Should You Microchip Your Horse?

If you had asked me a few years ago if I would microchip my horse the answer would have definitely been a strong no. This was before the USEF started requiring the microchip for competition horses, but also more importantly before there was a national database in place.

There have been microchips used in horses for years, but unlike the companion animal industry there has not been a database to register your horse's microchip to a particular owner like you can do for your dog.  To me, this almost negated the entire point of microchipping.

I made the decision to microchip my horse based off of the new USEF rule for competition and just a few days ago when the vet was out my horse underwent the simple procedure. The microchip is placed in the nuchal ligament of the horse, on their left side. And when it was over my vet informed me that I could actually register the microchip under my name my opinion did a complete 180!

The process of entering my information into the Equine Protective Registry only took me about 5 minutes and for a one time fee of $24.95 (plus the cost of the actual microchip which was $58.00). It was super easy and once you make an account you can go in and change information whenever need to update your address or any other information. You also have the option to purchase a tag for your halter ($12 charge for the tag) with the microchip information - I didn't feel like it was something I need since my horse doesn't get turned out with a halter on.

The MicrochipIDEquine microchip comes with a lifetime warranty, is ISO and USDA approved! They are also affiliated with the American Holsteiner Association, American Warmblood Association, USEF, and USHJA just to name a few. 

Even if you don't horse show or have a need to microchip for competition reasons, if your horse would to ever get separated from you due to a natural disaster or if they are lost or stolen for any reason any scanner can find your microchip and return them home safely!