2020 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

If Zapperini had a tagline, it would be something along the lines of, “Son of an icon with the heart of a warrior.” Racing 32 times all across the East Coast in several graded and black type stakes, he has proven himself to be a top-tier athlete that has very much been there and done that. This accomplished gelding, known around the barn as “Zane,” is about as cool of a customer as they come. If he were a person, he would totally be a sharp dressed businessman sporting a flashy pair of Ray Bans who doesn’t think quitting is an option.

On the ground, Zane walks around with the easy confidence of a well-traveled athlete. He takes everything in stride and displays a maturity that comes with age and experience. He has taken to being groomed and tacked in the crossties very well, and stands for the farrier like a pro. Zane has no problem with receiving attention, but prefers neck and wither scratches. He can seem aloof at first but warms up to people very quickly. He has been turned out with different groups of geldings on day and night turnout and has been a low drama kinda guy. Currently he goes out at night with two other boys and loves coming in covered in mud.

Under saddle Zane is an eager mount. He is enthusiastic about work, and always has a “pep in his step,” so he would be perfect for someone who is looking for a forward, sporty mount. Zane sometimes needs a reminder about focus, since he is so excited about everything, but he has a curious mindset, and does well under pressure/ with new challenges.

Zane is suitable for an advanced rider or possibly an advanced intermediate working with a trainer. He retired sound after his 32 starts with no known injuries and has been very sound here in work. Zane could easily go in any direction but would be a fun jumper, dressage, or eventing prospect. 

COVID-19 Adoption Fee Update

You might notice some of our horses' adoption fees have been reduced in recent days.  This is solely due to the current COVID-19 situation and not because we've discovered new physical issues or behavioral issues.  We always aim to keep our adoption fees low so adopters can invest more in the future training and care for each horse. The adoption option is truly the most economical option!

In addition, please keep in mind the more horses we rehome, the more retiring racehorses we can welcome to our program. And, with the current uncertainty at many racetracks and training centers, we're hoping to eliminate barriers to help find perfect homes for our current residents so we can continue serving those in need of transitional training. Adopters must still be approved to bring a horse home.

Please feel free to contact any horse's trainer for additional information on his or her adoption fee.

ADOPTION FEE POLICY

New Vocations’ adoption fees are intentionally set lower than the cost of buying most Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds through a private seller. In today’s market, it’s not unusual for horses coming right off the track to be listed for sale at a price between $2,000 and $5,000. At New Vocations, we set a fee that will ultimately help each horse find a home quickly. The program’s facilities are always at full capacity, which means we cannot take in an additional horse until one is adopted. Adopters should be encouraged to know that by adopting a horse through New Vocations, they are actually helping two horses transition to careers outside of racing.

In general, our fees are set at $500, $1,000 or $1,000 with a $1,500 donation.  

• $1,000 with a $1,500 donation: This range is for horses that we consider to be the cream of the crop or “unicorn” horses. They are horses that have few or no limitations and great conformation, movement and size.
• $1,000: This range is for horses that are suitable for a competitive career up to a certain level (for example, cleared for 2’6” but not necessarily 3’). They may have been fully rehabbed from an injury but have been cleared by our veterinarians for most disciplines. 
• $500: This range is for horses that are limited to a flat, trail or companion-type home. These horses are healthy and have been fully rehabbed and evaluated by a vet.

Additionally, adopters get great value for their money: The majority of the horses have been in the program for a minimum of 60 days. During that time, horses are rehabilitated (if needed), socialized with other horses, fully evaluated, and in work with a professional trainer. New Vocations fully discloses each horse’s history and provides all available medical records, many of which include X-ray and ultrasounds.

While adoption fees are low, it should be noted that costs associated with ongoing care and additional training for each horse after adoption can be high. New Vocations hopes that by helping an adopter save money upfront, he or she will have more funds available to cover the continuing costs of properly caring for a horse.