Microchipping 101
Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and contain only a unique 15-digit identification number that can be tied to information related to the horse held by any breed organization, veterinarian, or competition organization such as USEF or USHJA. Microchipping provides a reliable way to verify a horse's identity and ensure that all information pertaining to the horse follows it throughout its life, thus increasing transparency, contributing to the well-being of the horse, and supporting consumer confidence during sales transactions. Microchips are a standard of the FEI, the international equestrian sport governing body
At the January 2016 USEF Annual Meeting, the USEF Board of Directors approved landmark rule changes for hunter/jumper competition that set forward a microchipping requirement at USEF-licensed and/or USHJA-sanctioned competitions with Hunter, Hunter Breeding, Jumper and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation classes not restricted by breed. The microchipping requirement will be implemented in two phases.
The Competition Requirement
(HU101, JP100, EQ103)
December 1, 2017
PHASE I: Microchipping Required for Points
Beginning in competition year 2018 (December 1, 2017), all horses competing in USEF-licensed and/or USHJA-sanctioned competitions with Hunter, Hunter Breeding, Jumper and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation classes not restricted by breed will be required to be microchipped to receive points.
December 1, 2018
PHASE II: Microchipping Required for Competition
Beginning in competition year 2019 (December 1, 2018), ALL horses competing in USEF-licensed and/or USHJA- sanctioned competitions with Hunter, Hunter Breeding, Jumper and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation classes not restricted by breed will be required to be microchipped to compete.
