CANTER provides ex-racehorses a chance at a second career by rehabilitating, retraing, and rehoming these individuals.
CANTER is really a multi-dimensional program that incorporated the Thoroughbred racing industry, farm owners and trainers, and veterinary medical students and professionals. As a vet tech student, I had experiences with these horses that were unmatched and fully contributed
To my learning experience.
Canter is a free service available to racing trainers and owners. Canter’s mission is to help retiring racehorses find a new, non-racing career which is suitable to each individual horse. Canter also partners with Michigan State University to provide surgery for injured racehorses as well as offering an invaluable teaching opportunity for veterinary students.
The horses undergo down time as needed during their transition, rehabilitation and training for their new, non-racing career. Each program is tailored to the individual horse keeping their history and abilities in mind. When ready, the horses are made available for adoption through the adoption process and are then available to go on to a variety of new careers. This can range from a companion horse to trail riding to competing in the disciplines of dressage (English/Western), hunter/jumper, 4H, or 3 day eventing.
Canter Michigan has a wide support circle available to the horses and to the program. These include the veterinary services mentioned above, as well as transportation, experienced volunteers who care for the horses, and various facilities who showcase these horses to prospective adopters and provide the necessary rehabilitation and training to transition these horses to their new career opportunities. Support for Canter Michigan is also provided by individuals, local as well as national businesses and organizations who believe strongly in the opportunities that Canter Michigan offers to help these ex-racehorses go on to find new careers and homes.
CANTER is a very successful organization that finds homes for thoroughbred racehorses and also takes thoroughbreds injured on the track to MSU for surgery. CANTER provides rehabilitation and retraining so these magnificent athletes can find new careers in dressage, jumping, eventing, trail riding. CANTER is now operating in many states, helping thousands of thoroughbreds that before CANTER had little or no options if they couldn't win their races or if they became injured. Its great to see pictures and stories of these horses in their new lives after racing.