The Marking Process Explained

Freezemarking is a painless, humane procedure, in which super-chilled markers are pressed onto the horses skin. This destroys the pigment (which makes the hair coloured), so that the hair regrows white, and the unique mark can be seen.

Step by Step

First the area to be marked is clipped and cleaned with alcohol, this can be either the shoulder or saddle area
Super-chilled markers are placed on the clipped area and held for 15-45 seconds, depending upon breed
After five minutes, the area marked will begin to swell
The old hair will die away after two to three weeks, and will regrow white
Grey and light coloured horses will require a bald mark, this involves a longer application of the irons to destroy the hair follicle itself. Bald marks are not placed under the saddle due to the risk of rubbing

Stages in the development of the freezemark

Slight swelling lasting for approximateley 24 hours

Usually after 2-3 weeks a scab will begin to form *

After 4-6 weeks the scab should fall away naturally, to leave bare skin *

New hair will begin to grow after approximately 6 weeks, depending on the time of year *

The actual freezemark should appear approximately 12 weeks* after marking

* Please note these timings are guides only, and may vary with individual horses dependant upon breed, skin type and season.