Single plait in horse's mane....

[Spencer93]

The way I see it surely horse thiefs occasionally go online? So one of them must have realised by now that everyone in the horse world is aware that plaiting might be a sign for theft and that people worry when their horses are plaited. If I were a horse thief I would therefore mark in some other way, some way which owners would not suspect. That way they wouldn't keep the horse in/ put up cctv etc. Tbh I have no idea if it is a sign to thieves or not but if it is they are seriously lacking intelligence to use such a well known and obvious signal that puts everyone on full alert when they see it.
I think you should keep a closer eye on your horses in the next few weeks but I wouldn't worry overly much

 

[heebiejeebies]

I'd be hiding up a tree or something to see who is doing it. I've heard that the reason for plaiting to steal is so the chosen horse can easily be found in the dark.

Though I have no personal experience with this 'myth' it's certainly not something I would take lightly should it ever happen to me.

I have signs up on my gates saying there is CCTV in operation and that the horses are microchipped. The field is right on a B road, padlocked gates and a popular place for walkers... with a lay by right next to it perfect for parking a trailer. Never had a problem with people so much as feeding them as far as I know.

 

[honeybee123]

Is there somewhere you can hide up at the field for the day with a book?

You may just catch whoever is doing this!

Tried this yesterday and no sign of anyone at all (and all horses, unsurprisingly came in untampered with!)

Whilst I'm hoping it's just some white magic thing, I struggle to reconcile the differences with the plaits - one was a perfect plait, complete with band - the other two horses had five between them, which were the twisted, more knot like plaits others have reported (and tied with their own hair).

Not helping my stress levels any, that's for sure!