Columbus, OH — As the stakes season gets closer and 2-year-olds are training down, now is a great time to verify that your horse has a microchip.

The USTA continues to provide the ability for owners to freeze brand their horses, but a microchip must be implanted before a horse can be dropped in the box. If your horse does not have a microchip, contact your USTA ID Technician to get on the schedule so you have no delay when you are ready to qualify.

Now is a great time to verify that your horse has a microchip. USTA/Mark Hall photo.

An easy way to check if your horse has a microchip implanted and connected to their registration is to search for them by name or registration number on the Free Horse Search on the USTA website. By logging in to your USTA MyAccount/Pathway account before searching, you will not need to enter the reCAPTCHA characters, which will expedite your search for multiple horses.

If you are a licensed trainer, various screens in Online Entry will display if the horse has “No Chip”:

– search results when adding a horse via the Maintenance screen
– the Maintenance tab
– the Drop In The Box tab

Those needing a microchip scanner can purchase one by logging in to your USTA MyAccount (available both for members and non-members) and click Online Services in the black navigation bar, then choose “Click here to view products available from the USTA Store.” You can also call USTA Member Services at 877.800.8782 to order one over the phone. The basic scanner is $69 for members and $159 for non-members; the Bluetooth scanner is $279 for members and $369 for non-members.

For more information about microchips, scanners (including FAQs on set up and use) and DNA testing, visit this page of the USTA website.