New Vocations is testing a new category system to help our trainers make even better horse and rider matches! Learn more about the horse levels and classifications our trainers will be using in descriptions at newvocations.org/horse_levels!

“Phoebe” is the total package, all in a 15.2-hand frame. Don’t let her petite stature fool you, she is full of sugar and spice and everything nice!

• Leading and Ground Manners – Level 3 – Phoebe can be slightly pushy and excitable on the ground and is often lead with a chain. That being said, after a firm correction she quiets down. With consistently, we can she her manners continuing to improve on the ground.
• Grooming and Tacking – Level 4 – She has been tacked up both in the stall and on crossties. Phoebe can be anxious and dance around on the cross-ties. We have found she is a little more relaxed to tack up in her stall, however she does require someone with experience.
• Horse Care – Level 2 – Phoebe currently wears front shoes. She does not require hind shoes with her current workload.
• Riding – Level 2 – This young prospect truly shines under saddle. Whether she is ridden alone or in a group, Buffet is looking to please. She is currently going in a rubber D-ring snaffle. Phoebe is soft and working on learning to bend through her body. She has lovely movement on the flat and is as brave as them come. Phoebe has a soft mouth, is balanced both directions, and has even been working on lead changes.
• General Demeanor – Level 2-3 – Phoebe very level-headed. However, in new situations she can be a little on the “hot” side and requires someone with experience. She goes out with one other mare and is neither dominant nor docile.
• Horses Physical Capability – Level 4 – She retired from racing due to a tendon injury, but we've given her plenty of time to rehab and rest. Our vet ultrasounded the tendon recently and gave her a thumbs up to return to work. The tendon injury should not prove problematic in most careers, including jumping. As always, veterinary records are available to approved and interested adopters.

Do not let her small stature fool you. This small horse has a big personality (and a big barrel too!) If you are looking a horse with a motor, but is not hot, this is the horse for you. We could see Buffet doing low leveling eventing, equitation, or even hunters.

Buffet came to New Vocations via the NYTHA Take the Lead Program. We're so grateful for their continued support!

 click for horse level information 

ADOPTION FEE POLICY

New Vocations’ adoption fees are intentionally set lower than the cost of buying most Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds through a private seller. In today’s market, it’s not unusual for horses coming right off the track to be listed for sale at a price between $2,000 and $5,000. At New Vocations, we set a fee that will ultimately help each horse find a home quickly. The program’s facilities are always at full capacity, which means we cannot take in an additional horse until one is adopted. Adopters should be encouraged to know that by adopting a horse through New Vocations, they are actually helping two horses transition to careers outside of racing.

In general, our fees are set at $2,500, $1,000, $500 or waived:

• $2,500: This range is for horses that we consider to be the cream of the crop or “unicorn” horses. They are horses that have few or no limitations and great conformation, movement and size.
• $1,000: This range is for horses that are suitable for a competitive career up to a certain level (for example, cleared for 2’6” but not necessarily 3’). They may have been fully rehabbed from an injury but have been cleared by our veterinarians for most disciplines.
• $500: This range is for horses that are limited to a flat, trail or companion-type home. These horses are healthy and have been fully rehabbed and evaluated by a vet.
• Waived: This is for horses that have significant limitations for a riding career or are otherwise difficult to place. These horses are otherwise healthy and have been evaluated by a veterinarian.

Additionally, adopters get great value for their money: The majority of the horses have been in the program for a minimum of 60 days. During that time, horses are rehabilitated (if needed), socialized with other horses, fully evaluated, and in work with a professional trainer. New Vocations fully discloses each horse’s history and provides all available medical records, many of which include X-ray and ultrasounds.

While adoption fees are low, it should be noted that costs associated with ongoing care and additional training for each horse after adoption can be high. New Vocations hopes that by helping an adopter save money upfront, he or she will have more funds available to cover the continuing costs of properly caring for a horse.