About This Video
In this video, Dr. Katie Flynn teaches about microchipping and explains the USEF rules regarding the process. Implanting a microchip is a simple and easy procedure, and it helps give you the peace of mind of protecting your horse. Each microchip has a 15-digit number that is your horse's unique identification number. This allows for immediate verification of your horse to safeguard and monitor its health.
How it works?
A microchip is an electric circuit that communicates through radio frequency identification technology, however, it is only activated when a scanner or reader goes across it. The International Standards Organization has set standards for microchips that ensures they are all ISO compliant, and that no two identification numbers are the same.
This video also features a demonstration of proper implantation of a microchip. Performed by Dr. Laurie Metcalfe from Rood and Riddle in Lexington, KY, you will be walked through the scanning process, how a microchip is inserted, and how to best care for your horse during and after the implantation process.
Reasons to microchip
The three main benefits of microchipping your horse are:
• Identification: Microchip identification numbers can be associated with registration papers, laboratory test results, or any proof of ownership
• Traceability: Whether it's a natural disaster or a disease outbreak, knowing which horse is yours in an emergency situation is crucial
• Health monitoring: Bio thermo microchips are temperature sensing, so when you scan them, you can see the horse’s temperature. You can also link your microchip number to your vaccination records to prove that you have your horse vaccinated
USEF Rules
As of Dec. 1, 2025, any horse that enters a USEF-licensed or -endorsed competition, regardless of breed discipline or level of competition, must have an ISO compliant 15-digit microchip. The standard ISO compliant microchips, as well as the ISO compliant bio thermal microchips, are both acceptable to meet the requirements of the USEF rules. For additional information on microchipping and the rule change, visit the USEF Microchipping webpage.
Additional Information
About The Experts
Dr. Katie Flynn joined U.S. Equestrian in 2023. Prior to joining USEF, Dr. Flynn was the Kentucky State Veterinarian, a role she assumed in 2020 when she was working as the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's (KDA) Deputy State Veterinarian. Dr. Flynn came to Kentucky by way of California, where she worked for 18 years as an animal health official, primarily with the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Dr. Laurie Metcalfe was born and raised in Madison, WI, where she grew up with her identical twin, Jen, and their Arabian horses. She completed her Animal Science degree from the University of WI-Madison. She only decided to pursue veterinary medicine after moving to Lexington and working as an ICU and surgery technician at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for three years.
Dr. Metcalfe returned to Wisconsin to attend veterinary school and, upon graduation in 2004, returned to Lexington, KY to complete a one-year hospital internship followed by a one-year ambulatory internship at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. She has remained an ambulatory veterinarian with the clinic ever since.
Dr. Metcalfe specializes in neonatal medicine, enjoying foals, herd health and general medicine. She is married with two children, Samuel, born in 2011 and Ella, born in 2013. She enjoys spending time with her family, horses and dogs.
