THE INVISIBLE ID - WHAT IS IT? 

Microchipping is a safe, permanent and reliable identification method for horses. The tiny chip (it's the size of a grain of rice), is placed into the nuchal ligament of the horse's neck. It's placed in this particular ligament so that over time it does not move around or migrate throughout the horse's body. Placing the microchip is a quick, easy process and there is no scarring or evidence of the microchip's unless your horse is scanned.
At Countryside, we use HomeAgain microchips. HomeAgain provides a unique 15 digit number that can only be assigned to your horse. The 15 digit number is compliant with the USEF and FEI and is approved for passports. Before microchipping, we always scan horses to check for an existing microchip.

MY HORSE IS ALREADY MICROCHIPPED: IS IT TRACKABLE?  

If your horse has been microchipped in the past and the number begins with 900, then the microchip is considered unacceptable. Microchips beginning with the pre-fix 900 can't be used because these chips could have duplicate numbers. Microchips are never removed, so once the compliant microchip is implanted make sure to keep the database information updated for both of the chips. 
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Example of unacceptable microchip:
#900123456123456

IMPROVING EQUINE WELFARE

Scanners for microchips are already in place at veterinary clinics, rescue groups and animal control units. The same handheld scanners that are used to identify your dog or cat can also be used on your horse. In the event of a natural disaster or an emergency, scanning for microchips is the best method for identifying animals and reuniting them with their verified owners. 

Microchips are already a standard of the FEI (the international federation for equestrian sport), many horse registries and events. Having the ability to authenticate a horse's identity and performance history is increasing validity for show and breeding industries. 

Microchips have also assisted in managing outbreaks by giving veterinarians the ability to confirm and track disease contact and exposure. 

USEF & USHJA MICROCHIPPING REQUIREMENTS

The USEF approved rule changes in January 2016  for microchipping requirements (EQ.103.2, HU101.2, JP100.2)
  • The rule states that any horse competing at at USEF licensed and/or USHJA sanctioned competitions in hunter, hunter breeding, jumper and hunter/jumping seat equitation classes not restricted by breed must be microchipped and have their microchip identification number recorded with the USEF. ​

DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW:

PHASE I - DECEMBER 1, 2017
Horses competing in sanctioned competitions in hunter/jumper, jumper, or equitation divisions must be microchipped in order to accumulate points. 
PHASE II - DECEMBER 1, 2018
All horses are required to be microchipped if competing in sanctioned competitions in hunter/jumper, jumper, or equitation divisions. 
HELPFUL LINKS:
 USEF MICROCHIPPING FAQS    |    USEF APPLICATION FORM  |   USEF/FEI MICROCHIP GUIDELINES