When you find your lost horse, you'll need to provide documentation that he does, indeed, belong to you. Keep identifying papers organized, up-to-date, and handy. Present his registration papers and/or bill of sale, as well as his Coggins test results (proving he's negative for equine infectious anemia). Take a complete set of digital photos from every angle.
Also, implant a microchip, which not only will prove ownership, but also will enable those who've found your horse to find you. Here's how it works: Your veterinarian injects a microscopic chip high in your horse's neck along the nuchal ligament, just under his skin. This chip contains a unique identification number.
Every chip is registered in a database kept by American Veterinary Identification Device and in a database maintained by the Stolen Horse International NetPosse Identification Program.If someone finds your horse, authorities will likely be able to scan the chip for owner information. One downside to the microchips is that currently not all scanners will read all types, although eventually, all chips and scanners may be compatible. Check with the manufacturer about versatility before going with any particular system. If you move, update your personal information.
Other identification methods are freeze brands, hot brands, lip tattoos, hoof brands, and even DNA testing; here's a rundown.
Freeze brands are "burned" into a horse's neck with a freezing iron that permanently marks his skin with letters and symbols to denote the registry and registration number. He can then be traced to his owner through the breed registry or state of domicile, which is indicated by the first symbol in the brand. Year of birth is denoted by the stacked symbols, while the underlined symbols document the registration number or assigned state number.
Hot brands are burned on the horse's hide with a red-hot branding iron, denoting a registered brand or ranch logo, consisting of letters, numerals, characters, and sometimes pictures. (Registered brand listings are available through state livestock agencies and brand inspectors; visit www.tinyurl.com/hnosv.) This brand creates a scar deep in the hide, whereas freeze brands only damage pigment-producing skin cells.
Lip tattoos are imprinted into the upper lip so are not readily visible without opening the horse's mouth. In many cases, they become illegible with time. Lip tattoos are standard procedure for Thoroughbred, Standardbred, Quarter Horse, and Appaloosa racehorses; other individuals will need to have this procedure done by a veterinarian or tattoo professional.
Hoof brands are a temporary means of marking a horse. A hot brand or dremel tool is used to create a "brand" on the face of the horse's hoof. Care is taken to avoid hoof damage. Such brands will grow down and be trimmed away with time, but are useful for short durations and in conjunction with other positive identification methods.
DNA testing helps to positively identify a horse, but such lab results aren't immediately available or useful in instant identification.
