EQUUS Foundation

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
CANTER's program helps Thoroughbred ex-racehorses to heal from injuries, receive retraining so they can excel in new careers and marketing to find the perfect CANTER-approved home. CANTER accepts non-competitive and injured thoroughbreds off racetracks in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Most are young at 3 - 5 years old. CANTER transports them off racetracks into Michigan State University for surgery to repair racetrack injuries, or to CANTER-approved rehab or training facilities for veterinary evaluation, treatment and farrier care. Rehabilitation time helps them adjust to farm life and living in a herd. Retraining begins for new careers and marketing results in adoptions by Canter-approved adopters in non-race homes.
     CANTER provides life saving surgery to remove bone chips or repair leg fractures at Michigan State University, while providing an advanced education to MSU Vet students who assist with all aspects of arthroscopic surgery.
     CANTER horses heal with several months rehab. A vet assessment determines when they can end rehab and begin retraining for new careers.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue & adoption
Our organization provides community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization currently uses satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization Facility information is provided for the organization's main, satellite and overflow facilities.

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement (RRRRR):
     CANTER solves the problem of unwanted thoroughbred racehorses. These young equine athletes may not run fast enough to win or become injured. Racing owners/trainers want to remove them to be replaced by a faster horse. Canter volunteers work with owners/trainers to help them find non-race homes by taking photos, videos, descriptions and advertise the horses on Canter's website. CANTER Michigan will take thoroughbreds into its program of rehab, retrain, rehome and provide rehab, xrays, veterinary care, farrier attention, retraining for a new career, marketing and adoption into Canter-approved homes.

     CANTER works with Michigan State University Veterinary students to help expand their education by allowing Vet students to assist with all aspects of arthroscopic surgeries on injured thoroughbreds. Because of the CANTER program at Michigan State University, the Equine Program in the College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the best in the country as it provides unique educational opportunities for veterinary students.

Community Outreach and/or Public Education:

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Canter Michigan does not provide EAAT but participates and supports equine therapy programs through Banbury Therapeutic Riding and its annual Show where riders demonstrate on horseback their achievements in balance, commands, following instructions. Each rider is given an award by Canter volunteers.

     Canter holds special events involving public participation where information is shared about the abilities of thoroughbreds and success in retraining as they are equine athletes, intelligent and willing to please. The public sees thoroughbreds in training and talks with riders, trainers and adopters of Canter thoroughbreds. The public realizes the need for Thoroughbred rescues like Canter and gains new admiration for the achievements of thoroughbreds. Many will pursue adoption of a Canter thoroughbred and offer financial support to Canter to continue the program.

     Canter works with Michigan State University Veterinary students to help them achieve an advanced education as they assist with all aspects of surgery on injured Canter thoroughbreds - diagnosis, surgery preparation, anesthesia, arthroscopic surgery, recovery and post surgery care.

Research/Medical Use of Equines:
Our organization has never made, and would not ever consider making, equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine.

Religious Affiliation:
Our organization does not promote religious education, religious purposes, or a specific religious faith or use donations for religious education or religious purposes; require participants to be of a certain faith; require participation in religious, instruction, activities or services; or require participation in prayer, worship, religious instruction or other religious activities as a condition of receiving social or secular services offered.

Auction Donation:
Our organization has never allowed, or would not consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.

Our Programs/Activities that are not equine-related and/or involving animals other than equines:
none

POLICIES: ACQUISITION

Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Donation
    Return
    Surrender
    Seizure
    Abandonment

Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Lease
    Purchase/Adoption from Owner
    Auction
    Kill pen/Feedlot

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares
    Stallions
    Only Stallions to be castrated

Not Checked:
    Pregnant Mares
    Foals

Additional information about our acquisition policies and practices:
Canter focuses on Thoroughbreds off racetracks that become unwanted racehorses because they are not fast enough or are injured and must be quickly removed from racetracks so they are not sold for slaughter, sold at auction or given away making them face an unsafe, unhealthy and uncertain future. Canter takes injured thoroughbreds and provides life saving surgery followed by months of rehab then retraining, marketing and adoption into Canter approved homes.

POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAININING

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the horse:
A current Coggins
If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Not Checked:
    Vaccination records that have been administered within the last 12 months
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, the owner is responsible for having vaccinations administered.
    A health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival is provided to our organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine or a pre-purchase examination by a veterinarian is conducted attesting to the health status of the equine

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
    The owner of a potential equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
    The equine is evaluated at its place of residence
    Equines are not taken on trial

Not Checked:
The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization
The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian upon arrival and/or prior to offsite quarantine departure
    Physical examination by trained barn staff
    Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Fecal test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming
    The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
    The equine is microchipped if the scan indicates that there is no microchip

Not Checked:
Coggins test
Blood work other than Coggins

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time

Not Checked:
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine off-site for a prescribed period of time
The equine is not quarantined

The typical length of quarantine is:   Up to 10 days

Horses are assessed for following skills and behaviors:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    Saddling
    Bridling
    Lunging
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding at the canter
    Jumping
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Not Checked:
Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
Driving (Pulling a carriage)

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine monthly and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually

Not Checked:
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
Our organization evaluates at least annually and maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
No equines are ridden; not applicable

