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This brief guidance is intended to provide horse and pony owners and keepers with information about premises security and safety. It also advises on inconspicuous ways that vehicles and equipment associated with horse-keeping and land management can be stored. Please be aware that the information on this page is available with pictures as a PDF at the end of the page.

1. Introduction
2. Problem
3. Welfare
4. Solutions
5. Summary

1. Introduction

Surrey is a beautiful County with 84% recognised as countryside and over 25% designated within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Increasing horse numbers are creating a visible impact throughout Surrey and so measures must be taken to ensure this impact is positive.

This information is intended to provide horse and pony owners and keepers with information about secure and inconspicuous ways in which they can store vehicles and equipment associated with horse-keeping and land management.

Horse-keeping often involves acquiring expensive equipment, machinery and vehicles ranging from jumps, tack and horse walkers to trailers or horseboxes. In addition, when grassland management is undertaken without using a contractor, four-wheel drives or tractors and various paddock machinery items become necessary. It is essential to maintain and store equipment and vehicles adequately to ensure they are not unduly damaged and are as safe and secure as possible, whilst not imposing on the visual appeal of a site.

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2. Problem

Stable yards unfortunately fall prey to thieves who know exactly what they want and often know where to find it. Thieves' targets range from temporary fencing to saddlery or vehicles. Equipment that is not stored safely and correctly will be more susceptible to theft and may suffer a reduced lifespan. Additionally, it may cause a site to look untidy and could present a danger to horses or handlers.

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3. Welfare

The welfare of horses and ponies must be the primary consideration. Security and safety measures coupled with vigilance are of paramount importance to protect premises from intruders. Such measures will also ensure horses are kept in a safe environment where accidents involving equines or humans are minimised.

Various measures can be taken to protect horses and ponies from theft. Freeze marking with a personalised code or hoof-branding with the area post code have the advantage of presenting a visible deterrent. Freeze marking is permanent but hoof branding will need to be repeated as hooves grow and become worn down or trimmed. Micro-chipping provides a horse with an individual identity number, which will be detected by a scanner allowing accurate identification of horses that are suspected to be stolen. Clearly marking telephone numbers, post codes or freeze brands on rugs is thought to help deter the theft of horses or even the theft of a rug from a horse's back! Displaying signs or fixing patches on rugs stating that horses are security marked is advisable. A few quality photographs of horses and ponies in summer and winter will provide an excellent means of identification - should this ever be necessary - along with a passport silhouette and description. If possible, do not leave horses grazing with headcollars on and consider storing headcollars and lead-ropes away from paddocks gates and stable doors. All records detailing proof of ownership should be filed carefully.

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4. Solutions

Marking property helps deter theft and increases the possibility of stolen goods being recovered and returned. It may even help towards the arrest and conviction of thieves and handlers.

Premises Security and Safety

Adequate insurance cover is absolutely essential coupled with legal precautions such as Disclaimers or Agreements.

An inventory of equipment and goods should be compiled and kept safely, detailing serial numbers, security markings etc along with photographs.

Visible security measures are invaluable to discourage intruders and thieves. Closed circuit television cameras (CCTV), burglar alarms and security lighting are options that require initial funds to purchase and possibly to install. However, they should be viewed as investments to deter theft and in the event of an intruder, CCTV will help identification. Proximity to accommodation will influence decisions on the use of these systems.

Displaying signs advising passers-by that security measures are in place will also act as a deterrent. General security signs are widely available or particular ones detailing specific measures that have been taken are usually available from companies supplying security services.

At livery yards, staff and horse owners should be informed if a visitor is expected and at riding schools, clients should be directed towards a reception area on arrival. This will help to reveal anyone without a legitimate reason to be looking around. Caution should be used when providing information to potential clients and if possible, a log should be kept recording details of people making enquiries. If practical, a system of recording visitors' car registration details may also be helpful. If an establishment is not occupied all the time rigid visiting patterns should be avoided to prevent vacant times becoming predictable.

