For a horse owner, the day a beloved horse is no longer needed can be a heart-wrenching one, filled with good intentions and the search for a new "forever" home. However, as Debi Metcalfe of Stolen Horse International discovered, those intentions can go terribly wrong, with beloved animals ending up on a truck bound for the border. Metcalfe’s experience with Skeeter, a horse purchased at auction for her daughter, provides a blueprint for how thoughtful planning can secure a horse’s future, even in old age.

The Skeeter strategy: A lifetime of protection

When Skeeter’s original owner could no longer care for him, he was sold at auction. He was later purchased by the Metcalfe family for their daughter, who was also twelve at the time. After she grew up and moved away, the family knew Skeeter, now in his late twenties, needed a new job. Though many wanted to buy him, the Metcalfes put a plan in place to ensure Skeeter's safety. Instead of selling him, they leased him to a trusted friend for seven years with a strict, legally binding contract. He has since returned home and, at 29, is enjoying his new role as a companion for a neighbor's granddaughter.

10 steps to safeguarding your horse

The Metcalfes' strategy was based on proactive steps they learned from their work with victims of stolen and lost horses. Here are ten key steps they recommend for ensuring your horse’s long-term safety:

• Comprehensive identification: Take clear, four-sided pictures of your horse, capturing all unique markings and scars. Do this in both winter and summer for a complete record.
• Visible deterrent: Use a freeze brand, which creates a visible, permanent mark that discourages theft. While not a foolproof tracking method, it can make a horse less desirable to a thief.
• Internal ID: Microchip your horse to provide a permanent, unalterable identification number. The chip can be scanned by a vet or law enforcement to confirm ownership.
• Register your ID: Register your horse's microchip with both the microchip company's registry and the NetPosse ID Registry. The latter offers advanced record-keeping and enhances your horse's traceability.
• Choose wisely: If you must re-home your horse, take your time vetting potential caretakers. Avoid relying solely on personal relationships with friends or family.
• Use a detailed lease agreement: A thorough lease agreement should include specific language about how the horse is to be used, fed, and your rights as the owner. Including language that covers what happens if the horse disappears ensures you retain control and recourse.
• Maintain the lease: Ensure the lease is renewed annually to maintain legal protection and ownership.
• Document ownership visually: Include photos of yourself with the horse in the lease agreement, clearly stating you are the owner. Note that the horse has registered ID, but keep the actual microchip number and registration details private.
• Stay close: Limit the horse's location to a distance where you can easily visit. The further away the horse is, the more likely issues are to arise. Avoid crossing state lines if possible.
• Conduct unannounced visits: Include a clause in the lease that allows for unannounced visits to check on your horse's welfare. This provides peace of mind and ensures the terms of the agreement are being met.

The power of proactive planning

Skeeter's story serves as a powerful reminder that even the best intentions can fail without proper safeguards. By putting a proactive plan in place, horse owners can navigate life's inevitable changes and ensure their beloved companions are protected for their entire lives, not just in their youth. The Metcalfes’ story proves that with planning and proper documentation, a "forever" home can truly mean forever.

More articles about Skeeter's journey:

Is there an alternative to selling or giving my horse away?

Free Horse or Free Lease

This is Skeeter, age 29. Our safety plan has kept him safe and loved even when

he was away from our farm. Now back, he is teaching another generation to ride.