While more than 20,000 horses in the AQHA database have microchip IDs on their records, this represents only about half of one percent of the live population of American Quarter Horses. Microchipping allows for permanent identification of horses in commercial and sporting environments, as well as in lost animal recoveries during natural disasters and theft.
Source: AQHA, March 10, 2019. Link.
The AQHA 2019 microchip pilot project consists of reaching out to educate members, owners, breeders, trainers, show managers and others on the benefits of microchipping, and teaching how to properly microchip a horse. Voluntary microchipping of horses is encouraged as part of the pilot project. The AQHA can record a horse’s microchip ID on its registration certificate and in the Association’s database.
Also see: Frequently asked questions about microchips, AQHA. Link. (includes video)
If you purchase a microchip from AQHA, Merck Animal Health will provide a life membership for the chipped horse in its HomeAgain national pet recovery database, which is normally a cost of $19.99 per year.
INSIGHTS: The video is a great notification tool to use on social media or in e-newsletters. Note the recommendation of using a temperature sensing chip. The FAQs are a great way for a veterinary or retail team to understand the AQHA initiative and horse microchipping.