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Information sheets from UK Horsewatch Alliance

The Horsewatch Code = MARK IT, STAMP IT, CHIP IT, CODE IT - OR LOSE IT !
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Information sheets from UK Horsewatch Alliance

Post by TracingEquines »

Information sheet No. 1

What to do if you are a victim of theft

Phone the police immediately, giving a clear description of the stolen horse, tack, trailer, etc.

When the police arrive, give them your horse’s description and recent photos, list of tack stolen, trailer description, serial numbers, etc. Also, any information you have on anything suspicious you have seen recently, ie strangers in the yard, boxes parked nearby, etc.

If you are in a Horsewatch scheme, phone your local co-ordinator to set the ‘early warning grapevine’ into action – or phone local horsey friends to alert them to thieves in the area.

For the theft of your horse:

If your horse is freezebranded, phone the company, which will circulate slaughterhouses, sales, etc. with details of your horse.

Phone your insurance company. They need to know and may provide you with recovery expenses.

If necessary, phone horse sales and slaughterhouses with details of your horse. You can follow these up with visits, armed with your horse’s description and photos.

Alert weekly and monthly equestrian press and local press, and put up ‘stolen’ horse notices in local shops, riding schools and saddlers.

Add details of your horse on the Stolen Horse Register, advise your passport issuing agency and contact the National Equine Database www. nedonline .co.uk .
(please note - the NED website is no longer available)
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Re: Information sheets from UK Horsewatch Alliance

Post by TracingEquines »

Information sheet No. 2

Preserving the scene of a crime

Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO) are often called to the site of an incident to gather forensic evidence. The officers attending initially (uniform or CID) will make the request for SOCO to attend – some incidents require their attendance regardless.

The following is some advice relating to the preservation of a scene of crime and its surrounding evidence should you have the misfortune to be a victim.

= Preserve the scene of the crime as you found it. DO NOT disturb anything. Note the time of discovery. CONTACT THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY!

= DO NOT let any other person near/touch anything until you have been cleared to do so by the Police.

= If your animal has been injured or abused in any way – call your Veterinary Surgeon if immediate attention is required. Any subsequent veterinary examination is overseen by a SOCO for forensic purposes. Look for signs of abuse if suspected, but DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN UP until you have been advised to do so.

= If theft is involved, note possible entry. Provide as much detail as possible for the police attending. Making a list of such details is often a welcome diversion at this anxious time. Such things will include:
What time did you discover the ‘incident’?
When did you last see everything safe and sound?
A list of property missing/damaged.
Descriptions, ie horse/vehicle passport/photographs, etc.
Have you or any other person seen or heard anything suspicious recently, ie strangers lurking, horse boxes parked nearby, etc.

If you are the ‘victim’ or injured party, ie owner, you will also be asked for your own details which, together with the above details will provide the basis of information for the investigation of a crime.
DO NOT BE AFRAID TO REPORT THINGS TO THE POLICE if you are concerned Even if they do turn out to be ‘innocent’ – it is better than not reporting at all, and later find out it is genuine! The police will not mind – they are there to help you!
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Re: Information sheets from UK Horsewatch Alliance

Post by TracingEquines »

Information sheet No. 3

Fostering good relationships with neighbours

Good neighbours are to be nurtured, particularly if your horses are isolated.

Ask them to report suspicious circumstances or strangers lurking about. Circulate them with phone numbers of people to contact in an emergency. A common modus operandi for thieves is to park their vehicle some distance from their target and lead horses back. It is good practice to keep an eye open for trailers or lorries parked in local laybys, gateways, etc. Ensure locals know that the sound of horses moving at night, away from their usual fields, is suspicious.

Recent concern has arisen over ‘steal to order’ tactics used by some horse thieves. If you see anyone video recording horses/property be extra vigilant – record descriptions, vehicle details and correct registration number and REPORT TO THE POLICE!

