Standardbred Canada (SC) is coordinating a 'microchipping tour' to facilitate the microchipping of all Standardbred racehorses by the end of 2020, as mandated by the Board of Directors, and to be consistent with the United States Trotting Association.

SC has been microchipping horses since January 2019.

“So far this year we have microchipped over 1,900 horses. The application is much easier on the horses and we have received great feedback regarding the ease of taking the horse’s temperature,” said Linda Bedard, SC’s Manager of Member Services and Registrar.

Bedard and the SC ID Technicians are working on a schedule to include microchipping of groups of horses at training centres and farms. Trainers are asked to fill out a location report for their stable. Watch the SC website for updates.

For foals, the cost of microchipping remains in the registration fee. However, for horses that are already Freeze Branded, the cost is as follows:

• 1 – 4 horses: $45/each
• 5 – 9 horses: $35/each
• 10 or more horses: $30/each

To ensure an efficient process for all involved, SC would ask that trainers make their horses available for chipping when our technicians are in your area. Schedules will be available on the SC website and in TROT Magazine.

SC also recently launched the Microchip ID app which can be used with the Universal WorldScan Reader Plus microchip readers from Merck/HomeAgain®.

SC’s Microchip ID app under the 'SC Mobile' brand can be downloaded from the Apple Store (Apple) or the Google Play Store (Android) by searching “Standardbred Canada Mobile.”

Paired with a HomeAgain® Universal WorldScan Reader Plus microchip scanner or by typing in the microchip number, this App will identify horses that are in the Standardbred Canada database.

Scanners can be purchased from Standardbred Canada head office and are offered at a discounted price for members. The Universal HomeScan Reader reads and displays the horses' microchip number and temperature. This device requires two AA batteries and will sell for $80 for members of Standardbred Canada and $95 for non-members.

The Universal WorldScan Reader Plus offers faster microchip reading detection and is equipped with USB or wireless Bluetooth connectivity, which allows for easy electronic transfer of Microchip ID to your computer.

The Universal WorldScan Reader Plus also reads the temperature of the horse and will sell for $375 for SC members and $450 for non-members.

Users must use their TrackIT username and password to login into the app and once connectivity is confirmed, the chip may be scanned.

The app will provide the horse’s unique chip number, name, year of foaling, color, sex, sire and dam.

The microchipping process has been proven to be a less traumatic experience for our equine counterparts and offers a quicker way of taking a horse's temperature while being less invasive. The microchip is also unalterable, making for a more reliable means of identification.

Click here for the FAQ and answers on Microchipping.