Microchips for Horses

Unique identifiers for horses have come on since freeze marking and hoof branding.  They are important to help identify lost or stolen horses and return them to their owners.  In more recent years they have been used to locate owners of horses who have been identified by welfare organisations as needing help.  Of course, from a welfare point of view this only worked if the owners had their horses marked!

Welfare organisations have been lobbying the government regarding this and since 2009 all horses born have been required to be microchipped.  From October 2020 ALL horses will have to have been mircrochipped.  The details will be held on a Central Equine Database which will include the microchip number, details of the equine and information relating to the owner.

Basil was chipped as a youngster and Tommy was chipped when he was rescued.  Chesney however, was freeze marked and had not yet been microchipped.  They are so tiny that I don't believe they have any detrimental effects and the advantages of having your horse with a unique number which can be checked by any vet or rescue organisation must increase your chances of having them returned if the worst thing happens and your horse is lost or stolen.  

Plenty of warning means there is lots of time to talk to your vet about this and organise to get your horse chipped.

If you want more information or guidance go to the Redwings website https://www.redwings.org.uk/news-and-views/compulsory-microchipping

Have you seen my last video 'One Day In November' on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!   

Jo