A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. (Top Horse photo).Microchips are implanted intramuscularly and have been used to identify animals since the 1970’s. They are considered an excellent form of animal identification as they can’t be tampered with or be easily removed.
All horses registered with Equestrian Australia must be microchipped and all horses competing in official EA events must be microchipped.
A recent poll revealed that 80% of horse owners thought permanent horse identification should be compulsory and that given a choice between ID methods...microchipping, branding, DNA, or passports...79% chose microchipping. Why? Because microchipping causes no disfigurement to the horse and cannot be modified.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a biologically inert chip about the size of a grain of rice. It won’t cause any harm or allergic reaction to your horse. Each chip contains a number, which will become your horse’s microchip number. Microchips don’t have any batteries or energy source, the chip gets its energy to respond from the scanner.
Can any Vet microchip my horse?
No, only Vets who are authorised to microchip horses can carry out the procedure. To find one in your area, check with the Department of Primary Industries.
A Vet prepares to inject a microchip into a pony's neck. (Top Horse photo).What happens during a microchipping session?
A qualified Vet will insert the microchip into the left side of your horse’s neck between the poll and withers, usually 2.5cm to 3.5cm below the top of the neck using an oversized needle. The scanner is them run over the injection site to check the microchip is working correctly. You then fill in all the record forms…and that’s it! If you sell the horse, or have a change of address, your horse’s records will need to be updated
Will it hurt my horse?
Most horses don’t blink an eye! Horses who have had multiple injections might play up but it’s usually a quick and painless procedure. There have been isolated reports of swelling around the injected site, but this will subside within a week or so.
How long do microchips last?
They will last the lifetime of your horse.
Scanning for a microchip at an official FEI competition. (Roger Svalsrød/FEI photo).Where are the records held?
If your horse is registered with Equestrian Australia, they will hold his microchipping records. You can also choose to have them on file with Central Animal Records which offers 24 hour assistance if your horse is lost or stolen. Your horse doesn’t need to be registered with EA to have a microchip. Many horse owners are electing to have them inserted as a permanent way of identifying their horses.
All EA members can register their animals (all pets, not just horses) with the Australasian Animal Registry and receive a discount.