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CANTER OTTBs and some background

1K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  JustDressageIt 
#1 ·
I've been all over this forum lately, so first off I'm sorry about that!

I took Alwaysbehind and Speed Racers advice about OTTB's. My trainer and I are going to be calling to book an appointment to see some horses at the track within the month. My trainer also recommended CANTER. She hates all the horses I've suggested lately (for good reason) and said it was worth the drive to Michigan (only about 4 hrs) to see these guys. MAN are these guys CHEAP! After the prices I've seen here for much less quality horses, this is EYE OPENING!!

Here's my two faves from CANTER (pictures and video!)

Gallant Jon: Gallant Jon

Stellar Star: Stellar Star

Both are less then $1000. In my area, $1000 buys you a BYB bred wormy unhandled yearling!!! They do have some faults, but the videos really impress me (especially the gelding). Am I on the right track? I absolutely and totally FAIL at conformation (despite riding and owning horses for years now!) and I always think things aren't as bad as they really are.

Once again, sorry for the forum takeover! I REALLY appreciate all the help!! My trainer is great, but has a farm to run and is busy so I don't get the chance to consult as much as I'd like. And all my horsey friends are too heavy on the praise! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ALL!

Also, to give you some background on where this search is coming from: I owned a wonderful 20 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding named Machiavelli for the past 10 years. I got him when I was just young and he was WAY too much horse for me at the time. After many years of working with him (and having trainers/experienced riders work with him while I leased schoolies!) I was finally ready to ride him. We bonded strongly and worked together beautifully, winning quite a bit I must admit :P. He passed a few years back unexpectedly from an aneurysm. It was very sudden and devastating. After Mac, I haven't had the heart to own another horse, although I continued riding. I'm finally ready to have a new partner now and I want to do what I did with Mac: start from the ground up.
 
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#2 ·
I like them both, but the mare better than the gelding.

The gelding has an ugly head and I'm not crazy about his neck. I realize you can't ride the head, but I don't like pig eyed horses. Nice shoulder, very nice pasterns, and although is feet are small, they're not terribly so.

I like pretty much everything about the mare. She's put together very nicely, and moves well. As soon as I saw her I thought, 'Now that's a nice horse!'

The only concern I have is that you'll be adopting, and not buying. What are CANTER's adoption clauses? Will you eventually own the horse, or will they continue to own it forever? I don't like the 'we own it forever' clauses some places put on their horses.
 
#3 ·
CANTER is an awesome place. Very reputable around here. I've never personally adopted from them, but I know quite a few people who have.
Though they do continue to expect updates and also request first refusal, I've been told that they work with each person on an individual level, and take into consideration each person's circumstances.
They don't seem fanatical like a lot of the places, but they do have their guidelines.
Lovestruck: Congratulations. I know the whole process can be frustrating. Good Luck, I hope you get what you want!
Have you done a search on Petfinder.com ? I have always had good luck with finding exactly what I want there.
Again, congratulations!!
 
#4 ·
I like them both as well! Like the above post, I know how frustrating and challenging it can be to find the right horse!! I never knew how difficult it could be until I was actually looking for a horse for myself, not friends and what not. Good Luck with your search and dont give up! You'll find a great horse that way :)
 
#5 ·
I personally prefer the mare. shes got a beautiful body (although i'm not very good at conformation so sorry!). I also watched the videos and the gelding seems to be very resistant and has short choppy strides. Also I don't like the way he jumps it seems like they really rushed the training because he doesn't go straight to the jump and over jumps. The mare has gorgeous floaty strides and looks great in all 3 gaits! hope this helps!
 
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