Stolen horses - prevention

[fatpiggy]

First let me say this isn't a post to have a go at people, and I can only begin to imagine what it must be like to have your horse stolen, but given that 99% of posts searching for stolen horses are for either shetlands or coloureds, why don't owners actively mark these clearly vulnerable animals? It is easy for me to describe the shape of star on my solid shade horse, in a way that even a non-horsey person (ie, the police) could understand, but how do you describe the markings of a coloured? Invariably, these sad posts also say that the animal concerned was not chipped or freeze-marked. Who would leave an open bag with £5000 in on the back seat of an unlocked car? An obvious freezemark may or may not deter a thief, but at least you can prove ownership if the animal does turn up. The first thing I did when I bought my horse was to have her freeze-marked, even though she is not in a vulnerable group, and they wouldn't get far with her since she doesn't load, but I wasn't prepared to take a risk with my most precious possession. Sorry, but I just don't understand people.

 

[Theresa_F]

I agree with you, all my horses whether my bay TBs or now my prized coloured are/were microchipped and freezemarked and my registration with Farmkey kept up to date.

In most cases, the cost of doing this compared to the monetary value (let alone the heartbreak) is minimal.

My biggest problem is those who say it is unslightly - better a mark that my beloved horses missing. Freezemarking is one of the few things that makes most thieves think twice.

 

[teddyt]

It is not a coincidence that many stolen horses are coloured. There is a certain community that has a penchant for coloured horses and they dont always like paying for them.

Shetlands are easier to steal because of their size.

I do agree to a certain extent that freezemarking is the best way to protect your horse. Unfortunately this is not financially viable for some people. Many ponies are stolen from their breeders, numerous shetland foals have been stolen this year. It is not possible for a breeder to freezemark numerous horses, or foals.

 

[fatpiggy]

My horsey dentist told me that it is the same "community" which targets coloureds who go for the minis too. Sadly, a little one can be put in the back of just about any car. I must admit, why breed so many tiny ponies? I drive past a field full quite regularly and I can't really see the point of them. A few get driven I believe, but do they really have a useful life apart from being cute? I don't believe in wanton breeding of any species (humans included!!) and I hate seeing those poor little minature dogs being used as fashion accessories. I would imagine a mini pony would seriously attract the numptys who think they can keep a pony on the back lawn quite happily.

 

[LynnWalker]

Fatpiggy I do agree with you - I had my coloured stolen, he wasnt F/M'd but was microchipped. I didnt get him F/M'd ( to my eternal regret) because at the time a) I didnt realise horses were actually stolen! b) I thought they were ugly ( yes I know!!!) and c) we thought microchipping was going to be a better way of proving ownership ( 6 years ago, it was hailed as the 'best way to identify your animal'.)

As has been said, a certain community do take these types of horses and even though Im sure they are hidden for a period of time - they will eventually turn up and anyone horsey or not can read letters and numbers. Sadly the majority of Joe Public only 'know' shetlands, shires and racehorses - so they really cant be relied on to help identify your horse should it be stolen.

By the same token, I know nothing about motorbikes / cars etc - to me they are a colour and x amount of doors or wheels - so Im no use to someone who has their beloved vehicle stolen!

 

[Cuffey]

When setting up my local Horsewatch I showed my Community Police contact my horse's passport and he said where is the picture?
I got him to read the details and he established the colour the white sock and the star (what is that?) and I asked could you pick that horse out from that description--no chance.
When I showed him the photo of said horse complete with Freezemark--I was in business, Police do numbers, my horse can be identified by a total stranger.
They cannot see a microchip, they do not currently even have readers widely available.
However they are pushing Smartwater--local Police custody office will put all suspects under uv light as they enter the Police detention area.
This may not be very useful for marking horses--I did offer to test it and may yet do so, it is supposed to survive many washes and may be another method of proving a horse (or tack) is yours but for a limited time.
http://www.smartwater.com