best anti theft?

[oliviacharley]

what do you class as being anti theft with horses...?
Freeze mark, mircochip...? I just wondered what people think as Im not too sure whether I should have mine freezemarked....its quite expensive as well isnt it...
both mine are microchipped and passported...

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Freezemark. Mine was already microchipped, but I felt a visible deterant would be better.

 

[Tir_Na_Nog]

<font color="peru">Freezemarking is a visual deterrent to thieves, whereas they may have no indication that your horse is microchipped. Personally, I'd have both. I'm not sure about in horses, but in dogs certainly microchips can slip - and so when they're scanned in the usual area it appears as if they aren't microchipped, and this can make it harder to return them to their original owners. So it is perhaps not the most effective method if you are relying on it alone.

TNN
</font>

 

[mickey]

I had my horse freeze marked as a 5 yr old, shortly after I got him. I believe it is a more visual deterrent than a chip.

I decided a year or so ago to get him chipped as well, just to be safe. A chip will always be there and provides concrete proof of his identity.

I guess one thing to do when choosing either one is to look at how much support you might get from the company involved in terms of searching should your horse be stolen??

 

[Baggybreeches]

Their high maintenance ways, they would soon fetch my lot back! I'd give 'em 3 days tops!

 

[pottamus]

My horse is freezemarked as a deterrant and have my field gates locked both sides top and bottom with heavy duty chains. It will not stop a determined thief no matter what you do but might put them off and make them change their mind about taking yours.

 

[grandmaweloveyou]

freezemarking is visible, with posters up saying its freezemarked, and i moved yards to one that is alarmed yipppeee. ive been asked to chair / take over this area of horsewatch and coordinate tack markings etc, very flattered and think i will say yes so watch this space!

 

[filly190]

I feel that if they want your horse regardless of a marking they will have it. So many people have lost horses never to be found again.

I think to make it as difficult as possible to get through gates etc is a good way. Heavy clinking chains on gates, a bleep system when someone enters the property by vehicle, wired to the mains, security lights, and if possible a kennel dog.

Its everyones worst nightmare

 

[rabatsa]

Freeze brand first microchip second, people can see the FM but hardly anyone or anywhere scans for a chip.

 

[Donkeymad]

Freezemarking definately. So few places scan but a FM can be seen. Very few stolen/missing horses with FM's are not found - 100% recovery record for Freezemark.biz

We have everything heavily chained with GOOD padlocks.

 

[PeterNatt]

Having been involved in the recovery of a number of stolen horses I can assure you that freezemarking is the best option as anyone can see and read a freezemark. It is also a good deternent. Microchipping can be used as an additional method but the problem is the scanners as some do not recognise some of the microchips.

98% of all stolen freezemarked horses have been recovered. Of freezemarked horses only about 40% are recovered.

 

[stormhorse]

Freezemarking as its visable &amp; gives all (even non horsey people) something to look for to find a stolen horse.

 

[stormhorse]

Well done for volunteering/being volunteered. Horsewatch need more people willing to help.

Deb
Sandwell Horsewatch