Way of Identifying Horses

[MiniHGal]

Well I am still going strong--been VERY busy but its been a lot of fun.

Anyway, I am writing a paper on horse identification for one of my internships. Basically, I need to cover different ways of id'ing horses, their effectiveness, and methods of application. Also, if there are any new ways out there...

In any case, I have googled it and found some excellent material, but if anyone has any more information or good websites I would REALLY appreciate it. This is a good length paper, so I will be using lots of material.

Thanks,

Breanna

:bgrin

 

[Miniv]

Are you talking about things like Freeze Branding, Lip Tatooing, Micro-Chipping?

MA

 

[MiniHGal]

Yes.

 

[rabbitsfizz]

Freeze branding and micro chipping are the best IME- microchips can be wiped with a magnet and freeze brands can be altered- nothing is fool proof if you are talking about stealing horses, but as a simple means of identification Microchipping seems the way forward.

 

[chandab]

Not that I'd do it, but I've heard of people with large numbers of horses, using an ear tag (like cattle) to identify individuals.

Hot branding, freeze branding, tatooing, micro-chipping.

A non-permanent marking would be to "brand" their hoof (obviously it would grow out, eventually).

 

[Margo_C-T]

Breanna, one method I've read of that I found intriguing was the photography of chestnuts. Think it sounds quite feasible....don't know if it's currently being done. Needs to be close-up, clear and crisp image, hair clipped away from them so the real outline is clearly visible-and in combo with all other identifiable aspects about a horse--but seems like a pretty good option, and not particularly expensive(?)to me! Have you looked into this?

 

[chandab]

Breanna, one method I've read of that I found intriguing was the photography of chestnuts. Think it sounds quite feasible....don't know if it's currently being done. Needs to be close-up, clear and crisp image, hair clipped away from them so the real outline is clearly visible-and in combo with all other identifiable aspects about a horse--but seems like a pretty good option, and not particularly expensive(?)to me! Have you looked into this?

margo,

I don't remember the details, but seems I read something about that. If I'm not mistaken, their chestnuts are as unique as our fingerprints.

 

[Margo_C-T]

Yep, chandab, that's what I recall, too--that the chestnuts are unique in appearance to each horse-which is what makes them a viable tool for individual ID.

 

[tagalong]

Don't forget TRICHOGLYPHS... cowlicks and whorls in the hair... I had to do a paper on this years ago....

Assorted info...

theft prevention

DVM magazine

 

[MiniHGal]

Thanks everyone! I ended up finding enough information on my own, but I did already run across one of tagalong's sites.

Yes, Margo, I have run across stuff on chestnuts, very interesting, and yes, they are as unique as fingerprints. Also retinal and iris scanning, trichoglyphs, and 'stamping' of hooves. Ear tags I have heard rip out easier than cattle. :new_shocked:

An interesting find, horses in coach yards sometimes had their hooves stamped with a number to id them...the number was also on a plate above their stall area, and occasionally on the collar.

 

[Marty]

This is so easy.

Mine wear scrunchies.

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