Remember to thank neighbours if they do report anything to you, or the Police, even if it does turn out to be innocent.
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Re: Information sheets from UK Horsewatch Alliance

Post by TracingEquines »

Information sheet No. 4

Don’t sit back and say, “It will never happen to my horse”, because it may!

Be aware when:

= Corner mangers are removed from frames.
= Buckets are removed from holders.
= Rugs are removed.
= Rugs are replaced wrongly.
= Kick bolts are undone.
= Horses are let out of stables.
= Horses are caught and shut in stables.
= Horses are ‘uneasy’ for no apparent reason

Take steps to protect your horse:

= Check dock/sheath areas daily.
= Get to know your horse’s general behaviour in/out of the stable.
= Know your horse’s normal temperature.
= Unexplained lethargy.
= Off food – having eliminated usual reasons.
= Horse becomes wary of you/anyone behind them.
= Sudden change of behaviour/on the defence.
= Check muzzle for soreness/red spots.
= Check for signs of rope burns around neck and legs.
= Speak to your Crime Prevention Officer about stable security and take their advice.
= Have your horse freezebranded and purchase a sign to display stating your home/stable has been security marked. Patches can also be purchased to sew onto your rugs.
= Lock all stable equipment (forks, brooms, shovels) away as they could be used as a weapon.
= Lock all wheelbarrows away so they cannot be used to carry away your equipment.
= Never leave baling twine around as it could be used to restrain your horse.
= Never leave headcollars on at night as it makes horses easy to catch and handle by strangers.
= If your field is secure (gates/fencing) and your horse is easy to catch, do not leave a headcollar on.
= Make sure your paddock gate is chained and padlocked.
= Reverse the top hinge on the gate to make it impossible to lift off

= Post and rail is better than barbed/plain wire. Wire is easily cut.
= Purchase a grill for the top door if your horse does not like to be shut in completely. The grill can be taken down during the day. If your stable has door connectors, a grill will deter anyone from climbing over to bypass the alarm. Make sure the lower door is not too low, also allowing a bypass.
= Check your horse several times daily, but not at the same time everyday. If your horse(s) is at grass during the day, make sure you get them in before it gets dark, as inspecting them for injuries is difficult without daylight or electric light.
= If you stable on a DIY yard, start a night time check on a rota with other owners. Carry a torch and never go alone. A simple and cheap alarm to install can be run from a 12v battery, but remember it has to be heard. So if there is a house nearby, get to know the residents. Give them your telephone number in case of emergencies or anyone suspicious hanging around.
= Be aware of your surroundings so you quickly notice if things are wrong or missing.
= Purchase a hitchlock, wheel clamp and letters for the roof for your trailer/horsebox showing your postcode.

If you notice anyone or a vehicle around your stable or area acting suspiciously, take note of the registration number and colour, and description of the person. INFORM THE POLICE!
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Re: Information sheets from UK Horsewatch Alliance

Post by TracingEquines »

Information sheet No. 5

Crime prevention

It should be remembered at all times that thieves involved in equestrian crime know what they are doing!

They usually know what they are looking for, where to find it, etc. and very often they are stealing to order. It stands to reason then that people involved in this sort of crime are likely to be ‘horsey people’, in that they are familiar with handling horses, are knowledgeable on tack, and are part of the ‘horse community’. They may not commit crime in their own locality, but are likely to travel around looking for potential targets. For all these reasons, it is essential that any equestrian documents are kept safely under lock and key. It is also a wise precaution not to be too open with details of possessions to anyone, even friends. Quite innocently, information can be passed on to others and can have devastating consequences if it gets into the wrong hands.

Be vigilant at all times and, in particular, keep an eye open for strangers. Ideally, all strangers should be ‘challenged’ and asked for identification, but NEVER PUT YOURSELF A RISK! For example, if you are alone, young or vulnerable in any other way, do not put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. ‘Can I help?’, ‘Who are you looking for?’, or, ‘Are you lost?’ are challenging questions but not aggressive. If you are unhappy with their answer, take note of their description and registration number, colour and type, if with a vehicle. If really suspicious, contact your local police.

