Horse security - freezing-out theft

Thanks to the availability of methods like freezemarking and hoof branding, the incidence of horse theft is not as common as it once was. However it is important that this decrease does not lead to complacency as ultimately, if more and more horses are left unmarked, thefts may increase.

For more information about freezemarking, contact Farmkey on 0870 870 7107.

What is freezemarking?

Freezemarking is a quick, humane and simple procedure. Firstly, the area to be marked is clipped and cleaned. Then, superchilled markers are placed on the skin and held in place for approximately 30 seconds. The extreme cold kills the pigmentation in the hair cells so that new hair grows back white, making the mark visible. On light coloured horses the hair has to be killed permanently by leaving the markers on slightly longer which results in a bald mark.

How effective is freezemarking at deterring thieves?

Freezemarking is the only visible deterrent for thieves and this is borne out by the fact that when horse thefts do occur, thieves will take unmarked horses in preference to those which are marked. In some cases, thieves will even remove rugs to see if a horse has been freezemarked. Freezemarking really proved itself in 1981, when four horses were stolen in Hertfordshire. Three of the horses taken were freezemarked and one was not. The three freezemarked horses were found abandoned (presumably once the thieves had discovered their marks) but the unmarked horse was never found.

How soon can my horse be ridden after being freezemarked?

If your horse is freezemarked on the shoulder, ridden work can usually be resumed after a couple of days; however, if your horse is freezemarked under the saddle you will usually need to wait four to seven days before you can ride him.

What happens if a freezemarked horse is stolen?

Contact the company who freezemarked your horse. Its mark and other distinctive features will have been registered by the freezemarking company. They will circulate these details to organisations and contacts throughout the UK, including the police, RSPCA, slaughterhouses, auctioneers and other animal welfare organisations. The recovery rate for freezemarked horses is around 95%!

What do I need to do once the mark is in place?

You can ensure the mark remains clear by clipping over it in Winter. Also, clearly marking the outside of any rugs with your horse's identification mark will help to deter would-be thieves.

Will my horse feel any pain while it is being freezemarked?

Freezemarking is a humane procedure and uses a superchilled marker, which is less distressing for the horse than hot branding. Discomfort for the horse is minimal in most cases and many horses are more worried by the clippers than the markers being applied! If your horse has very fine skin it may be more sensitive when the markers are applied.

Protect your horse from theft