The BLM uses freeze marking to identify captured wild horses and burros. Freeze marking is a permanent, unalterable and painless way to identify each horse as an individual. It is applied on the left side of the neck. It utilizes the International Alpha Angle System which uses a series of angles and alpha-symbols that cannot be altered. The mark contains the Registering Organization (U.S. Government), year of birth, and registration number.

The technique is simple and completely painless to the animal. The left side of the neck is shaved and washed with alcohol, and the mark is applied with an iron that is chilled in liquid nitrogen. The hair at the site of the mark will grow back white and show the identification number.

Many other breeds of horses have freeze brands, however because every mustang processed through the BLM gets one Mustangs have been come to known by theirs. It is a clear sign that they are indeed a Mustang. I thought that it was intresting and the paintings are as individual as the brands themselves.  All are sold unframed.