USEF Microchipping Rule Clarification

[NilesKennyKora]

I have a microchipping question!

I have heard two stories when it comes to who is and who isn’t required to be microchipped to compete in USEF Hunter divisions.

My trainer has told me that starting Dec 1, 2017 all horses competing for points in a USEF show will need to be chipped and then by Dec 1, 2018 all horses will need to be chipped to even compete.

BUT

I have also heard/ read conflicting info saying that only horses in divisions with age/ experience/breed restrictions will need to be microchipped and those that are competing in a division such as Childrens, Adults, A/O’s will not need to be chipped or will be grandfathered in. See the link for an article on from the Chronicle.

http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/mythbusting-microchipping-and-positive-horse-id

Another question I have is who exactly will be checking to see if the horse is actually microchipped? Will it be as hit or miss as drug testing is?

[comingback]

Here’s the FAQ on USEF.ORG. https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/Faqs/microchippingFAQ.aspx#requirements

Q: What are the competition requirements?
A: Phase I: Microchipping Required for Points Beginning in competition year 2018 (December 1, 2017), all horses competing in USEF licensed and/or USHJA sanctioned competitions with Hunter, Hunter Breeding, Jumper and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation classes not restricted by breed will be required to be microchipped to receive points.

Phase II: Microchipping required for Competition Beginning competition year 2019 (December 1, 2018), ALL horses competing in USEF licensed and/or USHJA sanctioned competitions with Hunter, Hunter Breeding, Jumper and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation classes not restricted by breed will be required to be microchipped.

[comingback]

ETA:that article makes no reference to the 2019 competition year, but the above FAQ does.