With all of the disorder and mayhem we often experience daily, we often forget to take care of or don't even think about protecting ourselves against horse theft. 

The pandemic and the recession have spurred cutbacks, layoffs, and increased theft. With the economy tanking, security pros have seen a spike in old-time thievery. And what do people steal in recessionary times? In our equine industry, it is horses and equipment. 

Debi Metcalfe, founder of Stolen Horse International, designed a sign for their horses left in barns decades ago after her horse, Idaho, was stolen from their pasture in broad daylight. After 51 weeks of relentless searching, Idaho was finally reunited with the Metcalfe family, a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of the equine community. 

The sign was such a massive hit that Metcalfe kept improving and is selling it as a fundraiser in the NetPosse Store. 

How can you decrease the chances of someone taking your horse when you are not around? 

Here are a few helpful tips.

1. Before attending an event, check with management to see what measures they have implemented to keep your horses safe from theft. They check your horses in when you arrive. Do they check to see if the horses leave with the same owners? Do they have cameras on the property? Do they have security guards on duty at all times?
2. Display warning signs on your stall to ward off intruders.
3. Initiate a 'horse watch' in your barn area, encouraging each other to keep a vigilant eye on the horses. Working together can significantly reduce the risk of horse theft and create a stronger, more secure equine community.
4. Use technology to your advantage. Text a trusted friend to notify you if they notice anything suspicious after you leave. This simple yet effective use of technology can provide your horses with an extra layer of security.It's crucial not to leave the barn unattended for long periods of time. This practice helps maintain constant vigilance over the horses, reducing the theft risk.
5. If possible, find someone on the grounds who can help watch your horses.
6. Do not bolt your stall doors, which is a fire hazard.
7. Use portable motion sensor lights around your stall.
8. Add a tracker in your horse's tail where it can't be seen. If the horse gets out on its own or with help, you may be able to track it.
9. Add a sign on the door that is a deterrent to theft of the horses and property.
10. ID your horses with a visible ID and a microchip number. One may deter thieves from your stall, and the other can ID your horse if the worst happens.
11. Move horses closer to the middle of a barn row and away from parking lots, roads, and any easy access to your stalls.
12. Do not stall your horses near bushes or equipment that may act as a protective cover for someone at your stall.
13. Do not leave your lead ropes and halters on the stall doors.
14. Do not park your trailer near your stall.
15. Lock up your trailer when you are not physically in it.
16. Report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
17. Make sure you get tag numbers from vehicles.
18. Use the cell phone to record pictures of vehicles, tags, and people.  
19. Always carry proof of ownership information with you. Sometimes, claiming a horse without proof of ownership is more complicated than you think and, sometimes, impossible.
20. Register your horse in the NetPosse ID registry, an all-ID record-keeping registry to help you prove ownership anywhere, anytime on a cell phone.

The NetPosse ID registry stores proof of ownership documents in one place, accessible anytime via the website. 

You can list the following, to name a few things, in your registration.

1. Pictures
2. Markings
3. Vet records
4. Farrier records
5. All equine ID methods
6. Dated bill of sale
7. Brand inspection paperwork
8. Registration papers for a breed association
9. Coggins test paperwork
10. Other forms of documentation that identifies a horse as yours.
11. Include medical information and insurance documents if your horse is insured.

This article offers a short list of tips to protect your horses and equipment. We would love to hear your suggestions. 

This article has been written by Debi Metcalfe, founder of Stolen Horse International-NetPosse.