It is recommended that this should be policy with staff on premises, and also carried out by all owners and riders. They also recommend the keeping of a log of visitors. For example, record the organisation the person is from, his/her car or vehicle details, date and time of visit, and ask for their visiting card.

Descriptions of those you are particularly suspicious can be vital. Apart from giving an impression of vigilance, it is extremely useful to the police if the worst happens.

Record keeping

Proof of identification

In the event of the worst happening, the police must be provided with the most comprehensive and clear details of your loss, whether it is your horse, equipment or vehicle.

In addition to security marking, the keeping of written and photographic records of your horses and equipment may prove vital in their recovery, and costs nothing to complete.

If you have to provide details or prove ownership, the fact that you can identify your own horse may need to be backed up with other proof. The police must be very confident the horse and equipment which has been stolen is the one in question, before they can take action! Veterinary surgeons will carry out the completion of a descriptive chart, as your horse now requires a passport. However, the equine passport is NOT PROOF of ownership.

Photographs

Take clear, sharp colour photographs for a good visual record of an animal. Stand the horse up properly and take the photographs from the left and right side, head on and tail on. Any particular peculiar points such as scar or whorls should show up clearly in the photographs. Facial markings and patterns are particularly distinguishing and some animals may require individual photographing of these features. Also photograph all four chestnuts on your horse’s legs. These are as individual to your horse as our fingerprints are to us.

Compile an inventory

Do not forget to make a comprehensive inventory of tack and equipment. Include relevant descriptions (colour, size, etc.) serial numbers and details of security marking or post coding. The list will also be of great use when making insurance claims. The keeping of receipts is also a useful practice to follow.

KEEP ALL RECORDS SECURE to ensure they do not fall into the wrong hands, and they are readily available when needed. DO NOT keep such information/passports/equipment in horseboxes. Do not be tempted to load the vehicle the night before an early start for a show.
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Re: Information sheets from UK Horsewatch Alliance

Post by TracingEquines »

Information sheet No. 6

Purchase of second-hand trailers

What could be worse than waking up to find your trailer has been stolen? Answer: innocently buying a stolen trailer!

If your purchase is found to be stolen, the legal owner is entitled to have it returned to them. You could end up thousands of pounds out of pocket and without a trailer! Don’t let this happen to you.

While there is a market for stolen trailers, there will be thieves attempting to steal them, even with the improved security devices now available.

Guidelines for buying a second-hand trailer

These guidelines are similar to those for buying a second-hand car. The sums involved can be similar so why not take the same precautions?

= Second-hand trailers provide good value for money and buying from a recognised dealer provides some peace of mind. All their trailers should have been checked and you will have some recompense if the trailer does turn out to be stolen.

= Buying from a private owner can be cheaper but carries more risk. The golden rule is ‘if the deal seems too good to be true – then it probably is!’ The market value for trailers is wellknown and if someone is offering one at well below the normal price, ask yourself why.

= Always meet the seller at their home address. Don’t meet halfway in lay-bys or car parks. If you do have to try to recover your money, you have got somewhere to start.

= The seller should know his way around the trailer, with all its features and small problems. Beware of someone ‘selling it for a friend’, who does not appear to have an interest in horses.

= Ask to see proof of ownership such as their original sales receipt, owner’s manual or ask to see the Certificate of Ownership. Check to ensure all the details refer to that trailer. An honest seller will not be offended!

