Do I need to microchip my horse?

Do I need to microchip my horse? 

Most of us know that our Cat or Dog needs to be microchipped. Breeders are required to get them done and councils most certainly require them to be chipped for registration, but what about microchipping our horses? 

Whilst not a legal requirement for your average pony in the paddock, it is compulsory to have your horse microchipped by most breed societies, governing or regulatory bodies. If you have a nice quiet horse that you just take for trail rides on a weekend you don’t need to have it microchipped, however if you are wanting to register your horse or compete at certain events, it will need to have a microchip.  

Getting your horse microchipped is a personal choice, but there are some reasons that make it a good idea. 

• Competitions – If you wish to compete at events most breed societies, authorities and organisations require your horse to have a microchip number  

• Vaccinations – If you are going to get your horse vaccinated, particularly for Hendra virus, they will need to be microchipped. Once vaccinated (by a registered veterinarian) they will be added to the online register, and you are provided with a certificate as proof of vaccination. 

• Identification – If your horse happens to get out of their paddock or in more worrying circumstances there is a bush fire or emergency, and your horse is found wandering, they can be identified via their microchip. If you have it registered with the animal registry you can be easily contacted and your horse returned to you safely. 

• Sale – You may be considering selling your horse. A microchip can be used as proof of pedigree and ownership. 

• Theft or loss – a microchip number can provide important identification and proof of ownership under these not so nice circumstances. 

Microchips need to be implanted by a veterinarian to ensure the correct placement of the chip and that the procedure is performed with the horse’s welfare of utmost importance. The chip is placed in the nuchal ligament of the left side of neck just below the mane halfway between the poll and wither, this is done with minimal discomfort. 

If you have purchased a horse and you aren’t sure if it has a microchip, you can easily have your vet scan your horse to see if one has been implanted, they can then provide you with the number for your records. If you have recently taken ownership of an off-the-track thoroughbred you will find that it will already be microchipped as is a requirement for all thoroughbreds born in Australia, and it’s just a case of getting your horse scanned for the number.