The Alpha Angle Branding System

The AABS is a very efficient way of branding horses that includes the breed registration, year of birth, and registration number.

The numbers are represented by right angles and parallel lines. Here are two diagrams that I put together using ink, scissors, a scanner, a flash drive, and Skitch.

Now that you know how each number is represented, let's explain how the brand works.

 The brand has three main parts: The breed brand, the year of birth, and the registration number. There are quite a few breeds that have a brand for this system, but I only know of 19 (18 shown here) at the moment.

 (Sorry about the blurry handwriting!) Anyway, that's that. And actually I missed one of the freeze breed brands - the one for BLM Mustangs. I think it looks something similar to a "U"? You can look it up if you like. :)

Freeze Branding

Freeze branding is a method of branding, and it's gaining popularity quite quickly. The branding is done using a freeze brand, on which there is either liquid nitrogen, or dry ice and alcohol. The branding iron is applied to the horse's hide for varying amounts of time, depending on the age of the horse and the solution (either liquid nitrogen or dry ice and alcohol).

Foal

     Liquid nitrogen: 6-12 seconds

     Dry ice and alcohol: 16-24 seconds

Horse

     Liquid nitrogen: 8-12 seconds

     Dry ice and alcohol: 20-24 seconds

Although the nitrogen is quicker to apply, some find that the alcohol method produces better results. Both of the solutions will cause a lack of pigment-production in the hairs, which will grow back white. On grey or other light-colored horses, the brander will apply the brand for a lengthier amount of time, causing what's known as a "hairless" or "bald" brand.

Freeze branding is usually used for breed identification, and works great for the AABS (Alpha Angle Branding System). Be awaiting a post on the AABS soon!