| Oh No! Your Horse is Missing! By Lalita Creighton |
I recently had the awful heart-stopping experience of having my horses get out of my
pasture. I was lucky. Not only did a horse-owning neighbor catch them and keep them
confined for me, they didn't get hurt or even worse yet, cause someone else to get hurt. You
can be held liable not only for any damages your horse causes, but also for any personal
injury or death that results from your horse getting loose.
Besides your horse making a "jailbreak", there are several other ways that he or she could go
missing, including if he or she is stolen. You could be thrown on the trail and your horse runs
off. Your horse could get loose in a campground while you're sleeping. Someone could cut
your fence and let your horse out, either intentionally or as a result of trying to get access to
your pasture, such as for hunting. Natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes could also
cause your horse to get loose.
No matter how your horse gets 'lost', there are several things to do to help recover him or
her. First and foremost, don't panic!
What to Do Before Your Horse is Missing
Even before your horse goes missing, there are lots of steps you can take to save precious
time and improve your chances of recovery. Take color photographs of your horse's head,
full body shots on both sides, front view, rear view, and of any unique markings, especially
brands, white markings, and hair whorls. Hair whorls are unique to every horse. Write on the
back of the photos the horse's name and the date the photograph was taken, and the
location of the unique identifying mark if that's the subject of the picture. If your horse
changes coat color or looks a lot different in summer and winter, make sure to take a set of
photographs in each season. It's also not a bad idea to take pictures of them both clean (and
clipped if you clip) and dirty (and not clipped). Keep your photographs up to date. Your
horse's appearance will change somewhat with age. Make sure to get duplicate copies of
your photographs as you should make at least three ID kits. Don't just keep your
photographs on your computer. It will take too long in an emergency to print them, and just
imagine if your printer or computer doesn't work that day for some reason!
Make copies of any documents proving that you own your horse, including dated bill of sale,
registration certificate, Coggins, vet bills, brand registrations, microchip registrations, and
boarding agreements. (Tip: If your registration certificate is in color, like for APHA
registrations, make color copies if possible.) Keep in mind that a registration certificate is not
a strong proof of ownership. Should a thief steal your horse and brand it with his brand, it
may very well over-ride your registration certificate without further proof of ownership.
Make up three ID kits that contain all of the information above. You can get plastic sheet
protectors and photo storage sheets that are punched to use in three-ring binders-they are a
great way to keep all the information together.
Keep two kits in your home in a safe location that you can access quickly in an emergency.
One kit is for you, and the other is for law enforcement should it be necessary, like in the
case of theft. Keep another kit in your trailer or tow vehicle for when you're traveling or trail
riding.
Consider some form of permanent identification. Micro chipping is one option, but has some
significant drawbacks. There is more than one type of chip, and not all microchip readers can
read them all. Not all auction houses or veterinarians have readers. Microchips are not
visible so are not a visual deterrent to theft. Someone that finds your horse might not even
think to have your horse scanned for a chip. One major plus is that if you get into a dispute
over ownership, having a microchip will go a long way towards you getting your horse back.
Since you'll know who put the chip in, you'll know who has a reader that will be able to read
it. Microchips are also inexpensive, and your veterinarian can install them quickly and
relatively painlessly.
Traditional or freeze branding are other options to consider. Freeze branding is much less
painful than traditional branding. Some quieter horses can be freeze-branded with minimal
restraint. Regulations vary from state to state, but here in Missouri you will need to design
your own unique brand and register it with the Department of Agriculture. The current fee is
$35. Here is a link to the form.
http://www.mda.mo.gov/pdf/brandregistration.pdf.
It is very important that you get your brand registered before you have it applied to your
horse. Once you have it registered, you need to arrange to have your horse branded with it.
A brand is a more legally binding than a registration certificate. One drawback to a brand is
that they can be altered, although sometimes the alteration is noticeable. One other
drawback is that on light colored horses, such as white, light gray, or cremello, freeze
branding does not show up as well. The brand has to be applied longer in order to kill the
hair follicles to prevent the hair from growing back at all. On a darker horse, it only has to be
applied long enough to damage the follicles and turn the hair white, similar to white marks
from an ill-fitting saddle. Another drawback would be if you show your horse, and would be
penalized in the show ring for the brand. Finally, not all veterinarians in all parts of the state
apply freeze brands. Freeze branding is not a do-it-yourself project, you need to locate a
trained professional to do it.
