UPDATE to Microchip Requirements

Please read this important statement affecting the remainder of the 2026 competition year.

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FOR EVERYONE ENTRING USEF LICENSED OR ENDORSED COMPETITIONS: GR 1101.10
MICROCHIPS: THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

USEF competition horses must have a ISO compliant (11784/11785) microchip embedded in their nuchal ligament, and the number recorded by USEF, by December 1st, 2025. It is the owner/riders responsibility to be sure this has been done.

If you are certain your horse(s) are microchipped, confirm that the number is recorded on the USEF website.

1. Sign in to your account www.usef.org
2. Click (upper right) account icon
3. Click my dashboard icon
4. Scroll down to your horses
5. Click each horse
6. Confirm that there is a 15-digit microchip number in the horse information section. No letters.

If your horse has been microchipped but you are unsure if it is ISO compliant:

1. The number should have 15 digits, no letters
2. The radio frequency should be 134.2 kHz. (From the packaging or your vet might know.)
3. Biothermal chips are compliant
4. Most “breed chips” are compliant; check for 15 digits and the kHz.
5. Be sure this is recorded on the USEF website (as described above).

If your horse has not been microchipped, you can arrange for this by your local veterinarian.

1. The cost is modest; most of your fee will be the vet visit cost.
2. Placement does not require sedation; the insertion needle is about the size of a vaccination needle, and any initial swelling is minor. There is no “downtime.”
3. Follow the steps above to record the number on the USEF website.

Questions?
Cflippa16@gmail.com

Please click button above for a printable PDF of this information.

DVCTA Presents USDF Continuing Education in Musical Freestyle Judging Program

A 2-day USDF accredited Continuing Education Program open to all judges, L program graduates, and auditors. This Continuing Education in Freestyle Judging Program has been approved by USEF to count as advanced education for Judges. Judges who attend this program will be eligible to earn the “Judges Freestyle Designation” upon completion and passing the online exam. CLOSING DATE: 2/28/26

Licensed Judges and L Program Graduates: $275 ($175 for DVCTA members)
Auditors and L Program Enrollees: $65/day or $90 for both days (FREE for DVCTA members)
Rider Participants: FREE

Any questions, contact Alice Morse at alicemorse@earthlink.net

Registration has closed.

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Dolly Hannon, USEF “S” Dressage Judge with certification in Young Horses, Equitation, and Freestyle

The USEF’s new safety stirrup rule with take effect December 1, 2025.

DVCTA and DressageTrainingOnline.com are pleased to announce a new education partnership.

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DVCTA members can now enjoy a 25% discount on any new DTO membership
simply by using the code DVCTA15.

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And there is more great news!

When you enter code DVCTA15 when you join, DVCTA will earn 25% of all membership revenues to support DVCTA’s programs.

We believe this partnership will fit well with our educational, sport, and charitable goals.
This is a great time to roll this program out. As the weather turns and the temperatures drop, keep learning and progressing with Dressage Training Online!

What do you receive with your personal DTO membership?
Over 1500 training level through Grand Prix tutorials and top talent worldwide available for unlimited viewing.

• International judges give scores and full commentary movement by movement on tests of all levels.
• Articles and Exercises diagrammed with explanations in addition to a link where you can see it ridden.
• Evaluate your ride videos. Upload your own video to be judged or receive virtual judging by participating trainers and judges.
• List your sales horses for free.