Horse Branding?

Question

As you all probably already know i recently brought a 6 year old QH gelding, i want to get him branded but i dont know how all that works? can i do it if he is 6? who do i talk to about getting it done? do i pick a brand or make my own? how much would it cost? btw im in AUstralia in cairns.

Answer 1

Hi I branded my 4 horses they usually brand in front legs with Avery hot brand I don't now how do it else were as live in Latine Amercia.

Answer 2

Firstly you have to contact the stud or person that bred him to see if they have a brand available (sometimes they will send them out to you and you post them back when you are done) if they don't you will have to design your own and submit it  for registration.  Then you need to decide if you want him fire or freeze branded ( freeze might cost more as they use dry ice ) You can brand a horse at any age.  Ask your farrier if he knows anyone who could do this for you, I find farriers are the best source of information when it comes to knowing who does what with horses. You will need to find out what year your gelding was born and what no foal he was for that year  for the numbers branding on the offside for example if he was the third foal born in 2002 he would have 3 over 2 branded on the off side shoulder. I'm not sure how much all this would cost but my first step would be to trace him back to the person who bred him and see if they could arrange to have him branded for you. Try with the AQHA first, if he is a purebred he is probably registered.    

Hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 3

First you want to redgister your brand. If you don't do this and your brand matches another ranch they can claim your horse and leagaly so. The best brands for horses are freeze brands, the cause less pain and are much clearer. The best place to do a freeze brand is at the vet. The price will very, so I would just check with your vet to see the cost. Luck.

And by the way you have to come up with your own brand, then check it to make sure its not taken. The best idea is to come up with several just in case.