• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 2  - Bobbie is typically good to lead– he can be led with or without a chain, and is pretty reliable coming in and out of turnout. He can occasionally be excitable but has been easy to correct.

• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 - If you want a horse that loves to be loved on, check that box for Bobbie! He stands well for grooming, tacking, and bathing in the cross ties. He is skeptical of the fly spray bottle, so we have been teaching him that it's not so scary as the warm weather comes in and fly spray is becoming more necessary.

• Horse Care - Level 2 - Bobbie currently wears aluminum shoes up front and has been skilled at taking shoes off, so we usually keep bell boots on him. Once he grows out better foot (already in progress– just takes time), this may not be necessary!

• Riding - Level 2   - If you’re looking for an eye-catching prospect then look no further! Bobbie is working on contact and hind-end engagement but has already shown us that he has an exceptional, natural self-carriage. He does well with an easy warmup that allows him time to gain focus, and then he shows a fantastic work ethic for his ride. A skilled rider would be best to help develop Bobbie's technique and flexibility. We’d recommend at least an advanced intermediate rider (and as usual we would recommend working with a trainer/ professional).

• General Demeanor - Level 2 - Bobbie loves his time outside in turnout with the other geldings in his field. He is mid-ranked in the herd dynamics. He is sensible around the barn, and not overly anxious. He can be mouthy at times in his stall but with the right, confident handler, he will certainly flourish. 

• Physical Capability* -Level 3+ - Bobbie has recovered nicely from a tendon injury back in November. We expect that he’ll be a phenomenal, fancy low-level prospect.

CLICK FOR HORSE LEVEL INFORMATION

*Assessments are based on information provided by the donors, physical/ mental assessments done by our professional team, as well as any veterinary examinations done at the farm (as needed). Approved, prospective adopters are welcome to arrange and coordinate a PPE if they choose, after speaking with the trainer at the respective facility of the horse. Adopters may also elect to use the 60-day trial period to thoroughly vet and assess the fit of the horse at their barn to ensure a great match!

ABOUT OUR ADOPTION FEES

New Vocations intentionally sets our horses’ adoption fees lower than the average cost of buying a Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds from a private seller (in today’s market, horses coming right off the track are often listed at $5,000 to $10,000!).

Our facilities are nearly always at max capacity, which means we can’t take in a new horse until one is adopted. Keeping our adoption fees low helps us find appropriate homes for horses quickly, thereby enabling us to assist even more horses transition off the track as stalls open up in our barns! In that way, when you adopt a horse through New Vocations, you’re actually helping two horses: your new family member and the one who takes his place in our program!

While our adoption fees are low, it’s important to remember that costs associated with the ongoing care and additional training for a horse (adopted or otherwise!) can be high. We hope that by helping adopters save money upfront, you’ll have more funds available to cover the costs of properly caring for and training a retired racehorse.

In general, our fees range around $3,500, $2,500, $1,000, and Under $1,000:

• $3,500: This range is for horses considered unlimited in their physical ability or those with exceptional qualities that would make them an upper- or high-level equine athlete.
  
  

• $2,000 - $2,500: This range is for horses we consider physically capable of a mid- to high-level second career. They have few or relatively minor limitations.
  
  

• $1,000 - $1,500: This range is for horses best-suited for a low- to mid-level career. They may have sustained an injury but have been fully treated and rehabbed. These horses have been examined by and cleared by our veterinarians for most disciplines, possibly up to a certain level (for example, suitable for a career jumping 2’0” but not suitable for a 3’6” career).
  
  

• Under $1,000: This range is for horses that could be harder to place in a perfect situation or those with more limited athletic potential (for example, possibly suitable for flat-work only) but are still capable of a successful second career. They have been evaluated by our veterinarians and are otherwise healthy.

Another perk of adopting from us? We do all we can to give you the most value for your adoption fee. Most adoptable horses have been in the program for a minimum of 60 days, during which they're rehabilitated (if needed), socialized with other horses, evaluated by trainers and veterinarians, and in regular training with a professional; on average, the monetary value of these services exceeds $5,000. Any medical records (often including X-ray and ultrasounds) and pertinent history we have on each horse is also available to interested and approved adopters.