= The most important physical item to check is the manufacturer’s unique registration plate, normally found on the chassis close to the hitch. It is highly unlikely that this will have fallen off during normal use of the trailer. If there is no plate, walk away. There will always be another trailer to look at. Most trailers with missing or damaged plates turn out to be stolen.
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Re: Information sheets from UK Horsewatch Alliance

Post by TracingEquines »

Information sheet No. 7

Known tactics of horse thieves

Your daily routine

1. Your daily routine will be watched and logged over a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Your time of arrival and departure, etc.
2. The thief will go onto your yard or into your field to see how far he will get before being challenged or before triggering alarms.
3. Your response time will be monitored.
4. Movement of vehicles on the premises will be monitored from a safe distance.
5. You will be watched to see if any dogs are left on the premises.
6. Security alarms, lights, sensors will be monitored.
7. Tack rooms will be cased for vulnerability.
8. Neighbours will be watched for their routine.
9. Thieves are systematic – they will strike day or night.
10. You will be watched to see if you locked your car.
11. Do you take your handbag with you? (You cannot ride with a handbag.)

Awareness

Change your routine regularly and be aware if there are strangers on your yard or in your fields. You will need to remember the description of the stranger so write it down as soon as possible. Never leave lorries or cars parked for long lengths of time.

Always move them around the car park regularly. Never leave valuables in your car whilst riding. Either leave them at home or lock them in the car boot. Always tell someone of your encounter and report to the police, Neighbourhood watch liaison officer or your Horsewatch co-ordinator. Be aware of any changes in your yard dog’s behaviour, ie, it is unusually dopey!

Fields and fencing

1. The fencing will be cut and rejoined to give the appearance that all is well. Hedgerows will be cut through and restuffed.
2. The exits will be planned days in advance – the fewer tools to carry on the night the better.
3. The exits will be freed over one or two fields to avoid neighbours and noisy dogs.
4. Gates will be loosened, check hinges and bolts.

5. Markers may be placed around the perimeter of your land, ie, plastic bags tied to the fence, road markings similar to those sprayed on the road by the highway repair authorities.
These will indicate that an item waits on the other side of the fence for collection.

Awareness

Check your fencing daily at close range, as it may appear intact. Check your gates to ensure they cannot be opened whilst locked. Ensure the gate cannot be taken off its hinges by turning the bottom hinge upside down and/or weld the tops over.

The approach

1. The horse will be approached in the field to see how easily it can be caught. This may be done over a few days.
2. More often than not titbits will be laced with sedative type drugs.
3. Women and children may do this job to avoid suspicion.
4. One or two horses are easier to catch that a herd of horses.
5. Exit surfaces will be studied for noise, ie gravel, tarmac, mud, stones, so attention is not drawn to the theft.

Awareness

Monitor your horse(s) behaviour and check for usual spooky behaviour. They may appear dopey and may be drinking excessive amounts of water. Be on guard with potential livery enquiries and unusual interest in your stock. They may be casing your property. Check the approach to your horses, field or yard for unusual tyre marks, etc.

The theft

1. An unfreezebranded horse is a better catch than one with visual identification.
2. Walkie talkies are used – coded messages will be used to alert the thief that the coast is clear.
3. Planned exits will be freed.
4. The horse will be drugged to stop the animal making too much fuss.
5. If a horse is reluctant to load it will be set free.
6. Mares and stallion are good stock for breeding
7. Small Shetland type ponies are easy to hide.

Awareness

Freezebrand your horse as it is the only visual deterrent. Any person can read a number whether or not they are involved with horses. Mark your rugs to indicate the horse is marked. Never leave headcollars on - if you cannot catch it they thief cannot either. Make sure you have good quality photographs of your horses to assist the police in the event of a theft.

The vehicle

1. Horseboxes can be anything from a vegetable lorry to a furniture removal lorry. In appearance these lorries are ideal for night transportation as they are unlikely to be challenged.
2. Hinged and shutter doors can conceal a ramp.
3. Trailers will be padded with foam to reduce the noise of shod horses.
4. Freezer type container lorries will be used.
5. Transit type vans are used to transport small ponies and Shetlands. Even Escort type vans have been used in the past.
6. Old wooden type trailers are a favourite as they are less noisy.

