I was snooping around, what do you think of these guys? I would most likeley train the one I choose in hunter style and hopefully jumping. The horse would also be used as a pleasure/trail horse for my boyfriend.

C-1272-08 CANTER owned Mare, 4 yrs. old, chestnut, 15.3 hands. “Top Faith” is a flashy hunter/jumper eventing prospect that is completely sound. She can be seen in Imlay City. $800

 C-1273-08 CANTER owned Gelding, 4 yrs. old, bay, 16.1 hands. “Chronology” is a flashy boy that has been ridden indoors and outdoors. He is sound and ready to go into training to be your next sport horse. He can be seen in Imlay City. $800

First Magic - this 2002 bay gelding came to us recovering from a suspensory strain on his left front. Magic is very handsome and stands about 15.3hh. He came to us in great condition, nice and round, and looking like he was well cared for. He is very sweet and quiet. He is now on small-area turnout.

THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE.................................

Shoalih's Tale - This is a very flashy 16hh gelding, a flashy light bay with four white socks and a big blaze. He has recovered from a minor ankle injury and is now sound!

$500 to Approve Buyers

I also like the look of  you choice best.  Avoid the one with the suspensory injury if you want to do anything strenuous (and it sounds like you do); they are prone to reinjure.

How long has this guy been off the track?  Is he still coming off the drugs?  Has he been pastured for awhile to start getting him used to other horses?  I guess my ??? is, are you completely familiar with what it takes to retrain a racehorse?  And I believe that you can't resell CANTER owned horses???

That said, he is gorgeous!  Looks sturdy and large boned (which I like) Has a kind eye, good flash, will definitely show well and with the uphill build should do well in dressage if you wanted to get into eventing.  How old is he and how long did he race?

He would definitely be my first choice, also, with Chronology as second choice.

Bless you for looking at these guys, who otherwise might face a bleak future.

what i have posted is all i currently know about each horse. i do have experiance with ottbs and also have "horsey" friends who have also bought or worked with ottbs. also have a friend with a canter horse. i was leaning towards hunter style events but i would really like to get into cross country and eventing.

It sounds like you are aware of the journey ahead... it is actually a lot of fun to bring one of these guys along, isn't it?  Since he's a CANTER-owned horse, they will probably give you the straight scoop on his abilities and any potential problems.  I'm envious... he looks like a really good horse, who could do whatever you wanted.  And I love the TB mindset... kind, one person oriented, willing, intelligent, forward, with so much heart.  Can't tell TBs are my idea of the perfect horse, eh?  And how can you go wrong for the $$$????

Keep us posted.  If you get him; and how he's progressing.

Terry

"Top Faith" --  She has a really pretty and feminine head and neck but her shoulders a little straight for my liking which may mean she's only an ok mover. Her back is also a little long but her legs look pretty clean and she's put together pretty well.

"Chronology" -- To me he looks like he has potential as an equitation horse or a hunter. He has a nice back and hip on him and a nice long neck. He has a big shoulder and I'm sure once he fills out a little bit more will have a nice hip on him as well. He has extremely long pasturns which can put a little extra strain on his legs. His neck cuts a little high into his chest as well.

"First Magic" -- I can't see how his is conformationally but he has a pretty face and a kind eye. From this angle his neck looks a bit short to me though. I would probably stear clear because of his suspensory especially if you're going to do a lot of hard work with him later on.

"Shoalih's Tale" -- First of all I would figure out what the "minor" ankle injury is and make sure it's not something that's going to flare up later on. I really like his shoulder and hip and he has nice long legs that transition really well into his body. His shoulder has a good slope to it as do his paterns. His neck is a little on the short side but overall he's put together really well and is a real looker which very cute markings.

I'd probably consider Shoalih's Tale my top choice followed by Chronology if you're looking for a hunter and Top Faith if you're looking for a jumper. Good luck! I love when people consider Canter horses ... they're such wonderful horses and deserve a second chance!

op Faith- way over at the knee but very cute!!!

Chronology- he would be my choice, he had no injuries which means no huge chance of injury like the others do, plus he is ver cute as well!!

First Magic- avoid ones with injuries especially if you want to do hunter jumper, they will be nothing but trouble later!!