Parking areas with good natural surveillance are preferable with signs reminding drivers to hide valuables and lock their vehicles at all times. Building or fencing repairs should be undertaken as soon as the need arises using suitable materials and glass windows should be avoided: plastic presents less danger. Tools and equipment not in use should be tidily stored where they cannot cause harm or suffer damage. Muck should be stored away from horses and within an appropriate unit, which will not result in effluent leaking and contaminating surrounding areas and watercourses. Electrical fittings must be waterproof and out of reach to horses. It is advisable to have a qualified electrician to check wiring and appliances annually. Instructions should be displayed clearly stating what actions are needed in the event of a fire. Sufficient highly visible extinguishers should be located around stable yards and subject to regular checks to ensure they are in working order. A no smoking policy is a sensible precaution for stable yards.

First aid kits for horses and people must be kept fully equipped in identified places. Contact numbers for key personnel (e.g. Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier, yard owner and manager) must be listed next to a telephone with additional contact details recorded in a book. This will avoid wasting valuable time in an emergency situation.

Befriending neighbouring yards or householders and exchanging contact details is also advisable.

Gates and Fences

Post and rail fencing provides a safe boundary for horses with the added benefit of being more robust and therefore harder to break through. Wire can easily and quickly be cut to allow access to premises. It is advisable to use a heavy-duty chain and a close-shackled padlock (to prevent cropping) on gates and to concrete gateposts into the ground. Reversing a gate hinge or welding the hinge tops over will help prevent gates being lifted from posts. Daily grassland checks should be combined with a security check to look for tampering such as fence perimeters that have been cut and rejoined, hinges that have been loosened or parts of hedgerows that have been disturbed.

Secure fencing and closed gates at yard entrances will also provide an enclosed area to contain any mischievous equine that becomes loose!

Vehicles

Horseboxes and trailers are frequently kept alongside paddocks or at stable yards where they can be easily accessed when they are needed. Parking vehicles and storing equipment and machinery out of sight within buildings will not draw attention to their presence and a secure building will make theft harder. Many methods of immobilisation are available, ranging from tow hitch locks for trailers to wheel clamps for any vehicle and engine immobilisers for horseboxes. Expensive horseboxes or trailers may even warrant the installation of a satellite/terrestrial-tracking device. Again, security marking is advisable but remember, markings must be sufficient (e.g. a postcode followed by a premises name or number) to allow police identification of the area a recovered trailer or vehicle has been stolen from.

Opportunist thieves will strike at shows so when vehicles are parked, safety devices should be fitted.

Vehicles must be maintained adequately and it is a good idea to have a checklist of features to inspect before each journey. Breakdown and accident assistance that covers vehicles transporting equines is available.

Tack

Tack must be kept in a secure, strongly constructed building. A tack room built using bricks or concrete blocks will be more secure than a wooden tack room. Doors must be solid and preferably made of steel or strengthened with steel panels. Such a door will be able to accommodate a mortise lock to British standards. Hinges and fittings are best fixed on the inside of the room in a way that they cannot be accessed from outside. If fittings must be on the outside, bolts or non-return screws that cannot be undone are advisable. Windows or skylights are best avoided but if they are essential non-opening small windows are preferable with metal bars installed for extra security. Fitting metal grids below the roof may inhibit entry via the roof and a burglar alarm will provide additional security.

Saddlery can be micro-chipped, indelibly marked or embossed and metal can be engraved. Several saddle-locking devices are available which lock saddles onto their supporting rack. Galvanised steel safes for tack are also available which can be bolted to a wall or the inside of a horsebox. Remember to keep tack rooms locked, keep records of key holders and change locks if any keys go missing.

Saddlery is also vulnerable at shows so ensure it is locked away within a vehicle when not in use.

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5. Summary

Be prepared for all eventualities! The need for both safety and security measures cannot be over emphasised. A variety of methods can be used and selection will depend upon the particulars of individual premises.

Surrey Action for Equines (Surrey Horsewatch) can be contacted on their dedicated telephone line 01420 487625. Security guidance is available and help is provided in the event of a theft. Your local Crime Reduction Adviser will give free professional advice on security and can be contacted through your local Police Station or Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer. Locksmiths, security companies and insurance companies may also be contacted for advice.

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