Horse theft is a little talked about problem in the Equine Industry. Few horses that are stolen are ever recovered. Where these horses go is still a question. In today's world where land is size is decreasing and roads are increasing horse theft and tack theft is a problem. You can check with your county extension office to see what the rates of theft in you area are. In this article I will discuss with you how to protect your horses and tack.

The first step to making your horse safer is to lock all gates. Locking gates and tack room doors may seem like a hassle, but it is also a deterrent. A locked gate is harder to get through than an unlocked one. It requires more time to cut a chain or lock and increases the risk of exposure. Never "dummy" lock gates, if someone knows you do this others will find out.

The next step is to remove halters from outside hanging areas. If the halter is in an easy place for you to get to it, it is also for a thief. Do not leave halters hanging on gates, or stall doors, this provides easy access for someone to pick it up and catch your horse. Keep halters locked in a secure location so they are not easily found or taken.

All horses are required by state law to have current coggins papers drawn once yearly, on these papers there is a description of the horse. An easy way to prove ownership is to keep with your coggins a set of pictures of your horse. Take the pictures from each side, front, back, and any unusual markings the horse may have. Current pictures, coggins, and registration papers prove the horse belongs to you.

Saddles and tack are taken more than anything else; these items are easily sold at pawnshops or over the Internet. If you have show tack keep it locked in your home, do not leave it in your trailer or tack room. Always remove tack from your trailer and place it in a locked and secure location, whether that is the barn or your home.
To protect your trailer, use a trailer lock, which can be purchased at any hardware store, also keep it in the pasture, behind the locked gate. This prevents anyone from borrowing it without permission. It also prevents your horses from leaving in your trailer, with your tack, and without you.

Always keep current pictures of horses, tack, and trailers. In this way you have proof that those items belong to you. Update your pictures at least every six months.

By following some simple preventive measures you can keep your horses, and tack safe from harm and enjoy your equine companions without worry.

Learn more about this author, Jan Erhardt.
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