In addition to a permanent ID, I also recommend a semi-permanent ID. It can be removed,
and will not help with theft, but it's great for the lost horse that is found wandering. Although
an ID tag on your horse's halter may help in certain situations, it won't help if your horse isn't
wearing it. I don't recommend turning your horse out with a halter on. Not only will some
types of halters not break if they get hung up on a fence or other object, they make it much
easier for a thief to catch your horse. For this situation, get a dog tag with your contact
information on it. Use something like fishing line that is strong and weather-resistant and braid
it into your horse's mane next to the bridle path. I don't recommend placing identification in
your horse's tail. Someone inexperienced with horses may be trying to handle your horse, so
you want to reduce the possibility of them getting kicked. Also, people are more likely to pet
your horse near his head. If they try to lead him, or put a halter on them, they're much more
likely to see the ID tag than if it's in your horse's tail. To make the tag more noticeable, you
can tie a small brightly colored piece of ribbon or string (glow in the dark would be perfect)
next to the tag. Then when the ribbon or string gets dull and dirty, take it out and put in a
new piece. Your horse may occasionally lose his or her ID tag, so check to make sure the
tag isn't coming loose every time your groom or feed your horse, and re-secure it as needed.
You should also make up a 'Missing Horse' poster in advance. Include color pictures if you
can and your contact information. State that you're offering a reward (and be prepared to
give one), but not the amount. Contact your local law enforcement to see if they have any
additional tips for what to include on your poster.
Make a list of auction barns in your area with their phone numbers and dates of sales, and
keep a copy with your horse ID kits, both in your house and in your trailer. Many times
thefts occur the night before a sale.
You might wish to check with your homeowner's insurance policy and see if damages caused
from your horse being loose are covered. Typically, you're only covered if the damage or
injury occurs on your property. Also, equine limited liability laws also only apply when your
horse is on your property. Equine liability insurance is available from companies that
specialize in equine insurance of various types.
It sounds obvious, but regularly check the strength and security of your fence. Storms or high
winds can knock trees over, or large limbs down, compromising your fence. Pranksters or
hunters can cut fencing. As with other equipment, time alone can cause degradation. Metal
rusts. Wood rots. If you use electric fencing, check that the electric is functioning correctly
and that the charger holds a charge properly. Ensure your fence is built out of quality
materials that are sufficiently strong to contain your horses, and is tall enough to discourage
them from jumping it. If you have a stallion, you will need an even better fence than if you
only have mares or geldings.
Keep corrals, paddocks, and pastures away from the road and beyond your house if
possible, and keep all gates locked. Don't feed your horses near gate areas. Even though it's
more convenient for you, your horses will congregate to those areas, making it easier for
thieves to get access to them.
Store your horse trailer inside a barn or garage so it's not readily accessible and keep a
coupler lock on it when it's parked. Thieves may plan to hook up your trailer to their truck to
steal your horses. There are also locks that are designed to keep a thief from removing your
hitch from your receiver when your trailer is hooked up to your truck.
What to Do When You Find Your Horse Missing
As soon as you discover your horse is missing, call the local sheriff or police to make a
report. Someone else may find or see your horse and report it, making it faster and easier to
find your horse. In the case of theft, it is critical to involve law enforcement. Ask them to
notify law enforcement in the areas in which any nearby auctions are taking place. Document
any evidence that your horses were stolen or turned loose, such as cut fencing, tire tracks,
missing halters, and damaged locks. Take photographs if you can.
After you talk to law enforcement, start canvassing your neighbors. Sometimes horses don't
wander off all that far and will come running if they hear their grain bucket being shaken or
your voice. Also, perhaps your neighbors noticed a horse trailer they'd never seen in the area
before, or a suspicious car. If any of your neighbors have horses, that's the first place to go.
Horses, being social animals, will often go 'visit' if they get loose.
Call the auction barns on your list; many of them are cooperative in this situation.