Awareness

Get into the habit of taking vehicle registration numbers. Always keep a pen and paper in your vehicle. Note the make, model and colour. Always report suspicious vehicles to the police, your Horsewatch coordinator and alert your friends and neighbours. It may be the contents of your tackroom they are after.

The connection

1. Roads and routes are planned to avoid the milkman, postman, etc.
2. M25 is a ring road to everywhere.
3. Ferry connections and paperwork is planned in advance.
4. Large consignments of horses travelling abroad will conceal a stolen horse or pony with ease.
5. There are known meeting places on the outside perimeter of horse auctions, lay-bys and carparks, etc.
6. Horses can be on the continent within 12 to 24 hours.

Awareness

Take vehicle registration numbers of towing vehicles of trailers moving around late at night as the trailer may be stolen. If you are suspicious, report it immediately to the police. Be aware of trailers and horse type lorries parked in unusual circumstances. Keep a camera in your car. If you visit an auction and see a horse tied to a lorry that is not destined for the ring, record the lorry or trailer details. Do not compromise yourself. Alert the auctioneer if you are suspicious of any horse presented for sale. Take note of freezebranded horses. Always keep the auction programme if you are concerned about a horse and make a record of the lot number. Check the Stolen Horse Register / National Equine Database www. nedonline. co.uk before you go to purchase a horse.
(please note - the NED website is no longer online)

The sale

1. Stolen horses will only generate a small percentage of their true value, a quality pony will sell on the black market for a maximum of £600.
2. Stolen horses can be hidden in a herd of horses with ease.
3. Advertisements will be scanned for a potential theft.
4. Quick bargains, no questions asked are always sort after.
5. Stolen horses generally do not go through the ring unless stolen by beginners.
6. Horses will be sold outside the ring and possibly may be tied, unmarked, to an unaccompanied lorry.
7. There is a growing trade in horses being sold whilst on loan. These are also highlighted on the National Equine Database.

Awareness

Never trust the word of a person who has a horse for sale unless you can authenticate the horse’s history. Always beware of a cheap horse and have it vetted. If it is freezebranded, check its identity before purchase. Know the route to your yard; make yourself familiar with the fields and the stock in them. Report to your Horsewatch co-ordinator any suspicious animals that appear. Always report any animal you consider to be neglected to the IPLH, RSPCA or HAPPF – never turn a blind eye. Always report a seemingly dumped horse which may suddenly appear on waste type land or similar. Always write a contract when entering into a loan agreement, even with friends.
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Re: Information sheets from UK Horsewatch Alliance

Post by TracingEquines »

Information sheet No. 8

Security tips

Livestock

Have an accurate description of your horse or pony. Write down details of horse’s height, colour and any distinguishing features; take photos of the animal from both sides, front and rear. Update the details regularly. Use the Horse and Equipment Identification form enclosed in your membership pack supplied by Thames Valley Police.

Freezebranding is a popular permanent method of making horses more identifiable, allowing the horse to be traced back to its owner if stolen. The process is quick. The branding iron is cooled in liquid nitrogen and applied to the skin. Pigment cells on the skin are destroyed and the hairs grow back white and stay that way for life. The irons are applied to a greys skin for a little longer. The hair follicle is destroyed leaving a bald patch in the shape of the numbers and letters. This does not cause the horse any discomfort, but do not forget the sun tan cream when rungs are first removed after winter!!

Microchipping is an alternative to freezebranding. A chip the size of a grain of rice is inserted in the ligament in the animal’s neck with a hypodermic needle. Each chip holds basic information and is
registered on a computerised system. When a scanner is passed over the horse, this information can be matched with the owner’s details. Until recently there was no outward evidence on a microchipped horse, but now the horse can also be freezebranded with a small symbol indicating the existence of the microchip.

