New Yard - Security Questions - Gates/Tack/Signs

[3Beasties]

I'm moving my horses on Monday to a private yard on a main road. There are houses around it (including directly opposite) but no-one actually on site.

The main gates will all be padlocked as will some of the internal gates. For the outside gates I am thinking that an alarmed padlock may be a good idea. Has anyone used one of these before and could you recommend any?

All my horses are freezemarked so I was going to put a sign up saying 'horses are freezemarked so can easily be identified' but I'm concerned that if this is viewed from the road it may alert more people to the fact that horses are there, what do you think?

Also same with the tackroom, was going to have a sign up saying 'no tack/valuables left on site' but will people really believe this? And again if it's view from the road is it just making it more obvious that there are horses/tackroom there?

Finally, I was thinking of getting my saddles security marked/tagged but know nothing about how it's done or where so any info on that would be great.


I'm excited about the move but worried at the same time so any tips/advice on making it more secure/less appealing will be much appreciated!

 

[Spiritedly]

I can't help with signs but it might be worth letting the surrounding houses know what cars will be tending to the horses and letting them have your phone number in case something happens. I did this when I moved into my yard and it helps with peace of mind.

 

[3Beasties]

I can't help with signs but it might be worth letting the surrounding houses know what cars will be tending to the horses and letting them have your phone number in case something happens. I did this when I moved into my yard and it helps with peace of mind.

Good idea thanks

The YO said one of the neighbours is quite nosy (but in a good way) so she will keep an eye out and will be over to introduce herself so will give her my number then. The YO lives fairly close to the field and will also keep an eye out but it is still a worry!

 

[PeterNatt]

You will need to ensure that the hinges on all the gates are reversed so that they can not be simply lifted off. Also have lock boxes welded onto the gates so that you don't use a chain. Chains are easy to cut!
Mark all your tack with your postcode. Rolson 38 piece Automatic Number & Letter Stamp 26138 available on line and also from Halfords.
Also mark your possesions with smartwater www.smartwater.com
Best advice is do not leave tack in te tack room - take it home.

 

[3Beasties]

Thanks PN, the stamps look a great idea!

 

[Hippona]

Keep nothing of value on the yard....you will be broken into sooner or later. We got cleared out once but they did us a favour....took a load of old smelly rugs lol.
Mark all your rugs.
In fact mark everything because anything that was marked was left.
Don't leave anything hanging around.
I have a Freezemark sign on the yard.
Let neighbours know your number.... my stables are close to my home so everyone that overlooks the yard knows where I live.
That said...my tack got stolen once from a livery yard so **** happens....I much prefer having my horses where they are.
Exciting times for you.....enjoy

 

[Suelin]

Agree with leaving nothing of value on your yard (welcome to the tack room car!) Mark all your tools etc all over the place. Smartwater is good but only if they get caught with it ime. Better to have visible marks. Definitely secure all gates as described above.

Rape alarms are useful and inexpensive on doors. Would scare the Bejesus out of anyone in the dark and your neighbours would definitely hear them. Good luck with it all.