LEADING rural insurer NFU Mutual is urging horse owners to ensure their security is up to the job as thieves go on the look-out for expensive Christmas gifts of equine kit.

According to NFU Mutual, £1.3million of claims in 2012 involved items commonly used by horse owners and farmers including trailers, fencing equipment, tack and feed.

Farms and livery yards are a favourite hunting ground for thieves, the insurer says, as they are often unattended when it’s dark.

Alison Cox of NFU Mutual said: “Tack theft is a constant worry for horse owners and the theft of these essential items is a blow to the rider’s pockets, particularly if the items are uninsured or underinsured. Horse owners are reminded to datatag their tack and keep it securely locked away.”