fwiw, the - is pretty common on cattle ranches around me and has nothing to do with horses. My brands are rafter C, rafter C bar, and U bar. I also have 4 other brands on cattle that I have purchased running around. I really need to get out my log book and recall what they are. My neightbor Jim called me this morning, missing a cow. I saw a J - which may or may not be his (looks like it is probably not - I have purchased from them before, just did not think I had any of their cows (about 4 ranches sell at their auction), but I guess I have one.
My branding irons were stolen at some point over the years - wife wants me to replace them, so guess that is on the to do list. Replace and get the vet to nitrogen brand my cows for easier ID (I have angus, nitrogen will leave a white brand on a black cow - damn easy to read).