Fitness Pro, whose barn name is "Rip," after Rip Wheeler from Yellowstone, possesses many of the same characteristics as his namesake. Our Rip has a strong work ethic, is always eager to learn new things, gives his all, and picks things up quickly.

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Rip is led with a plain halter and lead rope, often with a buddy.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - Rip loves attention and stands quietly on the crossties. It takes a lot to keep that gorgeous mane tangle-free, but he’s always good about having the knots taken out. Rip does like to put the lead rope and reins in his mouth.
• Horse Care - Level 1 - Rip is barefoot and doesn't require any special supplements.
• Riding - Level 1 - Rip takes everything in stride. He is curious, willing, and eager to please. Rip is more of a kick ride.
• General Demeanor - Level 1 - Rip is easygoing and friendly. He is very brave and was desensitized to many things before he arrived at New Vocations.
• Physical Capability - Level 3 - Rip is suitable for a high-impact second career.

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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 are set at $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.
  
  
• $2,500: 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: 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.