New Vocations' Pasture Potatoes Program

Eligible for Shipping Credit up to $1,000!

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 2- Cathy’s Boy aka Bobby is a class act. He was clearly well handled throughout his life and is well-behaved 90% of the time for his handlers for turnout, for the vet and for the farrier. At times he can be a little quick on the lead to turnout and bring in, so we use a rope halter to lead him and then take it off.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - Bobby is excellent in crossties and stands quietly. He enjoys grooming and forming a bond with his people during this time. He can be a little sensitive to brushing, so I used a soft brush and the tiger's tongue. He does like to play with his mouth and his tongue and hold the crossties in his mouth.
• Horse Care - Level 2- Bobby is currently in shoes up front. Bobby can be a bit of a harder keeper and does well with alfalfa and Kool Kalories.
• Riding - N/A- Due to significant wear and tear from racing, Bobby is a pasture potato only
• General Demeanor - Level 1- Friendly and handsome, it's hard not to enjoy time with Bobby. He is the epitome of a Thoroughbred, gorgeous with wise eyes and a huge heart. He currently goes out with a group of fun-loving geldings and does fabulous!
• Horse Physical Capability - Level Potato Bobby is a pasture potato and not suitable for riding

 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 PASTURE POTATOES

New Vocations’ Pasture Potatoes program provides those seeking companion horses peace of mind with the following benefits.

• Potential adopters will receive special approval and support as a home for companion horses through New Vocations’ application process.

• A shipping stipend of up to $1,000 for each horse to head to their new home.

• If the adopter can no longer care for their horse, an additional $1,000 shipping stipend will be provided to bring the horse back to New Vocations.

• Additional stipends may be available to the adopters if they need veterinary support as the horse transitions into their new home, or training guidance as they work with their horse in-hand.

• Adopters of Pasture Potatoes will be unable to sell their adopted horse and instead must sign a contract agreeing to return the horse to New Vocations if they cannot, or no longer wish to care for the horse.

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.