After starting a successful partnership in 2009, the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) is receiving $2,500 in grant funding from Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort, located in Chester, W.Va., to continue its racehorse rehabilitation program. These additional funds and commitment by Mountaineer will enable CANTER to grow from a free racehorse sales listing service to expanding its racehorse rehabilitation program to assist owners and trainers transition their ex-racehorses into second careers.

"We have worked very closely with the management of Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort over the years, and we are very excited that they have chosen CANTER as a recipient of these funds to help ex-race horses in need of immediate homes," said CANTER Executive Director Nancy Koch.

Having been granted backside access for three years by Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort, CANTER volunteers have built strong relationships with the track management and horse racing professionals. Those relationships have made it possible for CANTER to assist trainers and owners in transitioning hundreds of race horses into successful second careers using its free listing service.

"Working with CANTER has been a very positive experience for us," said Chris Kern, Mountaineer’s assistant general manager. "We understand that CANTER has worked diligently to re-home retiring race horses and we are pleased to support their efforts. We’re confident that CANTER will put these funds to good use rehabilitating and retraining former race horses for a second career