At the core of many successful aftercare stories is a community of volunteers. These compassionate, dedicated individuals show up day after day to help retired racehorses prep for their second career (and sometimes, they even end up adopting the horses they’ve grown to love!). Whether they are mucking stalls or working horses on a lunge line, their efforts make a lasting difference.
This month, we are highlighting two of our aftercare partners: After the Homestretch and CANTER California. Both organizations rely heavily on volunteers, and their commitment is a powerful reminder of how much impact a devoted community can have.
After the Home Stretch
Meet After the Homestretch, a CARMA aftercare charity based in Desert Hills, Arizona. This dedicated team proves that volunteers truly make a difference with more than 60 volunteers who help care for a herd of 20 retired racehorses. Since its founding in 2011, After the Homestretch has rehomed 91 Thoroughbreds and continues its mission to protect the legacy of former racehorses through reconditioning, retraining, and rehoming.
CANTER California
CANTER California, based in Dixon, is a specialized branch of the national CANTER program, which includes 14 affiliate locations across the country. Operated entirely by volunteers, CANTER CA provides veterinary rehabilitation and personalized retraining to prepare each retired racehorse for a second career that suits their unique temperament—whether that’s eventing, dressage, or lesson programs for kids. Adoption fees go directly back into the program, and follow-up support continues for at least two years.