2020 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

Looking for some Italian flair to spice up your life? While he’s actually a Kentucky boy, Domani, which means “tomorrow” in Italian, has enough of that special spark to steal your heart. A lovebug who thinks he’s a giant dog, “Dom” was unsuccessful at the track, racing only once before retiring. Now he’s looking for a chance to find the human of his dreams (preferably one who showers him with cookies and kisses) and excel in his next career.

On the ground, Dom shows the results of being bred and raised by a top-class operation. A very well-started and well-handled gelding, he has exceptional ground manners and a kind demeanor that can’t be matched. Whether he’s begging for attention while standing near him or picking his stall, or the way he doesn’t mind letting you snuggle with him while he naps (and boy does he love to nap!), Dom knows the way to a human’s heart is through polite affection.

Under saddle Dom has proven to be smart and capable. He has three good gaits, has a great natural balance for a larger youngster at his level of training, and is that “Goldilocks” mix of whoa and go. His trot and canter are springy and ground-covering, giving us a glimpse of the lovely suspension he already has. Like any young horse, he can be busy-brained and distracted, which can sometimes lead to his energy bubbling over, but he does nothing with malicious intent -- he just really enjoys working!

Already, he is tracking straight and evenly, and beginning to show the early stages of wanting to stretch and reach for soft contact with the bit. Dom will require someone who will patiently bring him along under saddle while allowing him to finish maturing physically and mentally. We can’t wait to see how this one develops!

Domani is suitable for at least an advanced intermediate rider working with a trainer or an advanced rider experienced bringing along young horses. He could go in many directions but would be an ideal dressage prospect with his flashy movement and uphill way of going.

PLEASE NOTE: Domani would normally be listed in our ‘$1,000’ adoption fee bracket, but as a special opportunity to qualified adopters, he is available for adoption ahead of schedule, for a discounted adoption fee. Domani retired from racing sound, but with some breathing issues. In our prgram, Domani got a little over-excited in turnout, and knocked his left hind leg while playing, thus causing some extensor tendonitis. We have rehabbed him and brought him along through rehab riding. Ideal adopters will have experience with rehab and a good working relationship with a vet, so that rechecks can be performed as necessary. Interested approved adopters will have access to any veterinary records we have, including ultrasounds and radiographs as well as our rehab riding schedule.

Riding videos will be added as they become availalble and his adoption fee will go up once he is fully rehabbed.

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.