Trainer: Dr. Katie Flynn
Length: 10:15 Minutes

Microchipping 101

In this video, Dr. Katie Flynn teaches about microchipping and explains the USEF rules regarding the process. Implanting a microchip is a simple and easy procedure, and it helps give you the peace of mind of protecting your horse. Each microchip has a 15-digit number that is your horse's unique identification number. This allows for immediate verification of your horse to safeguard and monitor its health.

 

How it works?

A microchip is an electric circuit that communicates through radio frequency identification technology, however, it is only activated when a scanner or reader goes across it. The International Standards Organization has set standards for microchips that ensures they are all ISO compliant, and that no two identification numbers are the same.

 

This video also features a demonstration of proper implantation of a microchip. Performed by Dr. Laurie Metcalfe from Rood and Riddle in Lexington, KY, you will be walked through the scanning process, how a microchip is inserted, and how to best care for your horse during and after the implantation process.

 

Reasons to microchip

The three main benefits of microchipping your horse are:

•Identification: Microchip identification numbers can be associated with registration papers, laboratory test results, or any proof of ownership

•Traceability: Whether it's a natural disaster or a disease outbreak, knowing which horse is yours in an emergency situation is crucial

•Health monitoring: Bio thermo microchips are temperature sensing, so when you scan them, you can see the horse’s temperature. You can also link your microchip number to your vaccination records to prove that you have your horse vaccinated

 

USEF Rules

As of Dec. 1, 2025, any horse that enters a USEF-licensed or -endorsed competition, regardless of breed discipline or level of competition, must have an ISO compliant 15-digit microchip. The standard ISO compliant microchips, as well as the ISO compliant bio thermal microchips, are both acceptable to meet the requirements of the USEF rules. For additional information on microchipping and the rule change, visit the USEF Microchipping webpage.

 

 

Experts:

 

Katie Flynn, BVMS

Senior Veterinarian Equine Health and Biosecurity, US Equestrian

 

Dr. Laurie Metcalfe, DVM

Ambulatory Veterinarian, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital

 

Find more information on this topic:

 

--> USEF Equine Microchipping Home Page

 

--> Microchippng – What You Need to Know Webinar 

 

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