Equine Crime Rise

Posted on February 8, 2013 by tarahamilton

Equine crime is a real problem, especially in rural areas and every year hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of horses, ponies and equipment are stolen. These thieves specifically target stables and rural premises as they can be generally low on security and isolated.

Recent news stories have highlighted the scale of this problem. At the end of December 2012, £25,000 worth of horse tack was stolen from a Lincolnshire stable and early in January 2013 more than £50,000 pounds worth of tack were found in a property raid in Oxfordshire.

Det Sgt Steve Birchill from the Thames Valley Police said “[The thieves] are going round the areas and taking advantage of the fact that places are left unoccupied or unlocked”. Police are warning and urging people to take greater care in protecting their items.

Keep your horse and tack safe

Keep your horse and tack safe

How to keep your horses and tack secure:

Horse security

  • Freeze marking – This will permanently mark the horse on the saddle patch with a unique number and registration papers.
  • Hoof marking – Brand your postcode onto the horses hooves, this will need redoing as the hoof grows.
  • Micro-chip – Get a micro-chip implanted by a vet. The signal will help you locate your horse if it is stolen.
  • Horse passport – make sure your horse passport.

Stable yard security

  • Secure your stable yard with fences, hedges and gates
  • Make sure gates are changed and fitted with anti-lift locks
  • Put theft warning signs on display
  • Fit security lighting, alarms and even CCTV

Tack security

  • Postcode stamp all items.
  • Make sure your tack is always locked away when you aren’t around.
  • Saddles and bridles should be locked to their racks.
  • The doors to your tack room should be reinforced with steel and heavy duty locks.

If you are looking for a secure way to store your horse tack, the Asgard Tack Storage Box offers the best security for your tack.

“Very heavy unit, very strong.  We have had it 1 month and already our horse has kicked it.  Still standing though”

Asgard Tack Storage Box

Asgard Tack Storage Box

This is an incredibly strong metal storage unit, weighing in at 17.5 stone and made from strong weatherproof steel. It has been fitted with a tough 5 point locking system and pick resistant locking mechanism to help prevent tack theft. This tack storage box has also been approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board to Level 1, which may help to reduce insurance premiums. Visit the Asgard website for more information.

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Cleaning your horse tack

Posted on December 13, 2012 by tarahamilton

Keeping your tack well cleaned and in good condition will help it to last longer.  Save yourself some money on expensive replacements by following these few tips.

For your maintenance and cleaning you will need:

  • Glycerine soap
  • A soft cloth
  • A sponge
  • Leather conditioner
Keep your horse tack clean

Keep your horse tack clean

Daily care

Try and clean your equipment after each ride, this will make it easier to do a deep clean when you have more time.

  • Wipe off the bit with a clean cloth after every ride, keeping this clean will make it much more pleasant for your horse.
  • Wipe down the reigns and cheek pieces near the bit after each ride to prevent mould from developing.
  • Wipe down any part of tack that comes into contact with the horses’ body, to clean off any sweat or dirt.

Cleaning

  • Unbuckle every buckle of your bridle and wipe off any excess dirt.
  • Use a damp sponge to work the glycerine soap into the leather, thoroughly clean the buckles and folds in the leather.
  • Wipe off any excess.

Conditioning

  • Work in a leather conditioner to your tack before it is fully dry and wipe off any excess
  • Be sure not to use too much conditioner, as this can leave tack flimsy and keep it away from the stitching as this can rot away the thread.

Storage

Leather left in moist conditions attracts mould and if you store your tack in damp conditions, it is only a matter of time before it starts to attract mould and mildew.

You can tell if your leather has mould, as it will have a white/green powder substance on it. This needs to be treated, because if it is left for a long time it can cause serious damage. To clean mouldy leather use a mix of rubbing alcohol and water (Ratio 1:1), use a damp cloth and wipe down effected areas.  Follow this by conditioning and storing in a dry area.

