2023 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Capers lives life in the slow lane, and is known to mosey along with his friends when being led to turnout. He is, by far, one of our best-behaved horses on the ground!
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - Capers adores grooming time, and is known for accepting the bridle only after he has received adequate snuggles with his human. He stands very patiently on the crossties and pays no attention to the everyday hustle and bustle of our routine barn shenanigans!
• Horse Care - Level 3 - He is currently shod in steel front shoes with equi-pak to give him a little extra support as he continues to grow hoof and increase sole depth. 
• Riding - Level 2  - We have absolutely no complaints about this versatile, athletic, and sensible mount! Capers has the type of natural talent and easy nature that makes the retraining process a breeze and has offered no silliness aside from typical "baby behavior" when riding. He can be a bit heavy in the bridle at times when his balance is shifting but softens as soon as he is encouraged forward. Despite this, a simple snaffle is all this youngster needs under-saddle, and he'll only get more supple as his training progresses!
• General Demeanor - Level 2 - Capers is a friendly and social young gelding and is well-loved among staff members for his snuggly personality. He is a courteous turnout buddy and rests on the lower end of the pecking order!
• Physical Capability* - Level 5 - Capers sustained a soft tissue injury but has since been rehabbed and cleared without limitations.

 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.