Recently we have reported that thefts were increasing in southeast and central Texas. 

Now it seems that it is spreading to the rest of the state and northwards into Oklahoma. We can only assume that it will continue to spread into the surrounding states until those responsible are found and stopped. Until such time, we want to inform and remind people to check their fences, gates, and barns regularly, pay attention to both cars and trucks driving slowly past your pastures and driveways, stop and ask questions, take photos on those cell phones, and know what your neighbors drive. 

Start files on each horse. You want a clear photo on all four sides, plus photos of any identifying brands, scars, or markings. Make sure to include yourself or a family member in the view. Don't worry about having a 'show ring' clean horse-chances are, if stolen, he/she won't be very nice looking in a sale pen anyway. 

Use some form of permanent identification-we advocate using both a microchip and freeze marking (branding). The reasoning is-a freeze mark is visible at a distance and can be seen from the side of a pen making it easier to pull a horse out of a pen. The microchip, on the other hand, cannot be seen and requires that the horse be scanned from close proximity. The readout establishes that the chip is registered to only one inividual. Together the two methods are very difficult to argue against as proof of ownership. 

We also suggest keeping all vet records in the same file such as Coggins, health certificates, vaccinations, etc. 

With all of this documentation, if you have it uploaded to the NIP registry or just on a thumb drive in your possession, your horse is far more likely to come back home with you once located. 

However-that said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure as someone said.  Please refer to our Tips on Theft Prevention on www.netposse.com to  better protect your farm.