American Saddlebred: Draft 1: The American Saddlebred committee understands and believes in the intent of the rule change however, they believe this should be a choice for breeders/owners etc. By making it mandatory, there is fear that it will cause a drop in the Federation licensed competitions within the breeds, which would be a big disadvantage to the safety and welfare of the horse. Is there a way to help promote microchipping through ASHBA and possibly offer grants
Morgan: Draft 1: The committee is concerned that owners who do not have their horse’s microchipped will be turned away from a competition with no other option available. The committee recommends the show vet or steward be permitted to administer microchips at the show. They also suggest a warning system be implemented for first time offenders who may not be aware of the rule, they would receive a warning and would be required to have the microchip done by the next licensed competition.
National Show Horse: Draft 1: The committee feels that this should first be more of a recommended practice paired with education and promotion and then once the membership has embraced it, enter it in as a rule. The committee recognizes the value of microchipping but does not feel the public will accept it if mandated at this time.
Roadster: Draft 1: The committee reconsidered the rule change and has amended their motion to disapprove. After further discussion, the committee has great concern over the loss of USEF licensed shows in the Roadster community. By adding an additional requirement, they feel this will burden the exhibitors, trainers, breeders, and show management and we will see those competitions start to drop even lower. The committee also questioned if horses that were brought to shows for schooling and sale purposes, if they would need to be microchipped. Currently, as the rule reads they would not, but how would this address the issues stated in the intent. If there is concern for tracking disease, how would we know where these horses who never entered the show ring go. The committee also mentioned that trainers are often the individuals filling out the entry blanks. If the trainers are bringing multiple horses/ponies, as they often do, it would be taxing for them to fill out the 15 digit code multiple times for each horse.
Saddle Seat EQ: Draft 1: The committee recommends disapproval. By requiring horses to have a microchip to compete, this is creating an additional hardship to competition management. The committee questions whether management will need to hire someone to check microchips on the grounds. In addition, this discipline utilizes multiple breed registry programs for proper identification so the need for microchipping is unnecessary.
Welsh: Draft 1: This would negatively impact Welsh competitions as this would add more expense to competing at USEF competitions. Additionally, the committee feels this rule would not be enforceable.
Western Dressage: Draft 1: While the committee sees the benefit of microchipping, they fear that this will be an additional financial hurtle for exhibitors to face when entering into the USEF competition world. The committee also feels that this may not accomplish the intended purpose, as people who would still travel with a horse that has knowingly been exposed or was sick will still do so and will find ways around the rule. The committee also raised the question of how the chip can be inserted for horses that have an allergy to the material of which a needle is made of?