WITH SUMMER approaching, many more horses are going out into their fields and the danger of them being stolen is increasing.

Perhaps it is time to make sure your horse is well-protected against theft.

The Stolen Horse Register acts as a database which can be used by all the agencies involved in recovering missing horses. It is the only organisation that records the numbers of stolen horses.But they can only register a loss if it is reported.

So what are the numbers?

In 2002, 29 horses were registered with the stolen horse register, but in 2003 this rose to 66. In 2002, nine horses were recovered with 11 recovered in 2003.

But the numbers of stolen horses for 2003 could be as high as 200 if those that are not reported to police are added.

Until recently the types of horses stolen were mainly fillies, colts, stallions and coloured cobs.

However, the past two years has seen a rise in the number of good quality riding horses stolen - of all shapes and sizes, although coloured horses are still very popular with thieves. Many more geldings are now going missing - an unpopular choice in the past because they can't be used for breeding This change shows that many horses are now being stolen to order.

The best way to keep hold of you horses is make sure they are marked for identification.

Freezemark acts as a visible deterrent, and when freezemarked horses are stolen, it's usually by mistake. These horses are often found abandoned in a field. However, don't forget to clip the freezemarked area in the winter or it won't be seen by the person looking for your horse.

Microchipping is also popular with owners but, as it's not visible, it isn't quite the same deterrent. However, freezemarking company Farmkey has come up with a solution. Micromark is a small horse shoe shape that can be marked onto the horse, either under the saddle area or on the shoulder.

The introduction of CCTV cameras in villages has seen more horse thieves targeting more remote areas and, unfortunately for the equine community, they have found easy pickings.

Tack rooms, trailers, paddocks and yards are often left unlocked. Worst of all, many horses have not been marked for identification purposes.

Horse thieves are an unscrupulous bunch so always take care who you are talking to - while you are at a show, the thieves might be at work.

A stunning parade of 25 stallions

TWENTY FIVE stallions are due to take part in what will be a stunning parade at this year's West Midlands Stallion Show.

The show, which is due to take place on Thursday, April 1, is hosted by Ponies (UK) at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

Although the show has retained its core classifications, last year it introduced the Stallions Parade for the first time. This turned out to be hugely successful and it will be run again this year.

During this year's event there will be an opportunity to qualify for the Burghley Event Pony.

The first three ponies in classes R100 and R101 will qualify for semi-finals which will be held at the Ponies (UK) Summer Championships.

This will lead to the top 12 riders in each section going on to compete at the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials on September 3, 2004.

This year's West Midlands Stallion Show is also the first opportunity to qualify for a Horse of the Year Show ticket and to qualify for the Ponies (UK) Summer Championships.

The Show is open to members of Ponies (UK) and non-members and it is the last chance to qualify for the Winter Championships, which will be held from April 16 to 18 at The College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe in Bedfordshire.

Competitors are expected from all over the country and the organisers are hoping that this year's West Midlands Stallion Show will be a magnificent event. It will open at 8 o'clock a.m.

Admission will cost £5 for adults, £3 for senior citizens and children (under 18 years old) are free. Members of Ponies (UK) will also be admitted free of charge.

A hundred horses under the hammer

BUYERS and sellers literally came from all over the country for Brightwell's Performance Horse Sale at Malvern's Three Counties showground this week.

"We had lots sent up from Truro in Cornwall and down from Aberdeen in Scotland," said auctioneer Andrew Elliott.

"One hundred horses and ponies came under the hammer and more than 75 per cent were sold, with an average price of around £2,000.

"This is the best equine trade we've seen for 12 years. Things are really looking up. There is still a lot of spare cash about and the horse industry, being basically a leisure industry, is taking advantage of it.

"There are a lot of people riding for pleasure now and because of the strict warranties we have in place, they can come along to a sale like this and buy with full confidence."

Top price of the day was £4,700 paid for a five year old chestnut gelding called Porsche S. With potential for show jumping or dressage, it was one of the home bred horses from the Straloch Stud at Aberdeen.