2020 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

It’s no joke that English Humor is a seriously cool prospect who isn’t goofing off in his pursuit of show ring stardom. An attractive son of English Channel, “Chappy” was not competitive on the track and his owners retired him in the hopes he would find a career he’s better suited for. He has settled in really well here in Lexington and is clearly already enjoying the quiet ease of his new life off the track.

On the ground, Chappy’s manners are the spitting image of a young gentleman. He is very quiet and polite to work around, minding his own space and patiently waiting to do what his handler asks of him. He stands well for the farrier and in the crossties, and tacks in his stall as well. He is currently on night turnout in our large gelding herd. He and his best friend in the group are happy to be middle of the pack and tend to come to the gate after the tough guys have been brought in. When he first came he was picked on a bit but has really found his place in the herd dynamic and is doing well now. During the day, he can frequently be found napping in his stall, searching eagerly for the best hay in his pile, or poking his head over his door to ask for a cookie or two from passersby. Chappy is an affectionate dude, and really enjoys company and hugs.

Under saddle, Chappy has proven to be a good student and has really hit his stride working towards a second career. As he has gotten fitter and put on weight and muscle, he has become more responsive to the aids and developed a great work ethic. Chappy is smart and willing, but he prefers to wait for his rider to be the leader. He can be looky at new objects or situations but doesn’t have a bad spook. He picks up both leads very well and is learning to rock back onto his hind end and engage his back. As he becomes lighter in the front end, he has started to stretch down and reach for soft contact with the bit like a champ. He has the lovely, flat movement of a hunter and has an easy, long step at the canter.

Chappy is suitable for at least an advanced intermediate rider working with a trainer. He retired sound with no known injuries and is suitable for all disciplines. However, his way of going and conformation suggest that he would be a lovely hunter prospect.

English Humor is eligible for the RRP’s 2020 (and 2021!) Thoroughbred Makeover.

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 the unicorn horses.  They are horses that have few or no limitations, have 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 3’).  They may have been fully rehabbed from a race injury but have been cleared 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.