Security checklist for your horses.

Check the stables:- see that mangers have not been
removed.
Buckets removed?
Rugs removed (straps undone) or rug folded back?
Check the doors:- kick bolts undone?
Is everything as you would expect?

Make sure you know your horses usual behaviour whether in or out of the stable.

Does he/she display unusual lethargy?
If off food, eliminate the usual reasons.
Check for normal temperature.
Does the horse become wary of you or
anyone else behind them?
Whether in field or stable watch for a sudden
change of behaviour.
Check for signs of restraint around neck and legs.
Do not leave baler twine around it could be used as
a restraint.
Do not leave head collar on at night, a stranger
would find it easy to handle the horse.

AROUND THE YARD:

Lock all stable implements away.
They could be used as a weapon.
Even the wheelbarrows could be used to take
items away; it has been known!

IN THE PADDOCK AREAS:

Make sure all gates are secure.
Chains are bolt cutter proof and the lock is a sturdy
onewith a short shank.
You can reverse the top hinge to prevent gate being
lifted (to gain entry or to steal.)
Where possible avoid barbed wire / plain wire.
Possible to cause injury and is also easy to cut and
bend back making a good exit point.

IN GENERAL:

If horses are out during the day, stabled at night, make sure you arrive in time to get them in before dark. Inspecting for injury can be difficult without adequate light.

If you notice anyone on foot or in a vehicle behaving suspiciously in or near your stable yard, make accurate notes of what you observe. If a vehicle is present make note of the registration number.

Phone the Police.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOURE NEIGHBOURS?

Whether horse owners or not, good neighbours are an asset to you and your horses. Give neighbours your telephone number (mobile & land line) details of vehicles usually at the yard. Point out to them that a horsebox or trailer could be left along the road and horses led up to this.

If for any reason you are at the yard during the night let them know. If a suspicious incident occurs they would be alerted. If your horse is kept in a D.I.Y. yard, suggest a rota for night time checks.

S.A.F.E. has a good neighbour leaflet.

HORSEBOX & TRAILER SECURITY:

Photograph your horse box or trailer.
Make a note of all security numbers etched on the
vehicle by the manufacturer.
Make a note of any alterations or additions you have
installed.
Ensure it is immobilised when parked, do remember
you may need to use it quickly in the event of an
emergency.

There are various wheel clamps/ alarms / immobilisers on the market. You could also have vehicles security marked with your post code.

Do not forget the roof, a large painted post code can be seen from a motorway bridge.

When leaving vehicles ensure all security precautions are in place. Park the vehicles where you can see them, preferably in an area which is well lit by night and has intruder security installed.

TACK ROOM:

Secure windows on the inside with solid iron bars
(Tubular steel can be bent)
Secure all doors with substantial locks. Use bolts
not screws on the hinges.
Clearly display sign, showing all property is security
marked.
Padlock gates with substantial padlock & heavy duty
chain. Remember to reverse top hinge on yard gate
to prevent gate being lifted off.
Fit intruder security lights and where possible
burglaralarms.

MEASURES AVAILABLE TO PROTECT YOUR HORSE:

Take colour photographs of your animal in the winter
and again in the summer.
Make sure the animal is standing 4 square and
photograph from both sides, head on and tail.
If there is a distinctive mark or scar, take a close up
photo of these.
Photograph the "chestnuts" you will then have a
comprehensive record of your horse.
You will of course have purchased a Passport.

When the theft of a horse has occurred, the Police should be provided with a concise description of the animal. The more information available the easier it will be to identify.

MICROCHIP IMPLANT: This is the same method as used for dogs and cats. The chip is implanted in the neck of the horse by a Veterinary. Upon completion a certificate with a number for the horse will be supplied. Details of the Database provided. Vets supplying this service will have access to a Scanner for reading the implant.

FREEZEMARKING: The area on the horse to be marked would be clipped out. Super chilled markers are applied, which kill the pigmentation cells in the hair under the skin. Re-growth will be white, leaving a clearly visible code number in the coat. It is recommended that Palomino and cream horses are not marked in the saddle area. Preferable that horses or ponies under 12 months are not marked.

Remember: after having a freezemark applied in the saddle area you should avoid riding him for at least FIVE DAYS. Check there is no heat or swelling evident and if in doubt leave him for a further couple of days.

Use a thick comfy numnah until the white hair has grown through, which takes approx. 12 weeks. The freezemark will show as a clear permanent identification of white hair. Horses marked on the shoulder or on the neck usually need only a day or two off. Raise any queries or concerns you may have prior to booking. Reputable companies would welcome this. Papers supplied at marking should prove ownership. If the animal is sold on the papers should be given to the new owner. The company informed of the change.

PROTECTION OF SADDLES:

SADDLE RACKS:

There are various types of racks on the market. Some are supplied as a full kit with chain, padlock and fixing bolts. The fixing is just as important as the security items sold with the racks. A flimsy structure with small screws holding the rack is not sufficient. It has been known for inadequately fixed racks to be pulled away from the wall and both the saddle & rack stolen.

MICRO CHIP IMPLANT: A micro chip is inserted into the saddle. Providing a transponder with an individual identification number. The company supplying the kit will keep details of each saddle on a Database. D.I.Y. kits may be purchased. Scanners for identification purposes have been supplied to UK police forces. In the event of a stolen saddle being found, the number can be read, thus identifying the item belonging to the registered owner.

POST CODE: Another way is to stamp a code number upon the underside of the saddle flap using a punch or engraving tool upon the leather. An appropriate size of die stamp should be used relevant to the area to be marked. Die stamping needs to be deep enough to remain in the leather without causing damage or to render the leather unsafe....