![]() ![]() Today, with the influx of Mexican horses from south of the border, we see a lot of odd, hard to read "scripty" brands, a little reminiscent of the old elaborate Spanish brands. The reading of a brand, especially the more complicated ones, in one locality or state may not correspond to the way it is read elsewhere. When the brand is enclosed, it is read from the outside to the inside as(circle S). Read from the top to the bottom as (bar m).ģ. Read from the left to the right as ML (M L).Ģ. There are three accepted rules for reading brands.ġ. Picture brands are usually used alone, for example (ladder) or (rising sun). Figures or numbers are used in the same way as the letters. Lying down or " lazy," (lazy S) connected ( V B connected) or combined, (V B combined) reversed, (reverse B) Letters can be used singly, joined, or in combinations. The ability to read these symbols is referred to as "callin' the brand."īrands are composed of capital letters of the alphabet, numerals, pictures, and characters such as slash /, circle O, half-circle, cross +, _bar, etc., with many combinations and adaptations. That language, like any other, follows certain rules. With practice and an understanding of some important brand terms, the average person can easily acquire basic skills in reading brands.īrands have a language all their own. Brands, to the inexperienced, resemble hieroglyphics to the experienced livestock person, however, they become a readable language. Cattle are usually branded on hips and ribs.įor many new livestock owners, the art of reading a brand is a mystery. Other less common locations are ribs, stifles, and jaws. The most popular locations for brands on horses are the left or right hip or the left or right shoulder. If a horse is lost or stolen, the owner should immediately contact local brand authorities, slaughter houses and auction yards with brand information and photographs showing distinguishing markings. Horse brands: In addition to a brand, a horse owner should have good identifying photographs of their animals. "Trust your neighbors, but brand your stock." Other methods such as implanted computer chips are positive identification, if a new owner is aware of them, but hot or freeze brands are highly visible and hard to alter. No other way is as easily visible as branding, not only for identification, but as a deterrent to theft. An unbranded animal is called a "slick," and is almost impossible to legally identify. See our brands page two for examples.īranding is very important in proving ownership of lost or stolen animals. Thoroughbred horses have registration numbers tattooed under their upper lips. Registered Arabian horses have the same type of brand on the right side of the neck. Horse brands and cattle brands are often registered separately.īLM Mustangs have multi-character freeze brands on the left side of their necks. For instance, Texans register brands in their county clerk's office and do not have a state-wide agency overseeing the 254 counties. Check with the agency in your state concerned with the registration of brands for local regulations.Ī number of states do not have brand inspection systems. Like most registrations, brand registrations do expire. It is important, not only to register a brand correctly, but to keep it active. You may not register a particular brand if the same symbols and location have already been registered by someone else in your area. The agencies also record the location you place the brand on the animal. In some states freeze brands are not valid on cattle. Brands, both hot iron and freeze brands, are recorded by state livestock agencies in many states. ![]()
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