2024 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible!

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 2 - 3  - Sidekick is a typical young gelding that has several different sides to his personality on the ground: sweet and easy-going, and spirited and pushy. We recommend leading him with a lead rope that has a chain, though it may not always be necessary (it’s good to have when it is).
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 - 3 - Similar to his ground manners, Sidekick has different opinions about standing to be brushed and doted on– he seems to enjoy it but can get impatient at times. We think he will develop more patience as he grows and matures.
• Horse Care - Level 2 - Sidekick wears front shoes and has done well on our default feeding program. Potential adopters should expect to feed him a growing horse’s portion (we feed 12 lbs of Tribute Kalm Ultra, split into 2 feedings), but that’s what we recommend for most horses coming from our program!
• Riding - Level  3 - Under saddle (just at the walk right now), Sidekick has a bounce in his step (it’s a struggle for some horses in this phase of rehab rides)! We’d describe him as mildly excitable with some strong moments in the bridle. We could see him potentially intimidating riders that aren’t experienced or advanced, but he hasn’t done anything naughty!
• General Demeanor - Level 2 - Sidekick goes out in a small paddock that is 1.5 - 2 acres large during the day with one other gelding. He is well-behaved outside. Sidekick is not a fan of flies (who is though) and is always happy to wait at the gate to come inside in the afternoon. In the barn, he has no stall vices, but will occasionally vocalize his concern if he can’t see other horses or doesn’t have a buddy in the stall next door. However, we expect that kind of behavior from young horses.
• Physical Capability* - Level 3 - 4 - With time, there are many options for this handsome, eye-catching guy! He is currently rehabbing from a left front tendon injury. Sidekick is offered for early adoption as an opportunity for qualified, approved adopters, who will give him time and continue his rehab protocol properly to set him up for the best future possible. Interested adopters should plan on gradually rehabbing him through September, and rehab/ recheck guidelines will be provided!
  
  

 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

Interested in this horse? Already approved adopters may reach out to this horse's trainer at the "Email About This Horse" button above for further information. Still need to become approved? Learn about the process and start your questionnaire at newvocations.org/adopt. Approved applications are valid for 2 years.

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.