security marked will deter thieves.

Recognised methods of security marking are

  • Microchip implant

  • Hoof branding

  • Freeze marking

  • Smart Water/Selecta DNA

Microchip Implant: This is implanted in the horse's neck. The RSPCA and certain other organisations have transceivers which can detect the signal from the microchip if the horse is stolen.

Hoof Branding: This involves having your postcode branded on your horse's hooves. You can purchase the branding irons and have your farrier apply the brand. Periodic renewal is required.

Freeze Marking: This is done humanely by freeze marking a number on the horse's body (usually on the saddle patch) with chilled irons. This leaves a unique number for life. Records of freeze marks are kept, and registration papers are issued to owners.

Smart Water: A colourless forensic liquid that can be used on all your valuables including your horse tack and trailers.

Selecta DNA: A unique DNA code applied to items which allow police to identify property and link criminals to the crime.

STABLES AND PADDOCKS

 

There are several measures you can take to protect your premises.

Install burglar alarms and security lighting.

Use substantial padlocks on doors. (Do not padlock horses in their stable).

Display signs that advertise that your property has been security marked.

It is good practice to visit paddocks and stables at least twice a day and vary the times of your visits.

Hedges, fences, and gates should be kept in a good state of repair to deny thieves any easy opportunity to gain access. Gates should have good hinges and be padlocked.

SADDLERY

 

All your saddlery should be security marked. You can have your tack embossed with your postcode using a metal punch or engraving tool. (Exceptions: Do not be tempted to engrave your postcode onto bits as this could leave your horse with a sore mouth.)

Take photographs of your saddlery, especially if it is unusual. This helps with the detection of stolen goods.

Keep a comprehensive list of all your tack. Include all necessary details as this will help identification.

Record the make of your saddle and tack and any identifying numbers. 

Horsewatch will come out to yards and events to mark tack.Follow us on FaceBook to find out where we will be, or contact us for a visit.

HORSEBOXES AND TRAILERS

 

As with other equipment, take photographs of your horsebox/trailer.

Have your trailer security marked with your postcode. 

Personalise your vehicle(s)

Ensure vehicles are immobilised when parked, but still available in an emergency.

Use wheel clamps, hitch locks, car alarms, car immobilisers.

Park vehicles in a well-lit area at night where you can keep an eye on them.

Modern security devices are a deterrent for thieves.

Tips on preventing trailer and horse box theft

 

  • Park your horse trailer up within a secure gated compound or yard where it cannot be seen by passing traffic.
  • Fit a Hitch Lock and Wheel Clamp.
  • If you keep the trailer at your yard, tell the other liveries and the yard owner that no one else has authority to remove the trailer.
  • Do not leave valuables inside your trailer no matter how tempting the storage solution is.
  • If you are at a show and someone asks you about your trailer do not tell them where you keep it.
  • If you take your trailer to a show, lock it to the tow vehicle using the locking coupling head and fix your wheel clamp to one of the trailer wheels. Believe it or not horse trailers are often stolen at shows! For safety reasons never tow a trailer with the coupling head locked.
  • If you keep the trailer at home on your drive, consider using two wheel clamps or attach a heavy duty chain through the trailer towing arms and secure this to an object that cannot be moved.
  • Park your vehicle across the trailer or in front of it, nose to nose preventing another vehicle from accessing the hitch and secure your own vehicle as well.
  • Fit a hitch cover – a potential thief will not know if you have a good quality hitch lock fitted underneath it or a cheap lock. They will first have to remove the cover which some will be reluctant to do.
  • Postcoding and decals - many owners do this and have their post code in vinyl letters fixed to the roof of their trailer and horsebox which can be seen on CCTV, drones and helicopters. "Police Stop anti tamper stickers are fixed to the rear and decals to the sides to make the trailers more identifiable.
  • Smart Water – This is a method whereby using a clever pen applying an invisible paint you can mark your trailer both inside and outside and if your trailer is stolen and then located the paint has a unique special code within it which will identify it as being yours. But again, you have to locate the trailer first.
  • Permanent Marker – a cheap effective method is to mark the underside of your trailer using a permanent marker pen with your house number and postcode. You can also mark the floor of the trailer beneath your mats. Again, though this is only of use if your trailer is found after being stolen.
  • Serial Number – make sure you keep a note of your horse trailer serial number as you will need this if it is stolen or if you try to insure it
  • Insurance - To give you peace of mind consider insuring your horse trailer, the newer your trailer is the greater consideration you should give this option. There are many companies offering horse trailer insurance and my advice is shop around and read the small print before buying a policy. Check what it covers and who it covers and where, the cheapest policy may not be the best option. Also check for security stipulations on the policy, many will insist on certain types of hitch locks or wheel clamps being fitted. If you have any questions on locks or clamps, we are always happy to give advice to you and what may be right for your trailer and circumstances.

 

Visit our shop for trailer and lorry security packs