Barbara and I were at the USEF Breeders Committee Meeting and were invited to sit at the table and help exchange ideas. Just know up front that USEF wants the microchipping to go into effect. They are very strong proponents and are working very hard to help it go into effect. The summation of why it was withdrawn at the USHJA Meeting was the lack of education. They felt that if they spent this year educating the general public (mostly trainers, riders, etc.) about microchipping that it would be easier to transition the mindset of the general public. They were facing some misunderstandings about microchipping that just seemed ridiculous. What we suggested at the meeting was that they start by requiring the chipping to compete in some of the big competitions - Finals, Indoors, etc. to simulate the expectations that the US riders faced when wanting to compete at WEG or like we faced when wanting to compete abroad with Validation. That way it would not bring the same resistance as an all-inclusive “forced” rule change. If you want to compete, you microchip. You don’t want to microchip, then it isn’t forced, but you won’t be able to compete. Then, the idea of it and understanding of the non-invasive nature of microchipping would naturally spread. Word would spread among professionals and the public. This would then make the implementation of an all-inclusive necessary rule change much much easier.
Other suggestions we provided included having a Competition Vet provide either a “free” or a “one fee” microchipping clinic at the competitions. Get a sponsorship from the company that produces the microchips that are acceptable and for a low fee, or even perhaps free for the first few horses, individuals can get their horses microchipped at the competition. Being able to see it done at the competitions would remove the shroud of mystery from the process for many individuals. We explained that if they could work out a sponsorship collaboration with the microchip company that we were certain that the company would be willing to provide educational videos about microchipping for USEF members. This extra effort would also show USEF’s serious nature and support for microchipping.
The biggest thing that Barbara and I learned from attending this meeting is that it really pays to attend. We were under the same impression that the removal of the rule change proposal at the USHJA meeting was a step backwards. But, it actually wasn’t. Instead of it going to the floor and getting shot down because of lack of education, they wanted to spend this year trying to educate people so it wouldn’t be a harder fight and would be easier to bring the rule change. We also learned that they are strongly seeking the support of the breed registries to educate their breeders and perhaps bring their own rule changes that require breeders to microchip. A lot of registries already do, but it is important they when they chip, they do it with the models that are acceptable to the FEI, as USEF has said that it is important to them that when microchipping goes into place, that their system is compliant with FEI. Why not speak with your breed registries and start this movement from the ground up? Tracking horses that are produced within the US is a huge priority for them, as evidenced by the requirement to microchip that many of them already have.
As to checking microchips, that was also discussed. USEF is working to move the competition system to where it is more and more compliant with FEI standards. They were also discussing microchipping in the context with the new YHS they are constructing. We were sooooooo excited about both subjects and it really sounds like they are working in the right direction. As with all monumental changes, it takes time to do it right. They also want to make sure that they don’t rush in and do it wrong. Crossing all their T’s and dotting their I’s. And the reason for the delay in the YHS is that they don’t want to do it in the same year as WEG or the Olympics. They want it to have their focus and not cause conflicts. I can definitely understand that. I told them we knew how complicated it was to schedule the Stallion Test, so I couldn’t imagine the challenges they faced. We are very excited to have been able to contribute to this discussions and fully support the efforts that USEF is making. Their biggest request? For the breed registries to get involved. Not involved campaigning for this to happen, because the ball is already rolling…but campaigning to educate people WHY these changes are necessary. They will be constructing a whole new area of their website devoted to Young Horse Competitions, Trainers, Microchipping, etc to educate people. Lets help make breeders aware when these tools become available and use our networks as breeders to help them implement these systems more seamlessly. I truly believe that change is in the air after attending the meeting and hearing the extremely excited, positive exchange on these subjects. We don’t need to fight for the change to come anymore. We need to help it take root and spread. 
(Please know that I have just spent 35+ hours flying back from Thailand and may not be super fluent but I hope I have explained well enough as this is something Barbara and I are also very passionate about.)
