Horse Identification Methods
August 30, 2009
How to record a non-race tattoo number and microchip with AQHA.
AQHA Customer Service Rep Kayla Randall
Lip tattoos have been around for quite some time now and have been used primarily for race horses. With the advancement of technology and the inception of microchipping, a new light has been shed upon lip tattooing.
Since AQHA’s only other search option is the horse’s actual registered name or number, or the registered name or number of its sire and/or dam, these two additional methods are beneficial. Read on to find out how to submit your horse’s tattoo or microchip information to AQHA.
AQHA has a list of racing-approved tattooers. Tattooing from one of these professionals is $60. Microchip implants are performed by most veterinarians. AQHA will record microchip and tattoo information free of charge. Submit the documentation and the horse’s certificate to AQHA, and the information will be added to AQHA’s computer system and to the certificate. The certificate will be promptly returned to you.
The ability to identify a horse that has, for whatever reason, been separated from its owner adds another search method for AQHA. While tattooing is only required if the horse is going to run on the track, and microchipping is not a requirement at all, AQHA will record both identification methods in our system and can search for the horse with the tattoo number or chip information.
Leave a comment or contact AQHA Customer Service if you have a chip or tattoo number you would like for us to look up, or if you have any questions.
As always, at your service,
Kayla Randall
AQHA Customer Service
Comments
2 Comments on “Horse Identification Methods”
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September 17th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Hi, I just got a quarter horse thourobred mix. He has a tattoo but it looks like there may be something before the first letter indicating he may be registered as quarter horse. _J1009
September 1st, 2010 at 4:16 pm
I’m looking at the tattoo on the inside gum of this old horse. I was told he is 15 – 16 years old. But from his teeth it may be 19 -20 yrs old.
The tatoo is:
0 5591 or J 5591 or U 5591 or T 5591
Does this make sense ? I would like to find out more of his history, could you send me in the right direction?
I was told he is a quarterhorse but may be Quarter/Thoroughbred ??
Thanks