Unfortunately, many stolen horses taken to a sale don't actually go into the sale ring; they're
sold in the lot outside. If possible, attend the auctions yourself (or send someone very familiar
with your horse) and spend time walking around the parking areas as well as watching the
sale ring and the stall areas. Take an ID kit with you and a cell phone to contact law
enforcement. Look very carefully at the horses that are there. Consider that shoe polish or
some form of paint may have been used to create markings that aren't there, or cover ones
that are.
Contact the slaughterhouses in the U.S., listed below, and advise them of your loss.
Dallas Crown, Inc
2000 West Fair
P.O. Box 467
Kaufman, TX 75142
972-932-3436
972-932-3062 (fax)
Manager: Geert Dewulf
Horse Inspector: Randy Williams
Beltex Corporation
3801 N. Grove St.
Fort Worth, TX 76106
817-624-1136
817-624-4594 (fax)
President: Eric Nauwelaers
Horse Inspector: Ronnie Ober
Cavel International, Inc.
(re-opened 7 June 2004)
International Meat Exporters
108 Harvestore Dr.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-756-8051
Owner: Luc Van Damme (Belgian)
Plant Manager: Jim Tucker
Now's the time to get those flyers you made up in advance and start putting them up
anywhere you can: feed stores, tack stores, veterinarian's offices, or boarding barns for
example. Keep in mind you will need the facility owner's permission to post flyers on private
property.
Ordinances in different counties, cities, and states will vary, but if you can put your flyers up
on stop signs and places like that your general area, it might help as well. Also, contact
people like your veterinarian, farrier, equine chiropractor, equine dentist, and any horse
friends or people you know in the area and let them know of your loss.
There are also several internet sites that you can go to and report a theft. Here is a link to
one of the main ones:
http://www.netposse.com
Go to other horse-related websites, such as training bulletin boards, general horse bulletin
boards, local saddle clubs, other local equine organizations, anything you can think of, and
post 'Missing Horse' notices. You never know when the right pair of eyes will see it and
think "That looks a lot like so-and-so's new horse!" Do a web search on "report stolen
horse" and lots of websites are listed. Review and file reports with those you wish.
I genuinely hope none of you ever have to face this situation, but if you do, these tips will
help you be prepared. Hopefully you will be as lucky as I was and recover your horse with
no injuries or damages. I was not as prepared as I should be and I'm going to change that. I
hope you do, too!
pasture. I was lucky. Not only did a horse-owning neighbor catch them and keep them
confined for me, they didn't get hurt or even worse yet, cause someone else to get hurt. You
can be held liable not only for any damages your horse causes, but also for any personal
injury or death that results from your horse getting loose.
Besides your horse making a "jailbreak", there are several other ways that he or she could go
missing, including if he or she is stolen. You could be thrown on the trail and your horse runs
off. Your horse could get loose in a campground while you're sleeping. Someone could cut
your fence and let your horse out, either intentionally or as a result of trying to get access to
your pasture, such as for hunting. Natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes could also
cause your horse to get loose.
No matter how your horse gets 'lost', there are several things to do to help recover him or
her. First and foremost, don't panic!
What to Do Before Your Horse is Missing
Even before your horse goes missing, there are lots of steps you can take to save precious
time and improve your chances of recovery. Take color photographs of your horse's head,
full body shots on both sides, front view, rear view, and of any unique markings, especially
brands, white markings, and hair whorls. Hair whorls are unique to every horse. Write on the
back of the photos the horse's name and the date the photograph was taken, and the
location of the unique identifying mark if that's the subject of the picture. If your horse
changes coat color or looks a lot different in summer and winter, make sure to take a set of
photographs in each season. It's also not a bad idea to take pictures of them both clean (and
clipped if you clip) and dirty (and not clipped). Keep your photographs up to date. Your
horse's appearance will change somewhat with age. Make sure to get duplicate copies of
your photographs as you should make at least three ID kits. Don't just keep your
photographs on your computer. It will take too long in an emergency to print them, and just
imagine if your printer or computer doesn't work that day for some reason!
Make copies of any documents proving that you own your horse, including dated bill of sale,
registration certificate, Coggins, vet bills, brand registrations, microchip registrations, and
boarding agreements. (Tip: If your registration certificate is in color, like for APHA
registrations, make color copies if possible.) Keep in mind that a registration certificate is not
a strong proof of ownership. Should a thief steal your horse and brand it with his brand, it
may very well over-ride your registration certificate without further proof of ownership.
