Posted: 3rd December 2019 | Back to news feed
Your tack has no doubt cost thousands of pounds and you look after it well, keeping it clean and repaired. With rural crime on the increase the Society of Master Saddlers offer advice on what steps to put in place to help keep saddles and bridles safe and secure.
1. Keep saddles and bridles in a safe, secure tack room that can be locked.
If your saddles and bridles are kept in a building near the stables or around the yard make sure it has a strong, sturdy door that can be locked securely. It is a good idea to take advice from a professional locksmith who may be willing to undertake an assessment of security around the yard.
2. Buy good quality locks that will last.
When looking at the yard and tack room buy good quality locks, padlocks and chains that have been tested. Again a local locksmith will have the expertise you require so consider a visit to make sure any investment made is money well spent.
3. Make sure tack room windows are secure.
It’s not just doors that need consideration, also make sure all windows in the tack room are secure. It is very worthwhile looking at having bars put on windows as they are an easy point of entry for thieves.
4. Maintenance security checks should be regular and thorough.
If you have the best and strongest door possible and put bars up at your windows but don’t check for rusty locks and chains, your saddles and bridles will certainly be vulnerable. Keep an eye out for rusted locks, chains, hasps and staples. Cracked panes of glass and rotten frames and sills are all issues that opportunistic thieves look out for, so get them replaced or fixed as soon as possible.
5. Think about access to the yard and stables.
Having a gate at the entrance to your yard and stables is another way to deter thieves from entering. Make sure that anyone entering and leaving the yard is aware the gates and doors must be securely locked. Only provide keys to approved personnel.
6. Be aware of strangers on the yard.
If you see people on the yard that you do not know, you are in your right to ask politely if you can help them, or who they are looking for. If you are unsure about the answer, it would be useful to take note of their description and vehicle type/colour/registration.
7. Keep a list of your tack.
It is very useful to keep a comprehensive, up-to-date inventory of all your tack, including colour and make and any security markings, with photographs.
8. Consider investing in a tack locker.
It may also be worthwhile considering investing in a tack locker. These usually hold up to four saddles and are bolted to the floor.
9. Get your tack marked.
Marked tack is also a good deterrent for thieves. The general advice is to engrave/punch your postcode or yard postcode followed by the number of the premises onto your saddle - under the flap - and bridle. You can buy inexpensive kit to do this yourself from DIY stores, or you’ll often find a tack marking service offered at local shows.
10. Consider CCTV
It would also be advisable to consider installing CCTV, sensory lighting and security systems which once again can act as effective deterrents.
11. Insure your tack
Some horse insurance policies also cover tack theft, as do some home insurance policies. Take a look and try to ensure you are covered.
For further information about the Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or telephone 01449 711642.
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