Proof of ownership

My good friend has his horse stolen from the pasture at his house. He did not file a police report at the time. He found his gelding 6 months later at a local boarding farm. The horse was apparently sold to them by the man who probably stole him. The current owners would not return the horse, as they felt he has no proof it is his. The police were called and could not return the horse either due to lack of documentation.

Is there a way to prove ownership of his gelding?
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Why didn't he file a police report?

If your friend does not have registration papers or vet/farrier bills, he may be SOL.

He has vet bills, but it does not describe the horse. Just states the horses name.

I don't know why he didn't file one. I suppose because he lives out in the country, where the police are not very involved.
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Does it have a stable name or registered name?
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His stable name is chance. He was not registered. He came from his old mare. Kind of a backyard breeding situation.

He wants to be able to at least protect the few horses he has left. Is there a way to document ownership of them? Unfortuently, most horses don't come with an official document or "title" like a car or other property. Times like these I wish they would.
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Your friend is SOL. Next time something gets stolen, call the police. There will at least be a paper trail and a description of the stolen item/animal.

Taking pictures of them on your property is good start.
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After I photographed the heck out of 'em, I'd microchip 'em if they weren't registered or branded.

They do microchipping on horses? Do you just go to your vet for it?
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Yes! The vet would be the one to do it. Thought about doing to my son since he'd go with anybody when he was younger lol!