CANTER Kentucky

Trainer Ashley Watts with CANTER Thoroughbreds at Liftoff Equestrian, Versailles, Kentucky the home of CANTER Kentucky Thoroughbreds. Credit: Elegant Equus Photography

Services: Rehabilitation, Retraining/Adoption

Location: Versailles, KY

Founded: 2009

Website: CanterUSA.org/Kentucky

Social:

Average Number of Thoroughbreds: 10

CANTER Kentucky (CANTER KY INC) has successfully transitioned Kentucky Thoroughbreds into new careers and homes since 2009, with the support of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Charities of America, equine organizations, the racing industry, and private donors.

Retiring Kentucky Thoroughbreds are transported to Liftoff Equestrian in Versailles, Kentucky – the home of CANTER Kentucky Thoroughbreds. They receive rehabilitation time to adjust to their new life after racing. They receive farrier attention, veterinary care, and slowly begin retraining which is tailored to the abilities of each horse. This can include lunging or long-lining before being ridden under saddle to walk, trot, and canter. Many horses enjoy progressing to training as jumpers or dressage horses.

Thoroughbreds are equine athletes who do well in retraining and can excel in horse show competitions such as the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, showjumping, eventing or dressage, while also enjoying the calmness of trail rides.

When Thoroughbreds have reached a specific level of retraining to be ready for adoption, CANTER Kentucky’s marketing committee posts photos, videos, and descriptions on social media, fliers, and the CANTER website.

Adopters of CANTER Kentucky Thoroughbreds must submit an approval form that includes information about their riding skills and experience with OTTBs, a farm description, and vet, farrier, and trainer references. Each adopter must be preapproved and evaluated to ensure a good match with the Thoroughbred before the adoption is finalized.

CANTER Kentucky continues to follow the progress of each one of its equine graduates and shares photos and updates on social media.