What is microchipping? 

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A microchip is a small implant, about the size of a grain of rice, that contains a unique serial code. It is inserted via an injection into the ligament on the left side of the horse’s neck. Any pain associated with microchipping is very brief and once inserted the microchip provides a means of permanent identification. It is a quick and easy procedure that must only be carried out by a veterinary surgeon.

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Why Microchip a Horse?

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1. Permanent Identification - Unlike tags or tattoos, microchips are permanent and cannot be lost or altered. This makes it easier to trace a horse if it goes missing or is stolen.

2. Equine Passport - Microchipping is required for horses as part of their identification process for passports and breeding registrations.

3. Travel & Transport - For horses that travel internationally or participate in competitions, microchips are often required as part of health and identification protocols.

4. Reunification - If a horse is lost or found, microchipping helps ensure quick identification and reunification with the owner.​

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The horse owner’s details and a unique serial code are stored on a computerised database, which links the owner to the horse; it can be read easily by an electronic microchip reader. It is therefore important that the owner’s details on the database are kept up to date.

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The National Equine Database contains information about every equine born or residing in the UK with a UK passport. It is managed by Equine Register on behalf of The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

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You, the owner, are responsible for checking that all the details in the passport are up to date, you should enter the microchip number in the CED Chipchecker to confirm it is linked to your passport. If any of the identity data is incorrect or has changed you must notify the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO); you must not amend or add to the passport yourself.

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https://www.equineregister.co.uk/chipchecker