Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Your personal brand must be registered; first check with the state brand board as to the
availability of a brand, rules of registration, and placement of a brand. There is hot brand-
ing and freeze branding.
Hot-iron branding is used on western ranch horses as well as by some breed registries.
The brand is registered with a brand board in the horse owner's name, so it serves as proof
of ownership. An iron is heated by fire, gas, or electricity and held against the hide (hip,
shoulder, neck) of the animal to burn a permanent scar into the skin.
Freeze branding uses cold (from liquid nitrogen) to make an indelible mark or number
on a horse's hide; the hair under the brand either fails to grow or grows in white. The brand
is registered in a database, which would prove that the horse belongs to the owner of the
brand. Depending on the database and how it must be accessed, finding freeze-brand re-
cords can be less handy than finding hot-brand records.
Lip tattoos are another option. The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Breed Registry requires
all Thoroughbred racehorses to have a tattoo applied to the inside of the upper lip. The tat-
toos last for 4 to 5 years, fading over time.
An electronic microchip can be implanted in the nuchal ligament of a horse's neck to be
read with a radio frequency scanner. Chips are not noticeable, which is good for the sake
of appearance, but because a thief cannot see them, they don't act as a deterrent like a vis-
ible brand does. Microchips indicate ownership but can identify a particular animal only if
there is an appropriate scanner available.
To prove definitively that a particular horse is a particular horse, you can have blood typ-
ing or DNA typing done on each of your horses. Although this is not a widespread option
right now, some breed registries have blood-typing records and offer DNA testing.
The best course of action is to keep a folder on each of your horses and regularly update
it with current photos from both sides, the front, and the rear and close-ups of any unusual
scars, markings, or brands. A horse's hair coat changes between seasons and as he ages.
Include a detailed written description of the horse along with a copy of his registration pa-
pers. Ideally, have all of this information on one sheet of paper and have several copies so
that you can distribute them to authorities if necessary.
Horse Insurance
The purpose of insurance is to protect you against financial loss, not emotional loss. When
it comes to insurance for your horse operation, there are basically four types to consider:
horse mortality, horse medical, liability, and property. To determine what type of insurance
and coverage is appropriate for you, work with an agent who has a thorough background
in equine insurance and writes with companies that have an A or A+ rating. Keep in touch
with your agent and notify him or her immediately when you have a claim.
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