The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
    Equine age, weight, breed, body condition, fitness, balance, health and soundness
    Equine conformation to include the top line, length of back, strength and width of loin, bone density (measured by the circumference of the cannon bone just below the knee)
    Size, shape, condition and angle of the hooves
    Participant weight, height, body proportions, balance, fitness and riding skills as well as behavioral issues and safety concerns
    Weight and proper fit of the saddle and other equipment
    Terrain and footing in the working environment
    Duration and frequency of working sessions, as the frequency with which an equine is subjected to maximum weight carrying and/or workload
    Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
No equines are ridden; not applicable

Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding): 2-3 times per week

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Many Canter thoroughbreds have only lived at racetracks. They do not know how to graze, have not lived in a herd or lived on a farm. They are slowly introduced to these new things and closely monitored. They quickly adapt to farm life and enjoy individual attention as they begin training on a lunge line then under saddle. Thoroughbreds do well in retraining as they are intelligent athletes. Farms utilized by Canter are active with riders on privately owned horses who give hugs and treats to Canter thoroughbreds which help the horses adapt to a variety of activities and people.

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.

Not Checked:
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, breeds equines
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, are permitted to house stallions

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

Not Checked:
Our organization will never have an equine euthanized under any circumstances
Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility

The following are authorized to administer the procedure for your organization in accordance with state laws:
Veterinarian

Not Checked:
    A certified euthanasia technician
    Senior staff with appropriate training
    Employee of animal control shelter or humane society with appropriate training
    Veterinary student under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian
    Not applicable. Our organization prohibits euthanasia under any circumstances

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

View Re-homing Agreement
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Our organization will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine

Not Checked:
    Our organization does NOT re-home an equine to first time equine owners
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine
    Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make unannounced visits
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization for a fee
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for three or more years

Not Checked:
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must be notified of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization.
    The agreement states that the re-homed equine CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances and must be returned to our organization should the adopter decide that he/she is no longer able, or no longer wishes, to care for the equine.
    The agreement states that the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for two years
    None of the statements are included.
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.
    Our organization does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.

Our organization requires references from the following:
    Veterinarian
    Farrier
    Personal/Other

Not Checked:
Not applicable or no references required.

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase) or less than one year

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
$1,001 to $1,500

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian

Not Checked:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    Equines may be sent to auction
    If a suitable home cannot be located within 12 months, the equine may be euthanized
    The organization will accept financial responsibility for equines in the current care of the organization that need to be retired or are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization if all alternatives have been explored to find the equine an appropriate placement and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization.

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Every potential Adopter must complete a Buyer Approval Form that includes information on riding skills, horse care experience, use of trainer, details on the location where the horse will be boarded, vet and farrier references. The potential adopter visits the training facility for Canter thoroughbreds that are available for adoption, meets with the trainer who assesses the adopter's horse knowledge and riding skills, and if comfortable, will monitor the adopter riding the horse to ensure a good match between horse and adopter. The adopter pays an adoption fee and signs a lifetime Bill of Sale to adopt the horse which prohibits the horse from racing or being sold at auction, and gives Canter first right of refusal if the adopter needs to re-home the horse in the future.

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 3
Our organization currently uses satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization Facility information is provided for the organization's main, satellite and overflow facilities.

Willowbrooke Farm
7461 Brookville Rd. Plymouth MI 48178
Contact: Jennifer Blades
Contact's Phone: 313-938-9221
Contact's Email: willowbrookefarm@aol.com
Currently operational

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Use

Provide the contact information for the individual or organization responsible for investigating abuse in the county where the facility is located, including mailing address, email address, and phone information.
Humane Society of Huron Valley works with the Ann Arbor Police Department and Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department, who has Animal Control officers. 3100 Cherry Hill Road Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 734-662-5585 Ypsilanti Township, Michigan 734-994-2911

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? No

Willowbrooke Farm

Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Kim Braeutigam/Michelle Larberg
Clinic Name: Four Winds Equine
8715 Townline Rd.
Bridgeport MI 48722
Phone: 989-652-4990

Coyote Creek Stables
3480 E. Townsend Rd Saint Johns MI 48879
Contact: Denise Fullhart
Contact's Phone: 517-712-9197
Contact's Email: denisefullhart@yahoo.com
Currently operational

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Use

Provide the contact information for the individual or organization responsible for investigating abuse in the county where the facility is located, including mailing address, email address, and phone information.
Ingham County Animal Control 600 Curtis Street Mason, Michigan 48854 517-676-8370 jmcaloon@ingham.org

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? No

Coyote Creek Stables

Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Perry Ragon DVM
Clinic Name: Kern Road Veterinary Clinic
105 Fowlerville Rd.
Fowlerville MI 48836
Phone: 517-223-9618

Wood Show Horses
596 Hagadorn Road Mason MI 48854
Contact: Cathy Wood
Contact's Phone: 517-256-6548
Contact's Email: cwoodshowhorses@aol.com
Currently operational

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Use

Provide the contact information for the individual or organization responsible for investigating abuse in the county where the facility is located, including mailing address, email address, and phone information.
Ingham County Animal Control 600 Curtis Street Mason, Michigan 48854 517-676-8370 jmcaloon@ingham.org

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? No

Wood Show Horses

Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Perry Ragon, DVM
Clinic Name: Kern Road Veterinary Clinic
105 Fowlerville Road
Fowlerville MI 48836
Phone: 517-223-9618