Volunteer Group CANTER New England Helps Retiring Thoroughbreds Find Homes Through the 4th Annual Su

Online, October 13, 2009 (Newswire.com) - EAST BOSTON, MA, October 09, -- CANTER New England, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated Thoroughbred retirement and rescue is pleased to announce that the 4th Annual Suffolk Showcase is slated for Sunday, October 25th, from 9AM to noon.

The Showcase is a venue for race trainers and owners to present their retiring Thoroughbred racehorses stabled at Suffolk Downs to horse lovers and prospective buyers from around New England.

Last year more than 50 horses participated in the Showcase, and CANTER New England helped to connect over 80 buyers with horses within the two weeks following the '08 Showcase.

Live racing at Suffolk ends in November, and as the meet draws to a close, trainers are looking to sell horses that are aging out of the sport, need time off due to injury, or those that would be non-competitive at venues such as Tampa Bay Downs, where many Boston-based trainers run over the winter.

"This is a unique opportunity for area horse lovers to see a large number of exceptional sport horse prospects offered at reasonable prices, all in the space of a few hours," said CANTER New England Executive Director Ellen O'Brien. "In past years we've seen some pretty amazing horses at the Showcase, ranging in age from 2 - 11. And there are horses suitable for all disciplines--from eventing, to dressage, to trail riding."

In order to assist buyers attending the Showcase, CANTER volunteers compile programs with details about each horse including age, sex, height, color, temperament, details on physical issues or injuries, if applicable, as well as asking price and contact information for the trainer or owner listing the horse. The horses are brought to a holding barn where attendees can interact and inspect them prior to their going through the "preview ring". Volunteers then connect interested buyers with trainers, veterinary support and transportation resources, in addition to answering questions about transitioning a horse from the track to life beyond the finish line.

"Certainly buying a horse directly from the track is not appropriate for everyone, but for those with experience, or the support of a knowledgeable trainer, this can be a wonderful opportunity. And CANTER New England is committed to assisting interested horse lovers understand what is involved in bringing along an ex-racer," said O'Brien.

For Details about the Suffolk Showcase visit http://www.canterne.org

For More Information Contact:
Ellen O'Brien
[email protected]

About CANTER New England

CANTER New England is a volunteer-run non-profit dedicated to Thoroughbred retirement and rescue. CANTER New England serves Thoroughbred owners, breeders and trainers in the six New England states and parts of New York.

Press Release Contact Information:
Ellen O'Brien
CANTER New England
Executive Director
PO Box 3
Westborough, MA
US 01581-0003
Voice: 781-354-6291
Fax: 617-507-8358
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.canterne.org