More than just risk management, equine ID is responsible horse ownership. Horse theft is a non-violent offense, like auto theft. Most law enforcement agencies are burdened with violent offenses. They tend to view stolen horses and property without identification as if you left the keys in your vehicle's ignition while you ran into a convenience store for something. Before selecting one or several methods of equine ID, give some thought to the criteria that best fit your specific situation.
All methods have strengths and weaknesses.
For you, the owner, permanent identification is positive proof of ownership. If you live in a state with a horse inspection program, register with the state livestock department. If your state does not have such a program, you'll want to register with your county records clerk. This also establishes a point of ownership for generic horses without official breed registration papers. Breed registries have specific requirements for identification.