Hi Lucie. There are some alternatives, freeze branding leaves a white registration on all but grey horses- greys, the hair doesn't grow back. Many owners put this in the saddle area but the disadvantage here is concealment under a rug which is later discovered - what would the thieves do then? Mustangs are marked on their necks but many rugs now have neck covers too. No reason why you couldn't have your vet on hand to give local pain block if you're concerned. A renewable solution is to brand the feet. This will grow out annually & need redone. Also, in muddy conditions it would not necessarily be seen. However, a totally non invasive solution would be to put a small flock of geese in the field. Geese are very good guards. They kick up a real storm when disturbed. They could alert you if you are close by. A more technical solution would be to run a continuous circuit around the fence & gates with a wireless alarm in the house. Practical precautions: use a heavy chain & padlock on the gates. Make sure the gate is hung so it can't simply be lifted off the hinges. Hope this helps. Cheers, Jo.

Hi Lucie and Jo,

I love the solution with geese in the field!!!
Never leave a halter on your horse at any time, this way it's not so easy to catch her, besides it's too dangerous should she get caught in any other way....
This is a sincere worry, ask your vet, he/she knows the local situation.
Please keep us posted!
Miriam

Thanks Jo & Miriam.

I had never heard of freeze branding so thanks, i've looked into it and I'm strongly leaning towards it, now I just have to find how to actually get it done. I've asked my vet if she would assist for the pain but she didn't exactly seem happy about the idea :s 
I know there's numbing creams for ppl who get tattoos, i'll try to find some info on whether those can be used on horses, who knows.

I rarely put a rug on Dayka so I think on her sorrel coat it would stand out pretty well if i do it on her shoulder or hindquarter and i was thinking i could also add a sign on the fence stating she's got a unique id tattoo, it's simple but smtimes simple works...

Right now she's with other equines on a field that's not mine so i can't really modify the fence itself. I have bought a piece of land that i'm setting up for her with australian fencing so i'll order wooden panels to add to the outer side of it so ppl can't just cut through the fence. That won't be ready for a while so i've enrolled my dad to help build a temporary stall in my garden to bring her in this winter if i can't do the freeze branding soon (besides i read it takes 3 months for the hair to grow back and show the brand)

Hi Lucie. Can I suggest a hedge. Not only will it diversify the forage but, in time, it will hide the occupation of your field & make crossing your fence more complex. The truth is, unfortunately, we can only make things more complicated - if thieves are determined enough they will find a way. All you can do is take reasonable precautions. A hedge will assist wildlife & provide shelter from sun, wind & rain. It will also prevent thieves simply driving their vehicle through the fence, something panels are unlikely to do. I hope you're not intending to keep Dayka on her own, she will be much happier with company. However, horses do not necessarily need company of their own kind - they befriend other species so you can choose a smaller, less expensive species like a goat or sheep, which can add other attributes to having your own land. Perhaps supporting a rare breed. If you had a pair or a breeding arrangement with a farmer this could bring in an income. Or geese could provide eggs. Just thoughts. Cheers, Jo.

Hi Jo !

No don't worry Dayka won't be alone, I made that mistake when I first got her and I won't be making it again, she was miserable on her own.

I'm setting up a paddock paradise type of track system (which is also why it's taking so long to set up). I'm still working on the outer fence so if I extend the tracks I can probably add a decent size hedge between the fence and the track itself. I was planning on planting bamboo, hazel & plum trees to act as wind breakers on the exposed part of the land maybe i can mix the trees with thorn bushes on the side of the fence that's by the road instead. 

I'm glad I asked this question here now before i've started planting ! haha

Good idea for the other species for company, unfortunately I tried pairing Dayka with my miniature sheep but she either ignores them completely or chases after them for "fun". The sheep don't think it's very funny though... 
When I move her to my land we're taking the older pony mare with us, she's really taken to Dayka and in exchange for board & care the owners of the pony will let me use the field we're using right now to produce hay for the  pair of them as it won't be used anymore adn they can't keep the pony alone. I'm looking into taking a third horse from a local riding school to avoid separation problems when I go for a ride with Dayka. They have a hard time finding homes for their retirees so that could work.

Hopefully by this time next year that'll be sorted :)

Hi Lucie. Go & talk with someone who gardens - many native 'weeds' can be cultivated from cuttings at very little cost. Sure, they will take some time to become established but the end result could be fruitful - literally. My ponies particularly like rose hips. Good luck. Cheers, Jo.