Protecting your Horse, Saddlery, Horsebox and Stables
| Protecting your Horse, Saddlery, Horsebox and Stables Some proven security measures and general guidance on steps you can take to minimise the risk of theft. This information has kindly be provided by Equine Security Ltd |  |
All saddlery should be marked, saddles, bridles, head collars, rugs and so on. Even your grooming kit is worth money to the thief. Items can be embossed or engraved with your postcode. There are a number of companies offering electronic tagging in the form of microdots or chips. The Datatag saddle marking kit uses an "electronic fingerprint" to permanently identify your saddle. Simple security marker packs are also available. If possible take photographs of your saddlery and equipment. This will be a great aid to identification in the event of theft.
Horseboxes and trailers
Use a wheel clamp or security post, or both. Secure to an appropriate ground anchor with strong chain. Fit an alarm, a simple battery operated alarm will help deter the thief. Use some form of security marking or electronic tagging. See our Links page for some useful web addresses. Try to park where you can see it or there is security lighting. Identifying photographs are always advisable. Try to personalise the vehicle in some way to make it unique to you and therefore more readily identifiable. Painting your postcode on the roof is a good way of making sure that it is easily identifiable.
Horses
Have your animal security marked. Freeze branding is one of the most popular methods as potential thieves can see the animal is marked. It is carried out by marking a unique number on the animals body. Records of the marked animals are kept and registration documents issued to the owner. If your horse is rugged paint the freeze brand number on the rug. Hoof branding involves branding your postcode onto the animals hoof. Your farrier can usually carry out this operation but it does need to be renewed as the hoof grows. A microchip can be implanted in the animal's neck. In the event the horse is stolen the microchip can be detected with a transceiver. Your veterinary surgeon can usually offer advice on microchipping. Other simple precautions include ensuring field gates are securely locked with appropriate chain, padlock and hinge lock. Do not leave head collars or ropes in the field, they will make it easier for the thief to walk away with your horse.
Stables
Your local Crime Reduction Officer will be pleased to offer advice on your particular situation. Simple precautions include an alarm if possible and security lighting. Low level lighting is a good deterrent and can be run from solar or battery power where mains electricity is not available. Preferably do not leave valuable tack at remote sites. Where this is unavoidable the tack room should have a good strong door and frame with appropriate bolts and padlocks. If the door is weak consider a security grille. Attaching weld mesh to the inside of windows is a simple means of discouraging this means of entry. Inside it is worth considering a saddle lock or a tack safe just in case your thief manages to get through the outer defences. Display signs declaring that your property and animals have all been security marked
Added on: 22/12/07.
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