From a Retired Racehorse Project release

Recipients of the 2014 and 2015 Thoroughbred Charities of America Industry Service Awards are joining forces to facilitate the sale of more Thoroughbred racehorses to buyers in the equestrian market.

Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) is a non-profit organization that works through thirteen affiliates at 27 racetracks connecting racehorse owners with potential buyers via an online marketplace that features horses retiring from racing. The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) works to increase demand for the horses through educational programs and marketing while serving the farms and organizations in the private and nonprofit sectors that offer training for second careers.

“Helping to grow CANTER is as important as anything that RRP can do to facilitate the placement of Thoroughbreds,” said RRP President Steuart Pittman. “CANTER’s model is unlimited in its capacity to serve horses, is very cost-effective, and rewards racing owners financially for producing sound, well-started riding horses.”

“As an all-volunteer organization,” said CANTER USA Executive Director Nancy Koch, “CANTER welcomes assistance with marketing and promotion of these great equine athletes. We love what RRP does to educate and inspire horse people to consider off-track Thoroughbreds, and are thrilled to be integrating our work with theirs.”

The CANTER/RRP collaboration will include in the first year the following.

  • RRP’s online Horse Listings will include prominent links to the listings of all CANTER affiliates.
  • CANTER’s web sites will include prominent links to the RRP Resource Directory and educational content.
  • RRP will actively recruit volunteers to serve existing CANTER affiliates and to form new CANTER affiliates.
  • Both organizations will promote CANTER listings as a source for horses to enter the RRP’s Thoroughbred Makeover next fall at Kentucky Horse Park.
  • CANTER volunteers will distribute copies of the RRP’s Retired Racehorse Resource Directory.
  • CANTER will hold its national meeting at the RRP’s Thoroughbred Makeover.