Make up three ID kits that contain all of the information above. You can get plastic sheet
protectors and photo storage sheets that are punched to use in three-ring binders-they are a
great way to keep all the information together.
Keep two kits in your home in a safe location that you can access quickly in an emergency.
One kit is for you, and the other is for law enforcement should it be necessary, like in the
case of theft. Keep another kit in your trailer or tow vehicle for when you're traveling or trail
riding.
Consider some form of permanent identification. Micro chipping is one option, but has some
significant drawbacks. There is more than one type of chip, and not all microchip readers can
read them all. Not all auction houses or veterinarians have readers. Microchips are not
visible so are not a visual deterrent to theft. Someone that finds your horse might not even
think to have your horse scanned for a chip. One major plus is that if you get into a dispute
over ownership, having a microchip will go a long way towards you getting your horse back.
Since you'll know who put the chip in, you'll know who has a reader that will be able to read
it. Microchips are also inexpensive, and your veterinarian can install them quickly and
relatively painlessly.
Traditional or freeze branding are other options to consider. Freeze branding is much less
painful than traditional branding. Some quieter horses can be freeze-branded with minimal
restraint. Regulations vary from state to state, but here in Missouri you will need to design
your own unique brand and register it with the Department of Agriculture. The current fee is
$35. Here is a link to the form.
http://www.mda.mo.gov/pdf/brandregistration.pdf.
It is very important that you get your brand registered before you have it applied to your
horse. Once you have it registered, you need to arrange to have your horse branded with it.
A brand is a more legally binding than a registration certificate. One drawback to a brand is
that they can be altered, although sometimes the alteration is noticeable. One other
drawback is that on light colored horses, such as white, light gray, or cremello, freeze
branding does not show up as well. The brand has to be applied longer in order to kill the
hair follicles to prevent the hair from growing back at all. On a darker horse, it only has to be
applied long enough to damage the follicles and turn the hair white, similar to white marks
from an ill-fitting saddle. Another drawback would be if you show your horse, and would be
penalized in the show ring for the brand. Finally, not all veterinarians in all parts of the state
apply freeze brands. Freeze branding is not a do-it-yourself project, you need to locate a
trained professional to do it.
In addition to a permanent ID, I also recommend a semi-permanent ID. It can be removed,
and will not help with theft, but it's great for the lost horse that is found wandering. Although
an ID tag on your horse's halter may help in certain situations, it won't help if your horse isn't
wearing it. I don't recommend turning your horse out with a halter on. Not only will some
types of halters not break if they get hung up on a fence or other object, they make it much
easier for a thief to catch your horse. For this situation, get a dog tag with your contact
information on it. Use something like fishing line that is strong and weather-resistant and braid
it into your horse's mane next to the bridle path. I don't recommend placing identification in
your horse's tail. Someone inexperienced with horses may be trying to handle your horse, so
you want to reduce the possibility of them getting kicked. Also, people are more likely to pet
your horse near his head. If they try to lead him, or put a halter on them, they're much more
likely to see the ID tag than if it's in your horse's tail. To make the tag more noticeable, you
can tie a small brightly colored piece of ribbon or string (glow in the dark would be perfect)
next to the tag. Then when the ribbon or string gets dull and dirty, take it out and put in a
new piece. Your horse may occasionally lose his or her ID tag, so check to make sure the
tag isn't coming loose every time your groom or feed your horse, and re-secure it as needed.
You should also make up a 'Missing Horse' poster in advance. Include color pictures if you
can and your contact information. State that you're offering a reward (and be prepared to
give one), but not the amount. Contact your local law enforcement to see if they have any
additional tips for what to include on your poster.
Make a list of auction barns in your area with their phone numbers and dates of sales, and
keep a copy with your horse ID kits, both in your house and in your trailer. Many times
thefts occur the night before a sale.
You might wish to check with your homeowner's insurance policy and see if damages caused
from your horse being loose are covered. Typically, you're only covered if the damage or
injury occurs on your property. Also, equine limited liability laws also only apply when your
horse is on your property. Equine liability insurance is available from companies that
specialize in equine insurance of various types.
