The Little Engine That Could!

Nuclear Dragon is a cute, compact gelding with an enthusiasm for work and a pony-like charm! Nuke has a go-getter attitude and we can see him being an excellent mount for someone who wants to try a little of everything from trail riding to gaming or play-days!

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Nuke is easily led in a regular halter and cotton lead rope and is often brought in with his pasture mate.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - Nuke is quiet in the crossties and easy to tack. 
• Horse Care - Level 1 - Nuke is downright pudgy on little grain and is barefoot. 
• Riding - Level 1 - Nuke is a straightforward ride who is happy to go to work.  He is sometimes apprehensive about the scary ball in the corner, or the pool noodles, but will go forward with confidence from his rider.  Outside he marches happily around the farm, past the chickens, and down the road.  He is unfazed by cars or water. Under saddle, he will walk, trot, and pace.  He willingly canters on the lunge line.
• General Demeanor - Level 1 - Nuke is an easygoing guy who gets along with everyone.  We can see him having a grand time in gaming events, trail riding, or hunter-pacing.
• Horse Physical Capability - Level 2 - Nuke is suitable for a mid-level career including light jumping.

 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.

ABOUT OUR ADOPTION FEES

New Vocations intentionally sets our horses’ adoption fees lower than the average cost of buying a Thoroughbred or Standardbred from a private seller (in today’s market, horses coming right off the track are often listed at $5,000 to $10,000!).

Our fees range from $0 (waived) to $3,500.

• Fees typically correspond with a horse’s Anticipated Physical Capability. So, horses that are found to be best suited for non-riding careers (our Pasture Potatoes) have waived fees, while the fees for horses assessed to be suitable for high-impact careers will be up to $3,500.

While our adoption fees are low, it’s important to remember that costs associated with ongoing care and additional training for a horse 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.

When you adopt a horse through New Vocations, you’re helping two horses; your new family member and the one who takes their place in our program. 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, enabling us to help even more horses transition off the track as stalls open up in our barns!

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've rehabilitated (if needed), socialized with other horses, been evaluated by trainers and veterinarians, and have been in regular training with a professional. On average, the monetary value of these services exceeds $5,000. Any medical records (often including X-rays and ultrasounds) and pertinent history we have on each horse are also available to interested and approved adopters.