Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• Constantly keep an eye out for broken boards, protruding nails, broken latches, and dis-
carded twine on the ground.
• Perform daily fence checks on electric fence components and make a thorough weekly
inspection of all fences.
• Keep your dogs under control and train them to respect horses and to stay away from the
barn and pens. Do not allow loose dogs to roam your property—it is just too risky.
• Post
NO TRESPASSING
signs on all sides of your property.
• Train your dog to alert you to the presence of intruders. Yard lights that come on at dusk
or are triggered by motion sensors can be a great deterrent. Consider installing a profes-
sional security system or placing surveillance cameras in any areas that you feel might be
more apt to be burgled.
• For their safety, horses should never be turned out wearing halters; in addition, a haltered
horse is usually easier to steal.
• Protect your horse farm from theft by installing an entrance gate that can be securely
locked and cannot be lifted off its hinges.
• Install a lighting system around the barn and paddocks.
• Keep the tack room secure. A tack room with no windows and secure, lockable doors
helps to minimize theft. If your tack room has windows, cover them with sturdy steel grills.
Mark all tack with a brand or identification number, keep it out of sight when you're not
using it, and lock it up when you're gone. Check with your insurance company to see if
certain types of locks are required to validate theft coverage. If you keep your barn clean
and organized, you'll be more likely to notice when things are missing or out of place.
• Record the identification of horses, tack, equipment, and other valuable items by photo,
video, and serial and registration numbers.
• Secure your horse trailer with a hitch lock, wheel clamps, or electronic tracking device.
• Keep several copies of current photos and written descriptions of all horses for immediate
distribution to police, local veterinarians, farriers, and others.
• Form a neighborhood association so you can share information and help watch for suspi-
cious activities.
