Identifying your Trakehner: how and why:
Your Trakehner needs to be properly identified, both for registration and for your own peace of mind
When you register your Trakehner, you need to provide:
-
a written description of the colour and markings
-
a diagram of the markings
-
the microchip number (and indicate on the diagram where it is placed)
-
The parentage test DNA number (if already done) or a DNA sample for parentage testing
-
3 photos of our horse, one from each side and one from the front, showing all markings.
Why?
For registration as a Trakehner, it is crucial that the horse is identified beyond doubt.
If your Trakehner is lost or stolen, it is important that you have a proper record of identification, hopefully so you can get your horse back.
How?
The diagram and written description you are asked to provide with your registration application both go on the registration papers. Be accurate and clear, YOUR artwork will be on the registration.
The FEI have produced a great, clear guide of "how to do it" for the diagram. You should read this as it is really helpful in how to best record your Trakehnher's markings.
Here is the FEI guide:
Don't forget, we are not just talking about shite markings here, we are talking about
-
white markings
-
whorls
-
"profit's thumb marks" (
-
scars
-
hoof colour
The photos do not appear on the registration paper, but are kept in in the TA Inc registry records, and can assist in proper identification of the horse as required.
The microchip number appears on the registration papers. Microchip numbers are each unique. They are easily scanned (unless the chip has seriously "migrated" or is faulty). Microchip scanning is a quick and easy method of identifying a horse. When you transfer a horse (or buy one), make sure you provide/obtain the details of the microchip register so you can have your won details recorded as the owner. Microchip scanning is probably your first line of identifying your horse in the case of any dispute.
The DNA provides proof of parentage, to sire and dam if both have existing DNA records, or to one or other, or as a stand alone individual identity sample. The DNA number does appear on the registration papers. This is the clearest "high tech" method of establishing:
-
your horse's parentage
-
your horse's own individual DNA profile, for future progeny, and for individual identification in the case of being lost or stolen, recovered and identity disputed.