CANTER To Honor Top Off-Track-Thoroughbred Competing in Rolex 2013

70% of CANTER Re-Training Program Graduates Find New Careers as Event Horses

Rockville, MD (April 22, 2013). CANTER will present a leather show halter donated by Five Star Tack and a beautiful custom cooler from Exquisite Equestrian to the top placing Off-Track-Thoroughbred (OTTB) competing in Rolex 2013. Rolex, held in Lexington, KY, runs April 25 – 28, 2013.

“We are very excited to present an award to the top performing OTTB and rider. This award acknowledges the commitment of owners and riders who recognize the athletic ability of ex-racehorses and have the foresight to take a retired racehorse and transform him (or her) into an incredible sport horse,” said Allie Conrad, executive director CANTER Mid-Atlantic. “This is our third year presenting such an award at Rolex and each year I am overwhelmed at the ability and heart that these horses show during this very challenging competition.”

Ex-racehorses going through the CANTER re-training program are evaluated for soundness, suitability and discipline. About 70% of the horses going through the program demonstrate the courage, athleticism and mental acuity to succeed as event horses in which they must be able to compete in dressage, stadium jumping and cross country phases of the sport. Many other graduates have found success in the hunter or jumper ring, as pleasure horses and even barrel racing.

The winners will be announced following the competition and posted to the CANTER web site www.canterusa.org.

To find an ex-race horse, volunteer, or to make a donation, visit www.canterusa.org.

About CANTER (The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses): CANTER provides a free sales listing service to racing trainers and owners to help them find non-race homes for their retiring racehorses. Some Chapters have incorporated a Phase 2 Program in which donated ex-racehorses are rehabilitated, retrained and rehomed. CANTER Chapters serve racetracks in Ohio, New England, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois. Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California and the Mid Atlantic region and are approved to operate as a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS. Your Donations are tax deductible.

About Five Star Tack: Five Star Tack is a maker of finely crafted bridles, halters and breastplates. For more information, visit http://www.fivestartack.com/index.html

About Exquisite Equestrian: Exquisite Equestrian provides custom tack room equipment, accessories, and horse/dog clothing for show-circuit horse training businesses. For more information, visit http://www.exquisite-equestrian.com.