2027 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

Lakeman is tall, dark, and handsome with the kind of quiet presence that makes you notice him the moment he walks into the barn. An old soul with an easygoing demeanor, he’s the type of horse that takes life’s changes in stride and enjoys being someone’s steady partner. Under saddle, Lakeman has all the makings of a lovely hunter. He’s confident, level-headed, and willing, with a quiet way of going that makes him an enjoyable ride. He approaches new questions with a sensible attitude, making him a horse that should be straightforward and rewarding to bring along in his second career. Lakeman’s legs aren’t picture-perfect. He has a few bumps and scars that tell the story of his past, but none are expected to limit his future. If you’re looking for a kind, handsome gelding with a wonderful brain and all the ingredients to shine in the hunter ring, Lakeman is your guy!

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1-2 -  Lakeman is respectful and is led with a cotton lead most times.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 -Lakeman stands quietly on the crossties.
• Horse Care - Level 1 - Lakeman is currently shod with regular steel shoes.
• Riding - Level 1 - It doesn't come easier than riding Lakeman. He is just a gentleman under saddle. He has had kids on his back but he still is 3 years old 
• General Demeanor - Level 1 -   We can’t say enough good things about this guy!  
• Physical Capability - Level 3 -  Lakeman rehabbed a tendon injury he sustained in October 2025.

RRP THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER SPECIAL: Adopt your 2027 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover prospect from New Vocations, compete in the Makeover, and you'll be reimbursed the $350 trainer application fee! This horse is also eligible to receive a $405+ scholarship for the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover through the 2027 ASPCA Right Horse Scholarship program. Learn more HERE.

 click for horse level information 

Interested in this horse? Approved adopters can reach out to this horse's trainer via the "Email Us About This Horse" button above for further information. Not yet approved? Learn about the process and start your questionnaire at newvocations.org/adopt! Approved applications are valid for two 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 capabilities. So, horses that are 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. New Vocations 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.