May be nothing but just in case

[chelseaascot]

Ok to set the picture clear. I have a 16hand chestnut dressage horse and his pal a welsh sec A chestnut roan they are kept at a house in Binfield Berkshire with two fields one at the top near the entrance and house and one down the bottom behind the house as it where. We have stables and all that too. Anyway just so you know the set up.

So I was up playing with the ponies as it were this morning around 10 oclock and I just come up from my bottom field and saw a car silver (volvo possibly) and trailer looking like it was about to pull in.... hummmmm When they saw me (which was so clear as they stared right at me) they then reversered which is uphill (steap to reverse a trailer with a car) and then backs onto quite a fast busy road wich is quite blind, I would never reverse even just my car. So Im now having a complete panic! were they coming to steal my ponies? I am so scared im going to go up there and my babies will be gone.

I have left them in the top field which is closest to the road and is padlocked but you hear all the horra stories about people stealing horses what ever the security.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How do I calm myself - what would you do??

 

[kirstyl]

Oh no! How scary. Is it worth reporting incident to local police? They may have received reports from others if there are horse thieves about. You'll be camping in the field!

 

[Cuffey]

Please get it logged with local police as a suspicious incident

 

[Tinseltoes]

Wow scary.You should report it. Id keep the ponies where you can see them and put a 2nd padlock and chain on the gate. Can you section the field off so its not easy access?

 

[chelseaascot]

Hey guys, Have logged it with the police and going to tell all the other fields and stuff nearby. Have been up there most of the day just in case.

 

[KarynK]

Are your horses marked or microchipped? If not now might be the time. If they are make up a notice that all horses are marked on the premises, mark their rugs as well if they are freeze branded so people know they have a brand underneath.

A dummy CCTV camera might be an idea as well. Ask the police if you can see a crime prevention officer for more ideas as well.

 

[BBH]

How Scary.

I would get a huge sign and write on it ' these horses are pets only due to lameness and behavoural issues ' or some such deterrent hoping the thieves can read.

I'd get a dummy CCTV camera , get my horses freemarked or chipped. A huge padlock on all gates and advise the police and all local people to be aware.

 

[Tinseltoes]

How Scary.

I would get a huge sign and write on it ' these horses are pets only due to lameness and behavoural issues ' or some such deterrent hoping the thieves can read.

I'd get a dummy CCTV camera , get my horses freemarked or chipped. A huge padlock on all gates and advise the police and all local people to be aware.

I dont think that would defer them,as they could still steal and sell them for meat. Just make sure you have them microchipped and or freezemarked.
A sign saying all horses and pony are security marked might make them think twice!
Yes dummy cameras work well!!!

 

[chelseaascot]

Hey, Thanks for all you advise and replys

I got to the horses this morning and the builders across from me (they are building a house) came over to ask if id seen anything - they were robbed of all thier diggers and stuff last night! Ive had the police on the phone this afternoon taking more details of the car I saw in the morning. Im now even more worried about my needies. They are both chipped and both thank god very striking in looks with lots of markings that would be easy to see even by a numpty. Im spending all of my day up there tomorrow moving things around and making things as safe as I can. Also going to put up a massive sign on the gate as you come in to the property and on all side gates. Im thinking of moving my boys too as I really dont know what i would do if someone took my babies......

 

[Tinseltoes]

Hmmm is there a paddock near the stables or a field where you can overlook the field from the house?
I would be very worried too.Id double lock all gates and put quick growing conifers /hedge so they cant be seen from the road.

These thieves are annoying.Glad police are taking notice.