However, it is recommended that both microchipping and freezebranding is carried out as it is easier to read white numbers on a horse’s back, particularly if it is upset, than try to find a microchip reader in the first instance. By law now, all equines born after July 2009 have to be passported and microchipped.

Hoof branding is another approach. The owner’s postcode is burnt onto the horse’s hoof. Although highly visible at first, it must be renewed approximately every six months as the hoof grows.

Put signs on your fences stating the horses are security-marked. This can deter a thief but don’t get complacent; a thief may take the risk if the animal can be easily removed from the premises.

Fields and yards

What type of gates do you have, and can they be lifted off their hinges? To secure gates use a close-shackled padlock and a pad bar rather than a chain, which can be cut through easily. Thieves will watch a yard to assess the movements of owners. Vary your timings to make life more difficult for them.

Equipment

Security mark all your equipment. Horsewatch co-ordinators can attend tackmarking sessions. It should be marked with your postcode and any unusual and/or expensive items should also be photographed. The Thames Valley Police Horse and Equipment Identification form also provides an area to record these details.

Tackrooms

Windows are a common point of access, so put bars on the inside. Doors can be secured with padlocks, but make sure the hinges cannot be unscrewed – a burglar will not think twice about removing the door.

Transport

Trailers are also easy targets, which need to be immobilised, but in such a way they can be accessed in an emergency. Farmkey operates a trailer marking scheme and associated register. Wheel clamps and hitchlocks are popular, and the latest security measure is to apply your postcode to the trailer roof. A form to order your letters is available to download from www.thamesvalleyhorsewatch.org.uk
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Re: Information sheets from UK Horsewatch Alliance

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Information sheet No. 9

Equine passports

The Horse Passports (England) Regulations 2004

These regulations come into force on the 10 June 2004.

All owners of horses in England, born on or before the 30 November 2003, must apply for a full passport before the 30 June 2004, (horse includes ponies, donkeys and other equidae except zebras).

Owners of horses with passports which do not contain the veterinary medicines pages (Section IX) must apply for an updated passport, or additional pages, by the 30 June 2004.

Owners of horses imported into England (staying for more than 30 days) without full passports, shall apply for a passport for that horse within 30 days of the horse coming into the country. The passport shall state that the horse is not intended for human consumption.

Owners of horses born after 30 November 2003, must obtain a passport on or before the 31 December of the year of its birth, or by six months after its birth whichever is the later.

All equines born after July 2009 must be microchipped and passported.
Passports must be obtained from a recognised Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO).

Ponies with grazing rights on the New Forest or Dartmoor do not need to have passports unless, the ponies are moved from the area. However, they must be individually identified in the lists kept by the New Forest Verderers or the Dartmoor Commoners Association.

If a horse dies the passport must be returned to the Passport Issuing Organisation within 30 days of the death.

You are not required to complete the declaration for human consumption until such time as veterinary drugs are administered which have withdrawal periods for human consumption. It must be signed NOT for human consumption if Annex IV drugs are administered. (These are drugs banned from use on animals for human consumption.)

Please note that the equine passport is NOT PROOF of ownership. The main purpose of the passport was to list the drugs administered to horses as horses go into the food chain in Europe. As part of the deal of being allowed to retain the use of ‘bute’ in the UK DEFRA had to ensure all equines were passported.

No person shall;
= amend the passport unless authorised to do so,
= hold more than one passport for each horse,
= change the name of the horse, (as shown on the passport) unless authorised,
= destroy or deface a passport.

