The use of specific identification systems for horses is valuable for several reasons. On large ranches and/or at riding stables, where several horses may by of the same sex, age or color (with similar markings), differentiation may be difficult in daily management practices. Marked horses are less likely to be stolen as they can be traced more easily be law enforcement officers. Also, specific identification of horses discourages fraudulent practices with registration papers. Lastly, many ranches or owners simply want to personalize horses they've bred, owned and/or those horses of which they are extremely proud.

Several identification methods are available, including tattooing, hot branding, blood typing and color/marking systems. In the past few years freeze (cryogenic) branding has become extremely popular because it is safe, economical and simple to do. Freeze branding can be done on horses of any age. It appears to be relatively painless and does not scar or damage the horse's hide. The brand is legible, permanent and difficult to alter; it can be seen from a distance all year long.

If owners are going to brand several horses each year for several years, some thought should be given to a branding system. Important information to include in a branding system may be sire, dam, date of horse's birth, individual horse number, etc., depending on the operation and how the horses are used or marketed. Branding systems are available from state livestock associations (Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association), brand inspectors and ranchers. Be sure to check with you county clerk, county Extension agent or state brand inspection agency about branding and brand ownership regulations.

Horses are commonly branded on the left or right jaw, shoulder, thigh or butt (beside the tail). Certain sites can be further divided if branding systems warrant.

Horse owners can purchase the equipment and brand their own horses or hire veterinarians or freeze branding technicians to perform this service. One company brands horses with a unique identification system (international alpha system using angles and alpha signals). some companies provide anti-theft aids such as owner/horse identification cards and ranch warning signs, and also notify the breed registries and state livestock offices when horses are branded. When a registered horse is branded the breed association office should be notified so the brand can be officially placed on the horse's registration papers.