If you are interested in obtaining a retired race horse, please follow the steps below to acquire a horse from the track:

Visit the Trainer Horses and CANTER Horses page to see what horses are currently available.

There are no commissions or other fees involved. You are dealing directly with the trainer or owner. Due to the fast-paced nature of racing, horses turn over quickly. Many times a horse that is available will only be there for a few days. Be prepared to make a purchase while visiting the track. This includes having the cash on hand and the trailer ready for bringing the horse home.

Bring an experienced horse person such as a trainer with you. You will need this person's expertise in evaluating the horse while the horse is led out of its stall, trotted up and down the lane, stood for close inspection, etc. You may or may not be allowed to ride the horse. This depends on many factors including:

• The race trainer -- some will not allow it because of liabilities/others encourage it to transition the horse
• Your own riding abilities -- be honest with yourself. These are racehorses at this point meaning that "Whoa" to them means stopping in half a mile.
• Please make note that you will NOT be able to see the horse cantered or moving at free will, as there are no turn-out type area's on the track.

If you wish to have a vet check, it is usually necessary for it to occur right on the race track grounds. Please bring your own veterinarian, or arrange for a local vet to meet you there. Vet numbers can be found on the Veterinary Team and Track Information pages.

The best time to schedule appointments to meet with trainers on the track is from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, as most trainers are on the grounds during these times. Saturdays and Sundays are great days to go as long as you go in the mornings before live racing and, in fact, are better than some of the midweek days. The worst time to schedule a viewing time is during the afternoons and evenings when live racing is going on.

If you need to trailer your purchase home, visit our resources page.

Still have questions? Please see our FAQ page.

PLEASE NOTE THAT CANTER DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE CONDITION OF THE HORSE AT ANY TIME - THE NEW and OLD OWNERS CARRY FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TRANSITION, TRANSPORTATION, CARE, AND SOUNDNESS OF THE HORSE.