25 August 2011
By Debi Metcalfe, founder of Stolen Horse International
We all have patterns in our lives that repeat. You are here when you want to be there, there when you want to be here, traveling for business when you want to be home, home when you need to be traveling. Often the here and there cuts into your favorite activity – saddling up your favorite horse and riding. What happens when we finally find time to ride and open the tackroom door to discover our saddle is not there?
With all of this disorder and mayhem that many of us experience in our daily lives we forget to take care of, or don’t even think about, protecting ourselves against theft. The recession has spurred cutbacks, layoffs and, now, increased theft. With the economy tanking, law enforcement sees a spike in old-time thievery. And what do people steal in times of recession? Cash, clothes, cigarettes, copper - pretty much everything!
Just look at the headlines in the news:
Although I did not include it on the list, tack theft is on the rise, too. It is upsetting when bridles, saddles or other horse riding equipment is taken not only because of the expense but also because of the time that it takes to build up a set of tack that perfectly fits both you and your horse. Thieves gladly grab any types of tack, including trophy saddles, which are readily accessible and ripe for the taking, even if someone is on the property at the time.
Ten of the best ways to protect your equipment are listed below.
10. Take notes on visitors to your farm. Write down tag numbers or better yet, take pictures of them and the tag number. If they ask why, tell them you keep records of all visitors, and in case of a theft, the information will be turned over to the authorities.
Because of the “risk vs. reward” nature of tack theft and the potential for greater monetary gain at the end of the day – it is easy for someone to be drawn to stealing when they are down on their luck.
Tack theft is big business! Take steps now so that you don’t become the next victim.
Stolen Horse International, Inc. is a 501c3 non profit organization. Send questions to Debi Metcalfe at stolenhorse@netposse.com.
Founder | debi@netposse.com