What is a “branded” horse?

A “branded” horse is one that has been permanently marked with a special brand issued by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The brand is made up of symbols that identify the horse’s owner, a unique symbol like a letter or number, and the owner’s name or initials. This allows law enforcement to easily identify the horse in cases of theft or if the horse is found abandoned. Brands also alert potential buyers that the horse is legally owned by someone. Brands are typically done with a hot iron and are applied to the left shoulder of the horse, though some may be applied to the right shoulder or the horse’s neck. They are made up of a combination of letters, numbers, symbols, and may even include the horse’s name. In Colorado, it is required that all brands be registered with the county clerk’s office. Colorado has had an official equine branding law since 1866, and all horses in the state must be branded. This helps protect horses from theft and ensures that the rightful owner is identified. It is also a crime to remove, alter, or deface a brand without the consent of the horse’s owner.

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