Page 1119 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

be marked is clipped and cleaned with alcohol. The cold markers are held in place for 15–45

seconds. The procedure may give an uncomfortable sensation while the chilled markers are
VetBooks.ir applied.

Within minutes, the area begins to swell. This usually persists for 24–48 hours. Over the
next few weeks the dead skin and hair fall away. The mark becomes bald and may look rather

pink. In time, this will be covered with white hair. The freeze mark takes 3–4 months to
develop.

AFTERCARE

The horse can be turned out immediately afterwards. It does not matter if the horse rolls or
gets muddy as the skin is not broken. A 4–7 day period with no ridden exercise is
recommended, although some horses can remain sensitive for up to 3 weeks. It therefore

makes sense to plan the procedure for a time when an enforced rest is convenient. The horse
may be lunged during this time. Rollers should also be avoided in the recovery period. A

thick numnah is recommended while the freeze mark is forming.
Horses marked on the shoulder can usually be ridden after 2 days.

ADVANTAGES

• Horse thieves are less likely to steal a freeze-marked animal.
• If the animal is stolen, it can be readily identified.

• The freeze mark companies offer a comprehensive recovery service. When a registered

horse is stolen they notify the police, auctioneers, exporting slaughterhouses, the RSPCA
and Horsewatch groups. The service is provided 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. In

addition they place adverts in selected equestrian journals and list details on their website
and The Stolen Horse Register (www.stolenhorseregister.com).

• Some insurance companies offer a reduction in premium if the horse is freeze-marked.

DISADVANTAGES
• Freeze marking is not recommended until a horse is 12 months old.

• Some horse thieves have their own equipment and alter the marks.

• In the winter, a horse with a thick coat may need the area clipped for the mark to be read.

• Some owners consider the mark to be a blemish and think it spoils the appearance of the
horse.

LOSS-OF-USE MARK