Adoption Guidelines & Frequently Asked Questions

Please review this page for more information on our adoption guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions about the adoption process.

Have a question that's not listed here? Contact us at cantermichigan@canterusa.org and we'll be happy to help!

Ready to adopt? View our adoptable horses to find your perfect match and complete an Adoption Approval Form. To view all the horses in the CANTER Michigan program, visit The Backside.

General Adoption Questions
Adoption Process
Horse Information
Adopter Requirements
Facility Requirements
Payment & Transportation
Post-Adoption

General Adoption Questions

Why should I adopt a CANTER off-track Thoroughbred (OTTB)?

CANTER OTTBs have already been let down from the track and are ready to thrive in new homes. Prior to adoption, CANTER OTTBs are acclimated to post-track life (including turnout, grazing, handling, etc.) and have received preliminary retraining in walk, trot and canter under saddle. CANTER’s trainers assess their personalities and suitability for future careers to ensure a successful future with a well-matched partner. They also receive expert veterinary and farrier care and rehabilitation for any injuries they may have sustained while racing or in training. CANTER is fully transparent about its horses’ medical histories and will provide all available records upon request. CANTER also checks in with adopters regularly to provide support and resources for any challenges that arise in the horses’ training.

How much does it cost to adopt a CANTER OTTB?

The price of a horse is determined by soundness, training, potential abilities, height, vices and personality. Average prices of horses range from $800 to $3,000. CANTER’s adoption fees are typically much lower than the sale prices of similar horses with equivalent training. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, all adoption fees paid to CANTER go directly to provide care for the horses in the program.

Adoption Process

How long does it take to get approved by CANTER?

Is completing an adoption application a guarantee of approval or adoption?

Can minors adopt horses from CANTER?

Do I have to be re-approved if I don’t adopt the horse I originally applied for?

I was approved by a CANTER affiliate in a different state. Am I approved to adopt from any CANTER affiliate?

Can I adopt a CANTER horse if I don’t live in the same state as the horse?

Does CANTER allow trials prior to adoption?

Can I put down a deposit to “hold” a horse?

Horse Information

How do I get more information about a horse I’m interested in adopting?

Can I set up an appointment to see a horse before I’m approved?

Do CANTER OTTBs have Jockey Club papers?

CANTER OTTBs are registered Thoroughbreds with Jockey Club papers. CANTER retains its horses’ digital Jockey Club certificates (or hard-copy papers for horses foaled prior to 2018), but adopters will be given a copy of their horse’s papers. In some cases, CANTER is unable to get a horse’s Jockey Club certificate from the original owner, but all adopters will be provided with their horse’s Jockey Club number.

Can I race a horse adopted from CANTER?

Can I breed a horse adopted from CANTER?

What kind of training do CANTER OTTBs receive?

What medical/farrier care and vaccinations do CANTER OTTBs receive?

CANTER OTTBs receive regular veterinary examinations and routine farrier care, including shoes if needed. If injury or lameness issues occur, the horse will be evaluated and treated as needed, including any necessary radiographs. CANTER OTTBs also receive routine vaccinations: eastern/western equine encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE), rabies, tetanus, West Nile virus (WNV), and a flu/rhinovirus combo vaccine. CANTER also provides a valid Coggins test. Any additional vaccinations (e.g., strangles) are the responsibility of the adopter.

Are CANTER OTTBs sound for jumping, eventing, etc.?

CANTER has OTTBs with a variety of suitability. Some retired from racing sound or with only minor injuries and have no limitations while others may be suited for flat work or companion homes only. The horse’s adoption listing will contain information on its medical history and suitability. Medical records and x-rays (if available) are provided to adopters upon request. While CANTER’s trainers do their best to assess the horses in the program, we cannot make any guarantees about soundness.

Are pre-purchase examinations allowed?

Adopter Requirements

Can I adopt a CANTER OTTB if I’ve never owned a horse before?

Do I have to have experience with OTTBs to adopt a horse from CANTER?

Do I have to be working with a trainer?

What level of rider/handler is appropriate for CANTER OTTBs?

Can I adopt a CANTER OTTB if I don’t have a veterinarian and/or farrier?

Facility Requirements

Can I keep the horse at home, or do I have to board the horse?

What are CANTER’s requirements for facilities?

The facility where the CANTER horse will be kept must be in good repair and safe as evaluated by the veterinarian and farrier references. There must be adequate space for the number of horses on the property. Horses must have access to clean water at all times. Horses may be kept outside, but must have access to safe shelter. Fencing must be in good condition and adequate to contain a large, energetic horse. Barbed wire fencing is not permitted. If the horse will be kept in a stall, the space must be large enough to accommodate a Thoroughbred.

Does CANTER do site visits?

Payment & Transportation

How and when do I pay for the horse?

Does CANTER provide transportation for adopted horses?

Does CANTER provide health certificates?

How long do I have to pick up my horse after adoption?

Post-Adoption

Can I rehome my CANTER OTTB?

What updates am I required to provide to CANTER after adoption?

What if I can no longer keep my CANTER OTTB?