Michigan CANTER FAQs
The questions answered below are specific to the Michigan CANTER program.
Click here for general questions on CANTER
What organization should I use to find a horse?
Purchasing a new horse involves not just a financial investment but an emotional investment as well and astute buyers should consider the following before choosing an organization to work with in finding the horse of their dreams: Is the organization an adoption program, rescue program, networking and referral program, resale program, or a combination? Is it a "for-profit" program or a charitable, non-profit 501 (c)(3) registered program? Who is on their Board of Directors? What endorsements or recommendations does the program have? Does the organization charge a "finders fee" or a commission or any fees over and above the price of the horse? What is their "track record"? How many horses have sold through the program? How long have they been in existence? Generally, the longer the program is in existence, the more likely they are to have credible endorsements and references. A strong association with the racing industry is important because there are more listings of horses at the track. How soon do they respond to your questions regarding their program's operations? What resources do they offer you to help you complete a successful purchase? For detailed information and organizational information, please visit the CANTER affiliate of your choice.
Is there a charge or commission?
CANTER is a free service to help unwanted racehorses find nonrace homes. There are no fees charged to the listing racing trainer or owner or for the shoppers or purchasers.
What is the best way to find a horse?
The serious buyer will visit the Horses for Sale Section often as new listings and price reductions of current listings might come in daily. Prospective buyers may also place their name and desired horse requirements on the Horses Wanted List which is then distributed to the trainers and owners on the backside barn area of the racetrack.
PLEASE NOTE: Not all trainers have the time to use the list and make phone calls. Serious buyers are encouraged to not rely on this list alone but to make contact with the trainers themselves from the listings in the sale sections.
What breed of horses are these?
CANTER lists only Thoroughbreds. Occasionally, there may be a track pony horse listed for sale. These horses can be any breed and are exceptionally quiet and well trained as they are used to bringing the racehorses to post on race day. It will be specifically stated in the listing that the horse is a pony horse.
I am driving a long distance, do I have any options?
People driving a long distance might find it easier to drive in the day before and spend one night at a nearby motel/hotel. This will allow you a full morning at the track. Overnight accommodations and more can be found at each affiliates' Track Info section.
Do these horses have their registration papers?
It is rare that a horse does not have its Jockey Club registration papers as these papers are required to be on file at the Racing Secretary's office if the horse is at the track and, of course, are required if the horse is retired for breeding. Unless otherwise stated, it should be expected that the trainers and owners will provide the horse's registration papers. Transfer of the papers should be made at the actual time of sale when money exchanges hands. Since the Racing Secretary's office is not open 24 hours 7 days a week, it might not be possible for the trainer to retrieve the papers a particular day. If that is the case, make arrangements to finalize the sale when the papers are available.
Will the trainers take a check?
Usually not and it is not because they do not trust you! Racing trainers are very nomadic and move from race meet to race meet and most times do not have a local bank account and would be unable to cash your check. For this reason, many of them insist on cash.
Is an Ex-Racehorse best for me?
Good question! These horses are NOT for beginners! Although extremely intelligent and quite worldly in their life experiences, as far as riding skills, they have only been taught to gallop at 38 miles an hour, steering is not well engrained, and whoa literally means stop in a half a mile as quick stops on the racetrack could mean injury. They need professional retraining or an experienced horse person to teach them new skills. Please visit the Ex-Racehorse Resources for more information on this topic.
Can I call CANTER?
General operational questions about the program that are not answered in the general FAQs may be directed to CANTER, by calling 810-796-9239 or by sending an e-mail to cantermichigan. For questions related to the operations of a specific affiliate, please, contact that affiliate’s director.
Is it better to shop at the track or at the farms?
It is best to shop for the horse that sounds like it best suits your needs regardless of where it is stabled. However, there are advantages to each: Track: There are far more horses stabled at the track so you can view many horses in just one trip. No where else will you find such a wide selection of registered Jockey Club Thoroughbreds. However, riding and vetting the horse presents more problems when at the track.
Farms: Horses located at the farms have usually had an opportunity to be turned out and are no longer on their high energy feeds. They can be ridden and vetted easier and sometimes even have some retraining already started. The downside is the farms are scattered over a wider geographic area so more driving will be required.
What do they sell for?
Unless stated the prices are firm, most prices are very negotiable. Strictly as a general rule, the price of the horse is determined by 3 factors: Soundness, height, and the trainer's need to sell. You are not likely to find a 16.2 hand horse that will vet out for jumping for $800 although this is not impossible. The highest number of horses sell in the $1500 to $3000 range with everything above and below that.
Do I contact CANTER if I want to see a horse?
You always contact the person who has the horse listed for sale. If the listing is by a trainer or owner, there is no approval process and you contact the person directly to make arrangements to see the horse and work out your best deal. If you are working with a CANTER affiliate that has "CANTER Owned" horses and the horse you are interested in is listed as “CANTER Owned”, then you will be contacting CANTER for a prepurchase approval form. For questions relating to the operation of the CANTER affiliates, please, check the contact page for appropriate e-mail or phone numbers.
How do I get to see a horse?
