Tack is a significant investment for horse owners, so why not take extra precautions to keep it safe?

Most of these tips are no-brainers to every horse owner. Unfortunately, that statement is not always true.

The old saying, 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, is so true", says Debi Metcalfe, founder of Stolen Horse International. "We want equipment to stay where it is supposed to be, as well the horses. Keeping both safe is part of the mission work of our nonprofit organization. We want people to protect their equipment and horses before the worst day of their agricultural life begins."

These tips remind tack owners that sometimes the simplest things overlooked cause the most money and heartache after equipment disappears.

1. Keep detailed pictures and videos of equipment.
2. Record serial numbers for saddles and horse equipment.
3. Purchase a safe to store expensive items, medications, and paperwork.
4. Purchase strong locks.
5. Lock equipment in a tack room or storage building.
6. Lock the tack room or storage building.
7. When traveling, lock the equipment in a trunk inside a horse trailer.
8. Lock the horse trailer.
9. Brand tack.
10. Microchip saddles.
11. Put nameplates on the tack.
12. Permanently mark tack with a phrase or word to help identify and deter theft.
13. When saddles are stored using a locking saddle rack.
14. Install surveillance cameras.
15. Post "No Trespassing" signs stating that the property is under surveillance.
16. Keep animal alarms such as dogs, geese, guineas, and donkeys on the farm.
17. Place an alarm system on doors and windows.
18. Make sure to have motion sensor lighting around the barn.
19. Do not leave tack unattended at events.
20. Establish a Farm Watch system with neighbors. 

One of the best ways to keep tack organized in a proof of ownership file is with NetPosse ID. Stolen Horse International's NetPosse ID Record-Keeping, a database developed from over 25 years of working with victims, is accessible anytime on the phone. 

"We have worked with thousands of victims over two decades. The NetPosse ID registry is like no other type of registry worldwide. The positive and negative experiences of NetPosse victims are the inspiration behind the registry. We throw everything in it but the kitchen sink."

For more information on Stolen Horse International and its programs, visit the website at www.netposse.org. Stolen Horse International is a Section 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code. Operating for over 25 years, the NetPosse Alert is known as the horse industry's "Amber Alert." 

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