About Michigan CANTER
Mission Statement
The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) provides retiring thoroughbred racehorses with opportunities for new careers after the finish line.
Through its Web site, CANTER provides the means for the public to view what horses are ending their racing careers and are available for purchaser adoption. CANTER volunteers have track licenses and walk the shed rows on the backside of the racetrack taking listings and photographs for posting to the Web site. There are no commissions paid by either seller or purchaser.
CANTER was founded in Michigan in 1997 by a racehorse owner and board member of the Michigan Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. CANTER is unique among rescues as it is the only program founded by a racing organization and operating directly on the backside of the tracks it serves. Working onsite with the racing trainers, owners, track veterinarians and Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, CANTER Michigan annually transitions from racing 200 horses per year or a total of over 2000 horses since inception.
CANTER Michigan has a diverse board of directors and literally dozens of volunteers who work tirelessly to assure the most efficient use of generously donated funds. No one takes a salary!
CANTER Michigan unique program and impressive success has been copied and affiliated by totally separate programs that now exist in Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New England, the Mid-Atlantic and most recently, California. Nationally, CANTER has transitioned over 5,000 horses through our programs!
In Michigan, when they have crossed over the finish line for the last time, CANTER is there waiting for them, regardless of their condition. An injured horse will not only receive veterinary treatment discounted by racetrack veterinarians and/or field veterinarians, but may receive surgery through a special CANTER Fund at Michigan State University College of Veterinary medicine. Treatment is not limited to arthroscopic surgery, but includes evaluations of lameness and neurological conditions, treatment of colic, including colic surgery, and castration of stallions to make them more adoptable through the program. Help is also provided to euthanize those horses unable to transition off the track. CANTER and MSU work together to seek donations to the university for this special CANTER Fund for the treatment for these horses and veterinary students have the opportunity to provide hands on treatment to our horses under the direct guidance of John A. Stick, DVM and Chief of Staff.
Supporters:
- Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Blue Horse Charities
- Thoroughbred Charities of America
- Multiple Non-race related foundations
- A variety of diverse entities, organizations and individuals
- Michigan Horse Council
- On-track and Off-track Veterinarians and Farriers
- The Michigan Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association