It sounds obvious, but regularly check the strength and security of your fence. Storms or high
winds can knock trees over, or large limbs down, compromising your fence. Pranksters or
hunters can cut fencing. As with other equipment, time alone can cause degradation. Metal
rusts. Wood rots. If you use electric fencing, check that the electric is functioning correctly
and that the charger holds a charge properly. Ensure your fence is built out of quality
materials that are sufficiently strong to contain your horses, and is tall enough to discourage
them from jumping it. If you have a stallion, you will need an even better fence than if you
only have mares or geldings.
Keep corrals, paddocks, and pastures away from the road and beyond your house if
possible, and keep all gates locked. Don't feed your horses near gate areas. Even though it's
more convenient for you, your horses will congregate to those areas, making it easier for
thieves to get access to them.
Store your horse trailer inside a barn or garage so it's not readily accessible and keep a
coupler lock on it when it's parked. Thieves may plan to hook up your trailer to their truck to
steal your horses. There are also locks that are designed to keep a thief from removing your
hitch from your receiver when your trailer is hooked up to your truck.
What to Do When You Find Your Horse Missing
As soon as you discover your horse is missing, call the local sheriff or police to make a
report. Someone else may find or see your horse and report it, making it faster and easier to
find your horse. In the case of theft, it is critical to involve law enforcement. Ask them to
notify law enforcement in the areas in which any nearby auctions are taking place. Document
any evidence that your horses were stolen or turned loose, such as cut fencing, tire tracks,
missing halters, and damaged locks. Take photographs if you can.
After you talk to law enforcement, start canvassing your neighbors. Sometimes horses don't
wander off all that far and will come running if they hear their grain bucket being shaken or
your voice. Also, perhaps your neighbors noticed a horse trailer they'd never seen in the area
before, or a suspicious car. If any of your neighbors have horses, that's the first place to go.
Horses, being social animals, will often go 'visit' if they get loose.
Call the auction barns on your list; many of them are cooperative in this situation.
Unfortunately, many stolen horses taken to a sale don't actually go into the sale ring; they're
sold in the lot outside. If possible, attend the auctions yourself (or send someone very familiar
with your horse) and spend time walking around the parking areas as well as watching the
sale ring and the stall areas. Take an ID kit with you and a cell phone to contact law
enforcement. Look very carefully at the horses that are there. Consider that shoe polish or
some form of paint may have been used to create markings that aren't there, or cover ones
that are.
Contact the slaughterhouses in the U.S., listed below, and advise them of your loss.
Dallas Crown, Inc
2000 West Fair
P.O. Box 467
Kaufman, TX 75142
972-932-3436
972-932-3062 (fax)
Manager: Geert Dewulf
Horse Inspector: Randy Williams
Beltex Corporation
3801 N. Grove St.
Fort Worth, TX 76106
817-624-1136
817-624-4594 (fax)
President: Eric Nauwelaers
Horse Inspector: Ronnie Ober
Cavel International, Inc.
(re-opened 7 June 2004)
International Meat Exporters
108 Harvestore Dr.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-756-8051
Owner: Luc Van Damme (Belgian)
Plant Manager: Jim Tucker
Now's the time to get those flyers you made up in advance and start putting them up
anywhere you can: feed stores, tack stores, veterinarian's offices, or boarding barns for
example. Keep in mind you will need the facility owner's permission to post flyers on private
property.
Ordinances in different counties, cities, and states will vary, but if you can put your flyers up
on stop signs and places like that your general area, it might help as well. Also, contact
people like your veterinarian, farrier, equine chiropractor, equine dentist, and any horse
friends or people you know in the area and let them know of your loss.
There are also several internet sites that you can go to and report a theft. Here is a link to
one of the main ones:
http://www.netposse.com
Go to other horse-related websites, such as training bulletin boards, general horse bulletin
boards, local saddle clubs, other local equine organizations, anything you can think of, and
post 'Missing Horse' notices. You never know when the right pair of eyes will see it and
think "That looks a lot like so-and-so's new horse!" Do a web search on "report stolen
horse" and lots of websites are listed. Review and file reports with those you wish.
I genuinely hope none of you ever have to face this situation, but if you do, these tips will
help you be prepared. Hopefully you will be as lucky as I was and recover your horse with
no injuries or damages. I was not as prepared as I should be and I'm going to change that. I
hope you do, too!
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