2024 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

We've updated our Horse Level system! Review our handy chart at the button below.

There can only be one Highland Lord! He is a phenomenal prospect for any career path. “Cow” earned his nickname because he responded, consistently, to moo-ing sounds (we also love Highland Cows, and we really love this horse).

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Cow is fabulous. He is respectful and responsive. Sometimes he may try to walk in front of you if he’s feeling enthusiastic, but he’s pretty easy to handle. 
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - Cow is very good in the crossties for grooming and enjoys attention. He doesn’t love his belly being brushed, but that’s not uncommon. Soft brushes make him happy. Sometimes Cow enjoys pretending to be a giraffe– he may lean into the crossties with his head in the air, but don't worry, he doesn't try to go through them.
• Horse Care - Level 2  - Cow wears basic front shoes (he is still wearing the racing plates he came to us in as he’s still quite new to our program, but we don’t expect him to need special shoeing). He is a little sensitive behind on bare feet when walking across rocks, so depending on the terrain, his adopter may choose to add hind shoes. Cow has not required any special supplements to maintain a healthy weight, but as with most OTTBs, he could benefit from being on stomach/ GI support as he transitions away from his racetrack career.
• Riding - Level 1 - Cow is super straightforward, brave, light in your hand, and willing. On the first ride in our program, horses were going out to turn out, the wind was whipping around, and construction was going on. He would peek around and look at things, but did not spook or go anywhere he wasn’t asked to. Cow also trotted over ground poles, opened a gate, went over a bridge, and stepped over logs! If he’s this good for his first ride here, there’s no telling what this guy will accomplish! Cow is a great prospect both mentally and physically.
• General Demeanor - Level 1 - 2  - Cow is a quiet and friendly guy around the barn. He does stall walk, but much less in an open barn layout. Cow goes out overnight with three geldings and while he’s typically the low man on the totem pole, he doesn’t mind– he’s happy to go off and do his own thing! Cow may greet you with a whinny when you bring him in from turnout.
• Physical Capability* - Level 3 - Cow has no known limitations! He came to New Vocations because he wasn’t competitive as a racehorse.

 CLICK FOR HORSE LEVEL INFORMATION 

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.

*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.