German breeding org's fight ban on hot branding. What do you think?

Barbara F · Grand Prix

German breeding org's fight ban on hot branding. What do you think?

MagsNMe · Advanced

That's a toughie, I just read that myself. The question is, will they allow freeze branding or is it branding in general?

I've been struggling with whether to freeze brand my horses for identification purposes. It does tend to be a deterrent to thieves. I know my vet freeze brands hers, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm going to end up with microchips in them, I think.

However, in the german system, the horses are branded as proof of acceptance by the verband, and, if I recall, there's a brand to indicate they've been permanently removed too. So, how does this impact from that perspective?

It will be interesting to see how it unfolds.

Barbara F · Grand Prix

How does freeze branding work? It must still feel like a burn.

MagsNMe · Advanced

Freeze branding is where you dip the iron in liquid nitrogen. It's held on the skin for a smaller amount of time. Instead of creating a scar (which is what hot branding does), it basically kills the cells that provide the colour to the follicles of the hair, so the hair grows in white. In the event of a grey, it's held longer to kill the follicles themselves and create a bald spot in the shape of the brand. It's nicer to the horse than a hot brand, imho, but it's still a trauma.

Ranna · Well Schooled

MagsNMe wrote:

I'm going to end up with microchips in them, I think.

I would be very carefull with that and do a lot of research if I were you.

We've got lots of problems in the Netherlands with chipping horses.

You can see pics of a couple of those problems and the story that goes with it at www.antichip.nl

Did you know chips can cause cancer? The report of Katherine Albrecht is also linked to 'our' antichipsite. She is the one who wants to get awareness of the problems linked to chipping that you will not hear from the manufacturers.

Part of the website it is translated into English. Have a look and reconsider before you decide to chip your horse. Problems can start years after they have been chipped.

Diamond_Jubilee · Well Schooled

Our ponies get hot branded after they are inspected (if they pass). Its so quick that they very rarely react that badly to the branding. I'm not saying it doesnt hurt them, but its so fast....I'm sure its sore for them for a few days, but after that I've brushed them with no reaction. Freeze branding is cool, but I prefer the look of a hot brand (its not quite as noticable as a freeze brand).

Janet B · Yearling

Liquid nitrogen must still hurt. I wonder how long they leave it on the horse.

If you've ever had something removed from your skin, that's what the doctor will sometimes use and if it's on there for more than a few seconds it hurts - a lot!

-- Edited by Janet B on Monday 1st of November 2010 07:54:45 AM