Every thoroughbred has a microchip inserted for ease and certainty of identification. Discussions between the TBA and the NHA about the burden of the cost of microchipping concluded with the understanding that the microchip costs should be passed on to the new owner when the horse is sold.
The TBA have requested sales companies to implement this practise and consequently BSA have introduced a microchip fee in its terms and conditions. The current fee is R350 excluding VAT. This will be added to the buyer’s invoice and paid over to the vendor as from the National Two Year Old Sale.
Microchips are a secure and simple way of certainty of identification of a horse at any time – on transfer of ownership, on moving between stable yards, on passing starting stalls, on racing, on taking of samples etc.
The most efficient and cost-effective time to carry out the microchipping process is as a foal simultaneously with the taking of a blood sample for parentage testing. The breeders have carried the full cost of both processes even though the real use of the microchip occurs during the horse’s racing career.
