Plaits in manes - other forms of marking out?

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

As we are all aware, sometimes horse theives will put a plait in a horses mane as a sign that this is a horse to be stolen when someone returns at a later point. Before anybody shouts at me, no not all plaits are a sign your horse might be stolen, many are perfectly innocent, but some aren't.
This got me thinking. I think my horse is very safe where he is, but he doesn't have a mane, so couldn't be 'marked out' via a plait. Are there any other known ways that horse thieves identify horses to steal? A plait in the tail? Just would be nice to know, so if I ever saw a sign, I would know to be extra vigalent.
Thankies

 

[teddyt]

Someone said on another thread a plastic bag tied to gate or a pile of ash outside.

I have also heard of ribbons tied to the gate.

Not sure about anything else specific to the horse though.

Just keep an eye out for anything unusual (obviously!)

 

[millyspaniel]

Never heard of any of these............
I do worry about my little coblet though as she is quite unusual and shes so friendly she would go with anyone :0

 

[charlie55]

Ive heard of them cutting tails x

 

[Sugarplum Furry]

Plastic bag tied to the gate or in a nearby hedge. I do mean tied, not just blown there by the wind.

Pile of ash, sand or rubble dumped by the field or yard.

Sprayed on road marking near field or yard, when there are no obvious signs of roadworks etc.