Asgard Tack Storage Box

Asgard Tack Storage Box

It is worth investing in storage for your tack to prevent mould from growing on your leathers and to stop it from reoccurring.  It is important for tack to be stored in a dry place, to keep it in the best condition possible. The Asgard tack storage box provides dry and secure storage for your tack. This tack storage box is made from strong weather proof (galvanised) steel, this solid construction helps to protect your tack from theft. It is incredibly tough, insurance approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board to level 1 and fitted with a strong 5 point locking system and pick resistant locking mechanism, to keep thieves out! The addition there is a rain guard, which keeps strong wind and rain out and a unique ventilation system, which minimises condensation all help to keep the tack storage box moisture free.

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Horse riding tips for this winter

Posted on November 4, 2012 by tarahamilton

The cold blistering weather is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you should stop riding. Horse riding in the winter can be just as enjoyable as riding in the warmer months, as long as you are properly prepared.  Here are a few tips that will help you and your horse to get through the cold spell.

Dress appropriately

This is common sense, make sure you wrap up warm and dress in layers.Select items that are warm and waterproof.

Slow down

Work at a slower pace as horses sometimes need time to adjust to the footing if they aren’t used to walking on frozen ground.

Prepare for winter riding

Choose a safe route- avoid hazards

A familiar path or route is best for winter riding, riders and horses are less likely to be surprised by unseen hazards.  Roads can become very slippery and should be crossed with caution and icy ponds/puddles should be avoided.  In winter weather conditions it is also safer to go riding with someone else.

Plan an extra cool down

More time will be needed for the horse to cool down after a ride, before returning to the stall.  Try a horse cooler to prevent chills until their perspiration dries.

Check your equipment

The cold weather can cause problems for riding equipment. The moisture as well as repeated freezing and thawing can harm components especially those made of leather or metal. Make sure you check and condition equipment regularly.

Asgard Tack Storage Box

To keep your horse riding equipment in good condition during the winter make sure it is stored away correctly, away from moisture to prevent damage.  Make sure your equipment storage unit is water tight. For protection from the bad weather and secure storage  Asgard have a secure Tack storage Box perfect for keeping your horse tack and equipment protected. The Tack Storage box is made from strong galvanised steel and is extremely secure. This storage unit is fitted with an integral rain guard to keep strong wind and rain out and a unique ventilation system minuses condensation,  to help stored items stay in great condition.

More tips on winter riding available here

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Horse tack thieves out in force!

Posted on August 3, 2012 by tarahamilton

As you will know from our Shedforce twitter feed and the blog, we are constantly updating you with theft news. Everyday new stories are published regarding a variety of different thefts from garden, shed, bike, and motorcycle to fishing tackle theft.  However in the last couple of weeks more and more horse equipment and tack thefts have been in the news from different parts of the country.

In Leominster over a £1,000 worth of horse training equipment was stolen from a barn. Thieves gained access into the barn by cutting a padlock off a gate and another padlock off the barn door. It seems that theft was made all too easy for the thieves. Bedfordshire were hit by burglars, with more than £20,000 worth of Jewellery and horse tack being stolen over a series of properties. Derbyshire has also experienced tack theft from stables. Unfortunately break-ins and theft is on the rise and it doesn’t look like it is likely to change anytime soon.

Protect your horse tack from theft

With theft spread all over the country, it is really important that your valuables are locked up securely. As we have seen from the theft in Leominster a padlock isn’t as secure as you might think, they can be easily cut through with the right tools, if you want to keep thieves out, a more sophisticated locking mechanism will be needed. When locks, hinges and screws are exposed on the outside, thieves will find a way to get in.

A great way of keeping your horse tack and other equipment safe is with the Asgard tack storage box. This is a tough, strong secure metal unit and is perfect for keeping your equipment safe.  This is a versatile unit, compact in size making it great for a stable, barn or any area.

The unit has a range of features which keep thieves out, these include:

  • A 5 point metal locking system, with a pick resistant lock
  • Reinforced doors, hinges, panels and joints to prevent forced entry
  • Can be screwed to a concrete base

The Asgard horse tack storage is also approved by the Loss prevention Certification Board, which may help to reduce insurance premiums. See here for the full range of features>

Customers have been very pleased with the unit

“Very heavy unit, very strong.  We have had it 1 month and already our horse has kicked it.  Still standing though”!

“We really like our unit.  It blends in so well with our stable area” 

If you are concerned with protecting your horse tack, the Asgard tack storage box an excellent choice.