If you find a horse on the Horses For Sale list, you should contact the listing party and make a definite date and appointment to see the horse. Mornings between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. are the best time to go, seven days a week. Saturdays and Sundays are great days to go which usually fits well with buyers' schedules. Please be ON TIME and call if you must cancel. It is rude to do otherwise. These trainers are at work and are taking time out of their work day to meet with you. For more details on your trip to the track, please continue with the Frequently Asked Questions and read the track info sections in each affiliate’s section.
What are the best days to go to the track?
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are great days to go to the track and usually work out best for prospective buyers too. Horses are trained 7 days a week so ANY day can work for you. Make your appointment with the trainer or trainers whose horses you are interested in seeing, and make your plans accordingly.
What is the best time to go to the track?
The best time to schedule appointments to meet with the trainers on the track is from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Most trainers are on the grounds during this time. By late morning into early afternoon, the horses are resting and the trainers have left the grounds. It is best not to schedule appointments in late afternoon or evening during live racing as the trainers are intent on preparing their horses to race.
Does CANTER have any volunteers that will help me at the track?
Yes. CANTER does have a limited number of volunteers that will act as free guides to serious buyers. These volunteers do NOT offer advice on purchase or physical condition of any horse but are there to assist you in finding the barns you need and helping you with the logistics of your trip and understanding race track backside etiquette. Contact a CANTER affiliate to check availability and to request a guide.
I have an appointment at the track. Now what?
First, please be on time and if you must cancel, be sure and leave a message for the trainer at his contact number and/or leave a message for him at the Stable Gate of the track. For phone numbers and directions to facilities, please, visit Track Information in the CANTER affiliate of choice. Remember: If you must change the time or day of your appointment, please, be courteous and call the trainer to let him know or leave a message for him at the Stable Gate of the track. Please, do not be a "no show" as it gives all buyers a bad reputation!
Can I ride the horse at the track?
You will probably NOT be allowed to ride the horse at the track but this is dependent on the trainer. Some will never allow it because of liability concerns. Others might encourage it to sell the horse. Remember though that these are racehorses and "Whoa" to them means stopping in a half a mile! CANTER recommends that you do NOT attempt to ride any horse at the track.
Can I have a prepurchase exam done?
Each CANTER affiliates’ FAQ’s will have details on prepurchase examinations but to answer this question in general: For horses stabled at farms, this is easily accomplished as you would with any purchase and it is recommended as with any horse purchase.
However, for horses stabled at the track you may:
- Bring in your own veterinarian
- You may also be able to make an appointment with a trackside veterinarian.
Do I bring my trainer or experienced horse person with me?
Wonderful idea! 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.
How do I remove a horse that I have purchased?
Trailering a horse from a farm or the track is the buyer's responsibility. You will make your best deal if you let the trainer know that your trailer is ready and waiting in the parking lot to bring your new horse home that day. Occasionally, racing trainers might know of someone on the track that would trailer a horse for you for a fee but do not rely on the trainers to find your trailer ride. You can find local transporters on each affiliates’ FAQ or Track Info sections.
Does CANTER vouch for the soundness and health of the horses for sale through the program?
This answer depends on two different situations: Trainer Owned Horses: If the horse is listed directly by the racing trainer or owner and is not one of the CANTER Owned horses, then CANTER DOES NOT OFFER ANY GUARANTEE ON THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OR BEHAVIOR OF ANY OF THESE HORSES AT ANY TIME. Buyer and seller carry full responsibility for the sale, transportation, care, and soundness of any horse. All statements made on the website with reference to any horse listed in the Trainer/Owner sections of the various affiliates are the descriptions of the trainers/owners of their horses and are not verified by CANTER. As with any horse sale, CANTER recommends a veterinary prepurchase examination.
CANTER Owned Horses: If the horse is listed as being CANTER Owned, then CANTER does offer a 30 day guarantee. CANTER must be notified and the horse must be returned to the foster home designated by CANTER. It must also be returned in the same physical condition as when it left CANTER’s ownership. To prevent this and have less stress and movement for the horse, CANTER recommends a veterinary prepurchase examination to assure the buyer that the horse they are adopting from CANTER is suitable for their needs. We believe if YOU are happy, that our horse will be happy.
Can I place a deposit on a horse I like to “hold” a horse?
For horses listed by the racing trainers or owners, this is an individual matter and must be discussed and arranged with them. It is normally NOT done and we do not recommend it. For horses that are CANTER Owned, deposits are not taken to “hold” a horse. Since there is a 30 day full guarantee, if you wish to “hold” a horse, simply buy it and you will know it is yours. For liability reasons and practicality, we do not “hold” horses.
Can I list my former racehorse on the CANTER Web site?
Our mission statement is to help the unwanted racehorses coming directly from the racing industry and we may not use our resources to list any and all former racehorses. However, if you email us or call us, we can usually help you write an ad, direct you to Web sites where you can list your horse or have other ideas for you
Can I donate my horse to CANTER?
If your horse is a Thoroughbred coming directly from the racing industry, whether at the track or a farm, whether an aged broodmare or a weanling, you may donate your horse to CANTER. If your horse is not a Thoroughbred or is an ex-racehorse not coming directly from the racing industry, please, call the CANTER affiliate nearest you to discuss this matter.