Shoalih's Tale - very cute again and very flashy!!! Agian the ankle injury but its your choice.

I would choose Chronology then Shoalih's Tale then Faith and then First Magic. Hope I helped

“Chronology” would be my first choice.  Nice short back, decent shoulder (a little steep) and nice sturdy build. 

Top Faith is too straight behind for jumping. 

First Magic I wouldn't jump him with and old suspensory injury.  I don't care what the vet clears him for.

Shoalih's Tale would be my second choice.  First picture makes him look like he has a long back but the second one looks better.  I would get more info on the "ankle injury".

povertybyhorse:

Bless you for looking at these guys, who otherwise might face a bleak future.

Please enlighten my ignorance, and tell me about CANTER.  These look like really nice horses for the price.

MaryM

CANTER is a OTTB rescue/adotion organization; they also provide a site for traimers to list their OTTBs for sale.  Here is their web page, they can tell you beter than I can:

http://www.canterusa.org/

If you would be interested in looking at an OTTB and aren't familiar with the way they are trained to race and what it takes to retrain them, just be aware that these are not horses you can take straight to a show or trailing.  They must be REtrained to realize that they are horses.  That said, they are wonderful, loving, companions who will change your concept of the "hot, crazy" TB, and they have more heart than any other breed (I'm biased, but most will agree) with the investment of a little time and the expertise of a good trainer. It is a wonderful, satisfying journey.

Here are some other orgs that do similar good work:

http://www.trfinc.org/

http://www.horseadoption.com/  I have a Standardbred who I adopted from NV.  What a sweetie!

My first choice would be  Chronology; short back, nicest shoulder, longest trimmest neck, nice croup, clean legs; I think he has the most potential out of this group. He needs a bit of weight, but that is a minor detail; over all I really like this horse!

IMO, avoid the ones with injuries, until you know ALL the details, and whether or not they are going to make a FULL recovery...I would want veterinarian proof of full recovery, as well, from my own vet if necessary, before considering either of those ones with the previous injuries, especially because you want to do such strenuous activities with them.

 I am not extremely impressed with the filly's build...she's not really balanced...

Thanks for the links, povertybyhorse.  I'll check it out.  I rode plenty of thorobreds and thorobred crosses when I was younger and lived on the east coast. I've nerer subscribed to the "hot, crazy" stereotype, although the way they live when racing makes the seem that way.   A number were OTTB's but had been off the track long enough to have gone through the "let down" period.  In fact, the best jumper I ever rode, over the most difficult/complicated course I ever mastered, was a former stakes-winner.  I've always known that a good minded one was a jewel.

That they are, Mary, and there are good reasons why they're always winning Rolex!  Although they better watch out for "Teddy" and Karen O'Connor!!! LOL

And you're welcome, for the links. I'm a big proponent of adoption so I'm always happy to pass them along!

 I have to plug Chester Cat, who I've met in person a couple times (I volunteer for CANTER and have walked the backside a few times.)

He's stabled in Northern IL.  Dead sound - too slow to hurt himself, trainer said.  Nice, sane guy and nice build. Here he is on the backstretch - in racing trim:

And a good look at his pretty face an puppy dog eye ...

I won't kid you, I think this guy is pretty neat. He's listed on CANTER's Northern IL site (canterusa.org/illinois)

And ditto what the others said about considering an OTTB.  They are wonderful horses.
 

What a gorgeous guy!!! And you're right - he has a beautiful, kind face and eye.  Is that his groom?  He looks like he loves horses (he has a kind eye, too) and Cat especially - always a plus.

I do not need another horse! I do not need another horse!

woodend:

 I have to plug Chester Cat, who I've met in person a couple times (I volunteer for CANTER and have walked the backside a few times.)

He's stabled in Northern IL.  Dead sound - too slow to hurt himself, trainer said.  Nice, sane guy and nice build. Here he is on the backstretch - in racing trim:

 

And a good look at his pretty face an puppy dog eye ...

 

I won't kid you, I think this guy is pretty neat. He's listed on CANTER's Northern IL site (canterusa.org/illinois)

And ditto what the others said about considering an OTTB.  They are wonderful horses.
 

Is that you Sarah?  Hehe...  yes Chester is a very nice specimen!  Hope you consider checking him out!