Lexington, KY—-March 1, 2016—-In light of the recently approved rule change that will require microchipping for all horses competing at USEF-rated hunter/jumper competitions in December 2018, the United States Hunter Jumper Association is collaborating with competition managers to offer discounted microchipping for those who would like to get a head start on the rule. The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and Gulf Coast Classic Company will both be offering microchipping education—-microchipping for less than $30, scanning to determine if there is a microchip, or answering questions about the microchipping process—-for exhibitors.

“We are delighted to have these two circuits join in helping members navigate the rule that will take preliminary effect in December 2017 and then full effect December 2018,” said Mary Babick, member of the USEF Horse Recording and ID Task Force and vice president of USHJA – Hunter. “This provides members competing at these shows the opportunity to get a jumpstart on the rule well before it goes into effect.”

Dr. Patrick Cleveland at the Gulf Coast Winter Series in Gulfport, MS, will be available to offer this service throughout the remainder of the winter series. At the Annex office on the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds in Wellington, FL, Palm Beach Equine Clinic veterinarians are offering microchipping clinics on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, and Wednesday, March 23, 2016, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Earlier this year, the USEF Board of Directors approved three rule changes that would bring microchipping to hunter/jumper competitions. The three rule change proposals (EQ 103.2 – Tracking No. 295-15; HU 101.2 – Tracking No. 347-15; JP 100.2 – Tracking No. 366-15) state that in the 2018 competition year (December 1, 2017 – November 30, 2018) “all horses competing in classes that require USHJA registration must provide a microchip number that verifies their animal’s identity in order to compete for points, money won or be eligible for Federation and/or USHJA programs and awards where horses are required to be recorded or registered.”

The 2018 competition year will act as a transitional year, where in order to collect points horses must provide a microchip number. Beginning with the 2019 competition year, all horses competing at a USEF licensed competition will be required to provide a microchip number or they will not be permitted to compete. The change does not apply to breed-restricted competitions offering hunter, jumper, or hunt seat equitation classes.

For more information about the Winter Equestrian Festival microchipping clinics, click here. For more information about the Gulf Coast Winter Series microchipping, click here.