Lake Charles, Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission will hold a saddle microchipping event on Friday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Burton Complex, located at 7001 Gulf Highway in Lake Charles. This initiative, organized in partnership with the Louisiana High School Rodeo Association, aims to help saddle owners in Lake Charles and surrounding Calcasieu Parish communities safeguard their property.
Saddles, essential equipment for many equine enthusiasts, often lack unique identification marks or serial numbers, making them vulnerable to theft and difficult to recover. Recognizing this issue, the LDAF introduced a microchip identification program, which provides saddle owners with the opportunity to have their saddles registered and implanted with a microchip. This technology allows brand officers—officials who oversee livestock identification and theft prevention—to confirm ownership and facilitate the return of stolen property.
“Saddles are expensive and typically do not have identifiable marks or serial numbers,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “This program assists with the return of saddles in the event they are stolen. We’ve had great success with the program thus far, chipping hundreds of saddles since its inception. We are proud to be able to bring this service to our equine community.”
Since the program’s launch, hundreds of saddles have been microchipped, demonstrating its effectiveness in reuniting owners with their lost property. The microchipping process is quick and minimally invasive, involving the placement of a small chip within a saddle. This chip can be scanned by law enforcement or brand officers to verify ownership.
The program is a collaborative effort, involving the Livestock Brand Commission, parish sheriff’s offices, local law enforcement agencies, parish cattlemen’s associations, and various riding clubs. These partnerships strengthen the network for tracking and returning stolen saddles across Louisiana.
Saddle owners interested in participating do not need to be members of a specific club or association. The service is open to all residents of Louisiana, with a special focus on communities in and around Lake Charles during this event. Attendees should bring their saddles to the Burton Complex during the event hours. For more information, individuals may contact the Livestock Brand Commission at 225-925-3962 or Stephanie Rodrigue with the Louisiana High School Rodeo Association at 337-540-4623.
By providing this service, the LDAF and its partners aim to enhance security for horse owners and promote responsible property management in the equestrian community. As saddle theft remains a concern in rural and suburban areas, the microchipping program offers a practical solution for identification and recovery.