News 21-01-2014

Horse Owners warned of New Year Thefts

Did you splash out on a cosy new rug, or a ‘blingtastic’ bridle this Christmas?! Equestrian insurers are warning horse owners that they may be at increased risk from thieves following the festive break. 

Previous cases have seen thieves taking rugs directly off horses backs and targeting more yards as the darker nights create a larger window where they are left unoccupied. 

We’ve put together a list of top tips to help you and your horse avoid being kept out in the cold:

- Whether they are old or new, clearly mark rugs with your postcode, this can be done with a marker pen or spray paint, and should be redone regularly to avoid being worn off by the rain and mud

- Keep hay, feed, and straw locked away, as the weather worsens forage and bedding will become more valuable and attractive to thieves

- Fit your yard with motion activated security lights, opt for noisy gravel on driveways, and place alarms in tack rooms

- Keep tools out of sight and where possible mark with your postcode 

- Always be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour and keep in touch with the local neighbourhood watch – Facebook is a great way to spread the word, so browse for updates on local equestrian groups and let people know if you spot anything suspicious