CANTER California

Horseracing is a multi-million dollar, time-honored industry. Mint juleps, giant hats, and fists full of betting cash make for a dramatic three-minutes. It’s similar for the horses – the first years of their lives are fast and dramatic, but their actual racing careers are just a brief blip in a horse’s naturally long life. Even the fastest, most athletic thoroughbred is retired from the racetrack by the time he or she is 8 years old. After that, the rest of the horse’s life is a gamble. CANTER (the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses) finds them new homes so they can avoid a tragic, untimely end.

CANTER began as a free information exchange between racehorse sellers and prospective buyers. While we still provide free race trainer listings, we’ve expanded. CANTER now has a network of trainers and boarding facilities all over the country that take ex-racehorses in their temporary care until a new, approved home is found. CANTER assumes all financial responsibility, including board, feed, farrier, dental and vet care. We provide rehabilitation for injuries and stresses from the track, but CANTER’s goal is to take the horses that are most likely to succeed, soundly and comfortably, in a new home with a new job.

The California branch of CANTER is small and specialized. We accept owner donated and surrendered off-the-track thoroughbred racehorses. With the guidance of our veterinary team we rehabilitate the injured horses and then retrain them for second careers as sporthorses or pleasure mounts. Our experienced volunteer and professional trainers get to know the horses, and train them according to their likes and aptitudes. Some are highly spirited and love the drama of eventing and the jumping ring; others are quiet and kind enough for children’s lesson programs. Some even have the mind, confirmation and athleticism necessary for the dressage court.

All CANTER affiliates are nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers and funded through grants, donations and fundraisers. The horses’ adoption rates are scaled according to their training and ability, and the adoption fees goes back into the program for medical care, feed, and board. Additionally, we check in with new owners for at least two years to ensure that our horses are in good care and good health – and we will always accept a horse back if it does not work out. Our goal is to give these horses a happy, healthy second life.

CANTER California partners with several excellent boarding and rehabilitation facilities in both Northern and Southern California.