2026 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

Escondido — meaning “hidden” or “secret” — is exactly that: a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This striking chestnut gelding turns heads everywhere he goes with his handsome presence, expressive face, and the cutest little mouth that somehow doesn’t quite match the rest of his big-bodied frame. It only adds to his charm, and he knows it too — Escondido absolutely loves attention and is happiest when he’s the center of it. Under saddle, he offers adorable, eye-catching movement paired with a brave and willing attitude. He takes new surroundings in stride and remains relatively unfazed by the atmosphere around him, making him a fun and confidence-inspiring partner to bring along. We see him excelling as a low-level event prospect with the bravery and curiosity to continue developing in the sport. Escondido is the kind of horse that makes people stop and ask about him — a handsome chestnut with a big personality, a soft eye, and all the makings of someone’s special hidden gem. 

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Ese is led with a cotton lead.  
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - Ese stands on the crossties well to be groomed and tacked. He's curious and interactive.
• Horse Care - Level 1 - Ese has regular shoes on his front feet.  He is barefoot in the back. 
• Riding - Level 1 - As easy as they come. Just a bit wiggly.  
• General Demeanor - Level 1 -  Turns out well with others. Does get a bit impatient when he is left for last to be turned out. Otherwisse he is easy to be around and has no vises.  
• Physical Capability - Level 2 -  Ese is suitable for a moderate impact career. 

RRP THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER SPECIAL: Adopt your 2026 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 2026 ASPCA Right Horse Scholarship program. Learn more HERE.

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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.