After the 28 February 2005, your horse must be accompanied by its passport,
= when it is moved to a new keeper,
= when it is moved for the purpose of sale,
= when used for competition,
= when it is moved for breeding,
= when it is moved to a slaughterhouse,
= when it is moved out of Great Britain.
Failure to comply with these regulations may lead to prosecution
Further information can be obtained from:
Animal Health and Welfare ..... Trading Standards Service
The Parkway ..... 96 Wickham Road
Fareham ..... PO16 7JL
Tel: 01329 316200 ..... Fax: 01329 316216
(please note, it looks like this office has moved, see this link to contact details - http://www3.hants.gov.uk/tradingstandar ... tactus.htm)

A list of the Passport Issuing Organisations (PIO) can be obtained from: http: //www. defra. gov.uk/animalh/tracing/horses/horses_index.htm or by telephoning the DEFRA Helpline on 08459 335577 (
(please note - link is not correct, please use https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... brooks.pdf and https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... dbooks.pdf ..... also correct phone number for DEFRA is 03459 33 55 77)
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Re: Information sheets from UK Horsewatch Alliance

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Information sheet No. 10

Wise precautions for loaning your horse

Before you loan your horse to a complete stranger, or even to someone you thought you knew really well, there are a few sensible precautions you should take. These can ensure that everything is clear and understood between the parties involved and if something does go wrong the details are in place to recover the situation. In cases where equines are loaned on a ‘handshake’ agreement it can sometimes become almost impossible to even prove that the horse is yours. So, if you do not intend to give your horse away, never to be seen again, please consider the following:

Identify the horse

All horses must have a passport to confirm their identity. The problem is that you are required to give the passport to the loanee with the horse. A passport only confirms the animal is/is not fit for human consumption - it is not proof of ownership. Make sure anyone can positively identify the horse by having it freeze branded. A microchip is good confirmation but it is not visible and can be difficult to check. Freezebrand companies will issue an owner’s pack. This can be taken as proof the horse is yours and you are not required to give it to the loanee. It helps greatly if you have some good, clear current photographs of your horse, winter and summer, digitally stored if possible.

Keep a copy of the passport

You must supply the original passport with the horse so it can be travelled. The passport should also be available from the keeper for inspection, so handing it to the loanee is usually unavoidable. This does not prevent you from keeping a photocopy so you always have the information to hand.

Update the National Equine Database (NED)

If your horse is to be/has been loaned, update the passport record on NED to reflect this at http ://www .nedonline.co.uk . Make sure you have ‘associated’ yourself with the horse to ‘lock’ the passport record to you. Then add a comment in the Notes section of the User Entered area. This will allow anyone checking the passport, perhaps before they are about to buy your horse, to see that it is out on loan and not for sale. ‘Currently on loan, not to be bought or sold’ is enough detail. Sadly, loaned equines can too easily be sold by unscrupulous people and some have even been lost to the meat trade.
(please note - the NED no longer exists)

Use a loan agreement

You really must have a formal, written loan agreement in place before you hand over your horse. There is a BHS version at http://www.bhs.org.uk in the Welfare section or a Horse Trust copy at http://www.horsetrust.org.uk in the Advice section. Make sure it is fully completed and that you each keep a copy. Ideally, the agreement needs to be countersigned by a professional person such as a doctor, lawyer, bank officer or company director rather than a close friend or family member. This will make it more impartial and independent in any dispute. Some solicitors specialise in equine law and can help with drafting such loan documents.
(bhs link to sample loan contract - http://www.bhs.org.uk/welfare-and-care/ ... ing-horses)
(can't find link on horse trust website)

Keep records

Make sure you can always contact the loanee. Keep a record of their name, home address and all telephone numbers. Note where they are going to keep the horse. If this is a livery yard, write down the yard owner’s details as well. Visit the yard/home before the horse leaves you, both to inspect the premises and to confirm what you have been told really exists. When the horse is collected, record the registration numbers of all the vehicles involved – take photographs at the time so there is no doubt. A ‘souvenir’ photograph of the loanee holding your horse may prove invaluable if it all goes horribly wrong in the future.


We all have to trust that loans are the best solution at the time and the vast majority go well with no problems. However, if you do find yourself in a position where your best friend has been moved, sold or will not be returned to you, the effort of the preparation described above may make the difference between proof of ownership and a long drawn out dispute.
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