Horse Thieves Use Braids to Mark Horses

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8644044.stm

Following a warning from Fife Constabulary about 10 cases have been reported in the past couple of weeks.

Pc Ian Laing said: "It probably happens throughout all of Scotland. It is certainly a problem throughout England."

He urged horse owners to be on their guard and to report any braiding found on manes or other suspicious activity.

Officers said a variety of horses had been targeted in this way and it was not only expensive thoroughbreds which were coveted by the horse thieves.

Pc Laing also recommended that all horse owners register on the HorseWatch Scotland website for more local information about, and better local protection from, equine crime.

So, if your horse has braiding in his mane and you DIDN'T DO IT, then you should probably consider that something is not right.