Security information
Security tips
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Livestock
Have an accurate description of your horse or pony. Write down details of horse's height, colour and any distinguished features; take photos of the animal from both sides, front and rear. Update the details regularly. Use the Horse and Equipment Identification form supplied by the Thames Valley Police.

Freezebranding 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 grey's 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 holds 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. We do, however, recommend that a visible brand is carried out, with or without microchipping.
Hoof branding is another approach. The owner's postcode is burned 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.
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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 than a chain, which cannot 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. Thames Valley Horsewatch co-ordinators can attend tack-marking sessions. It should be marked with your postcode and any unusual and/or expensive items should be photographed. The Thames Valley Police Horse and Equipment Identification form also provides an area to record these details.
Tackrooms
Windows are a common point of access, so put bars on the inside and ensure there is a cover so burglars cannot look in to discover it there is anything worth stealing. 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. Farmkey operates a trailer marking scheme and associated registered. Wheel clamps and hitchlocks are popular, and the latest security measure is to apply your postcode to the trailer roof. Click here for a form to order your letters and numbers.
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