CANTER Michigan
Thunderous Affair, with Lindsey Partridge of Harmony Horsemanship, was adopted from CANTER MI, and in 2020 the pair won the Thoroughbred Makeover as well as several other events.
Services: Rehabilitation, Adoption
Location: Commerce Township, MI
Founded: 1998
Website: canterusa.org/michigan
Social: 
Average Number of Thoroughbreds: 40
Celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2023, CANTER Michigan (Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses in Michigan) has actively transitioned Thoroughbreds since 1998, the year of inception of the CANTER program. At that time, Detroit Race Course was closing and more than 200 non-competitive Thoroughbreds needed to retire from racing.
A CANTER marketing campaign aimed at the public found homes for all 200 off-the-track Thoroughbreds. That beginning has resulted in a nationwide expansion of CANTER, which has successfully transitioned more than 25,000 Thoroughbreds to date.
CANTER Michigan provides aftercare to retiring Thoroughbreds from racetracks in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Most are not competitive in racing. Some have suffered racetrack injuries.
Many injured Thoroughbreds are transported by CANTER to Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine to receive life-saving surgery.
In addition to helping the horse, CANTER Michigan provides an advanced education for MSU veterinary students by permitting them to assist with all aspects of surgery: diagnosis, preparation, anesthesia, arthroscopic procedure, recovery, and post-operative care.
CANTER Michigan Thoroughbreds receive the required rehabilitation at one of two rehab facilities until a veterinarian concludes that rehab is complete and retraining can begin.
Thoroughbreds are retrained for new careers at a training facility. Each horse is assessed to help determine a potential career such as polo, hunter, jumper, dressage, barrel racing, eventing, or trail riding.
Thoroughbreds available for adoption are marketed through social media and CANTER’s website. Adopters must be preapproved and submit an online application that describes their riding skills, horse experience, farm information, vet, farrier, and trainer references. CANTER reserves the right to ensure a suitable match in the best interest of the horse and adopter.
CANTER Michigan has no paid staff. All revenue is spent to support CANTER Michigan’s Thoroughbred aftercare program and successful transitions into a CANTER-approved home.
CANTER Michigan Success Stories
Steps to the Stars – A career maiden in seven, the gelding has become a winner off the track thanks to TAA-accredited CANTER Michigan and adopter Lindsay Hunt. Read more >>
Green Mouse – Nina Neumann found herself drawn to the string of newly arrived OTTBs in her barn from CANTER Michigan, especially one in particular. Read more >>
Gold Room Scotty – As a racehorse, the son of Quality Road made six starts in his on-track career but only earned one placing. He found his niche off the track in a discipline that surprised his adopter. Read more >>
