Freeze Mark

by Lucy Collins

Created on: June 14, 2011

Many owners in this day and age, wish to safeguard their horse, and use a form of identification system. Freeze marking is one form of identification that forms a permanent mark on the horse. The number is registered in the database, identifying that particular horse. Micro chipping is another form of identification. This is read by a scanner, but is not visible from the outside of the horse. The number is also linked to a database to identify the horse. Most owners want the best for their horse, so they need to look into their preferred method of identification.

Freeze marking is a visual deterrent. This is visible either on the shoulder of the horse, or sometimes under the saddle patch. Freeze marking looks like branding, but the hairs grow back white, caused by the freezing. It is considered humane. In a horse that is a light colour, the hair is actually killed so that it won‘t grow back. The freeze mark is able to be seen in this manner as the skin shows through.

Freeze marking is cold rather than hot like branding. It may cause a tiny bit of discomfort, but apparently does not hurt. It is not damaging the horse, just altering the hair so that it can be seen. The pigmentation in the hair is destroyed, not the hair itself. In the case of a light horse, it takes slightly longer as the hair needs to be killed off, so that it will not grow back. Again though, this is not damaging the horse or causing pain, just possibly a bit of bearable discomfort.

Freeze marks are usually quite obvious, especially if on the shoulder and they can still be seen when the horse is being ridden. Some owners may consider them a bit unsightly, especially if it is a show horse. Freeze marks may not always be obvious though. A horse may need to be clipped around the freeze mark, especially if it has a thick coat. This can be a disadvantage, as it may appear as if a horse does not have a freeze mark. If buying a horse with a freeze mark, make sure that it can be seen, and that it corresponds with the number on the documentation.

Microchipping is another form of identification, but one that cannot be seen. All foals that are born in the UK after 1st July 2009, need to be microchipped. This is under European wide regulations so it is a requirement. Microchipping is a means of identifying horses by reading a chip. The number is registered in a database like freeze marking. This can then be used if a horse is reported stolen, or someone is trying to trace a horse.

Microchips can be inserted at any age by a vet, and are about the size of a grain of rice. They are inserted into the left side of the neck, by the base of the mane between the poll and wither, via a needle. They are quick and easy to insert, but cannot be removed without a general anaesthetic. They are read by a scanner and the horse cannot feel when it is being read. The documents relating to the microchip, including the number which is unique to that horse, are entered on the horse’s passport.

Apparently microchips can’t migrate. Sometimes stories are heard about owners being unable to locate the microchip. This would not be possible if it were unable to migrate and they apparently can’t fall out either. In the event of a microchip not being found, it would need to be questioned whether the correct paperwork is accompanying the horse. It also needs to be asked whether the horse was actually micro chipped in the first place before looking into any other possibilities. Micro chips are preferred by some owners. They cannot be seen so don’t detract from the beauty of the horse.

Some horses do not have a freeze mark or an identichip. This is being addressed in the UK by making it compulsory for foals to be micro chipped, so all younger horses will have some form of identification. It is certainly sensible to protect your horse with some form of identification. For older horses, it is the owner’s choice whether they are freeze marked or micro chipped. They both have the advantage of being in a central data base, to enable the horse to be traced if necessary. Freeze marking is certainly the most visible, so this possibly provides the bigger deterrent where horse theft is a risk.

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