Is it a Scam?

Could your horse really be sold-on whilst on loan or could it be considered

as a simple misunderstanding?

Will it be treated as a criminal or civil matter?

These are the issues horse owners should consider when thinking about loaning their horse.

We have recently been investigating a series of cases where horses have allegedly been sold-on whilst on loan

and it is no easy task.

Many police forces will dismiss such things as a civil matter and although it is very definitely NOT civil,

clever scammers can cloud the issues so much that no one is prepared to take action.

In conjunction with "HORSE & HOUND" magazine, here is our 15 point plan to reduce the risks.

1. Advertise widely and word your advert carefully. Be choosey. Don't accept the first applicant that comes along

2. Before answering an advert offering to take horses on loan, watch the ads for a few months. Does the same ad keep appearing - sometimes with different names? Be suspicious

3.  If answering an advert, ignore those advertisers that only list a mobile number. look for a landline number and only phone that one. Use the mobile number, only after you've made initial contact. Also try to confirm the number using directory enquiries

4. Always "vet" the prospective loaner. Ask for their address. Be very suspicious if they refuse or make excuses. Ask to see utility bills or other proof of residence.

5. Try to make contact with their local tack shops and feed merchants to see if they know the Loaner.

6. In Essex, contact Horsewatch to see if we have any knowledge of the prospective loaner.

7. Let prospective loaners spend time with your horse and watch how they handle him.

8. If possible, don't let the loaner collect the horse, but deliver him yourself.

9. Ensure the horse is freezemarked and/or microchipped.

10. We are seeking support from DEFRA to allow owners to retain the passport and any other documents, whilst giving loaners access to them if required. Watch this space.

11. If your horse has specialist needs, ensure that the loaner knows and check what arrangements are in place.

12. Never, Never, Never, loan a horse without a written agreement. Get one drawn up by a solicitor. This might be your only proof in the event that the horse is sold on. Take nothing for granted, even with friends. Be businesslike.

13. Unless it is part of the agreement, do not expect to be able to visit your horse whenever you want.

14. If you have any cause for concern, contact your solicitor in the first instance.

15. NEVER accept any money from the loaner, even for tack or feed. Loaners have been known to claim it was payment for the horse and that can make theft difficult to prove when the horse is sold on.