Are you tired of riding the most predictable horse in the barn?  Do you feel confined by arena walls and want to explore the great outdoors?  Are you the type who befriends feral cats, angry Chihuahuas, and cranky horses? If so, Smokey Joe may be for you! Smokey Joe's Cafe is opinionated and smart, but a willing partner in the right hands!

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Smokey Joe is easily led in a plain halter and lead rope, and is mannerly on the ground.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - Smokey Joe stands quietly in the crossties for a good currying after his mud baths, and is patient for tacking.
• Horse Care - Level 1 - Smokey Joe is a very easy keeper who is happiest living in a turnout situation where he can come and go as he pleases. He is barefoot and requires no special care.
• Riding - Level 2+ - Smokey Joe is a gem out on the trails, happily strolling down the road, through the fields, and around the farm.  He is unbothered by traffic, dogs, or chickens.  He is not a fan of arena work and has been known to balk, stomp, and kick out in the confines of the indoor. Generally, with a strong rider, he will work through that, but will continue to take advantage of a green or timid rider.
• General Demeanor - Level 2+ - As mentioned earlier, Smokey Joe is opinionated and smart.  He learns quickly who he can and cannot push around and will take advantage of both horses and people. He is at the top of the pecking order in the field and tends to get his way.  He lives in a group of like-minded geldings right now and has no issues. He is not suitable for turnout in a mixed herd.
• Horse Physical Capability - Level 2 - Smokey Joe has no known injuries or limitations, but we don't see him thriving as a show horse. Trail riding and hunter paces are his calling!

 click for horse level information 

ABOUT OUR ADOPTION FEES

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

Our fees range from $0 (waived) to $3,500.

• Fees typically correspond with a horse’s Anticipated Physical Capability. So, horses that are found to be best suited for non-riding careers (our Pasture Potatoes) have waived fees, while the fees for horses assessed to be suitable for high-impact careers will be up to $3,500.

While our adoption fees are low, it’s important to remember that costs associated with ongoing care and additional training for a horse 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.

When you adopt a horse through New Vocations, you’re helping two horses; your new family member and the one who takes their place in our program. 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, enabling us to help even more horses transition off the track as stalls open up in our barns!

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've rehabilitated (if needed), socialized with other horses, been evaluated by trainers and veterinarians, and have been in regular training with a professional. On average, the monetary value of these services exceeds $5,000. Any medical records (often including X-rays and ultrasounds) and pertinent history we have on each horse are also available to interested and approved adopters.