Information from  Bedford today,  Hereford Times and Ripley and Heanor News 

Filed under: asgard, Horse riding equipment, Horse Tack Storage, outdoor storage, Secure storage | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Store your horse tack to keep safe from crime

Posted on June 18, 2012 by andyheath

Horse tack theft is not a new crime, tack thieves get away with an average haul worth £30,000, according to crime figures.

A survey by insurers NFU Mutual, based on claims at more than 300 of the company’s rural branches, suggests that tack is ninth on the top-10 list of items stolen in the countryside. Number one is quad bikes.

And 70% of agents say rural crime is on the up.

The survey was based on claims from January-June this year and agents were asked to compare claims against the same period in 2009.

“Since our last survey in 2007, horse thefts have decreased — due to a combination of microchipping, visible security markings and better traceability of horses as a result of passports. Nine were recorded last year and none so far this year,” said Nicola Whittaker from NFU Mutual.

“But tack thefts are on the rise and different people are being targeted. A couple of years ago we found most tack theft was opportunist — a bridle here, a saddle there. Now thieves are aiming for livery yards and businesses and the average theft has risen to around £30,000.

“Thieves plan very meticulously, and theft on a grand scale can ruin careers and businesses.”

Tack and rugs cleaned out

Sussex was found to be one of the worst affected counties, with over a dozen tack-theft claims in May alone. East Anglia and Wales are also recorded to have been badly hit.

West Sussex-based dressage rider Amy Stovold had her tackroom raided while she was competing in Saumur.

“We had really tight security — but they got past all the cameras and alarms. If thieves want to get in, they will,” Amy said.

All Amy’s saddles were bespoke and their loss could have made a big impact on her career.

“I had to go a week with no saddles at all and then it took a few weeks to break in the new ones — it was a complete nightmare,” she added.

See more on this story>

The loss of horse tack can be very costly to replace, so having somewhere safe and secure to store these items is essential. Investing in a secure storage unit is always a good step to ensure your horse tack items are safe.

Protecting your horse tack

Asgard secure storage offer reinforced steel tack storage boxes and accessories.

Filed under: Horse riding equipment, Horse Tack Storage, Secure storage, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Storing all your horse tack and riding equipment

Posted on August 11, 2010 by nazishs

If you are lucky enough to own or care for horses, you will know how enjoyable and rewarding it can be when spending time out with them out in the fields.  However, it can be a lot of work, as they require routine care, feeding and exercise and a commitment to look after them on a regular basis.

In addition to that, there is a lot of horse tack, clothing and other related equipment to go with it, including the bridle, saddle, bit, girths, cinches, saddle pads, lead ropes, halters, whips, stirrup irons and stirrup leathers, horse boots,…the list goes on!

Equestrian jumper

Saddle up for horseback riding!

So where do you store all this?

Although many items can be simply stored in the stables or barn, it is advisable to keep them stored securely in spacious storage unit, which will also keep it dry and protected from the weather.

We recommend the outdoor Horse Tack Storage Unit from Asgard designed to hold all of your horse riding equipment in one place.  This Tack Storage Unit features a unique 5-point locking system, giving you the confidence to leave yourtack and general equestrian equipment unattended and out of your sight in the field.

Asgard Horse Tack Storage Unit

Built from thick, galvanised steel weatherproof panels built- in metal floor and large double door access, the Asgard Tack Storage Unit is suitable for areas with restricted space such as a stable or barn.  Standing at over 6 feet tall, the unit has plenty of storage space, with additional shelving and a handy tool rail, the Asgard Equestrian/Tack Storage Unit offers unrivalled protection for your expensive equipment.

And that’s not all, additional Saddle Rack Holders are also available for this unit – allowing you to screw your existing saddle rack within the unit.  All fixings are supplied and all fixing holes are pre drilled ready for fixing.

For more information about this unit, visit our website http://www.asgardsss.co.uk or call us directly on 08456 580 730 to speak to one of our Sales Team if you have any further questions or comments about any of our products– we’d love to hear from you!

Filed under: Horse riding equipment, Horse Tack Storage, Secure storage, Sheds | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

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