My America, just like our country, is big and brave!

“Sam” retired from racing due to soreness stemming from a right front slab fracture. He had some rest and our veterinarian took follow-up radiographs, and he's since returned to work.

We love Sam's easy going demeanor! He is easy to work with, he turns out well with other geldings and he stands quietly to be groomed, tacked and for the farrier.  

This handsome guy has been ridden both inside and out and isn't phased by new surroundings.  He was at first a little nervous about our small grey ponies (but rightfully so ... they're PONIES after all!), but he quickly conquered his fear and has since joined some of their lessons! Sam is learning to use himself under saddle, but he has a lovely step and rhythmic canter.  He's working on balance and transitions and, with more time and training, we think he'd be happy with just about any job! He is easy going enough to trail ride on Saturday and take to a show on Sunday.  

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 2 - If he's been in for a few days we will use a chain. Sometimes, the draw of the grass or the anticipation of turn out might mean Sam walks a bit more briskly or reaches down to do the “grazewalk.”
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 - If left unattended in the grooming stall, Sam might paw or get fidgety.
• Horse Care - Level 2 - We saw Sam crib on his bucket during feeding time when he first arrived at our rehab barn. We treated him for ulcers and have not observed him cribbing since he moved to training. He gets ample turn out and work and he is currently barefoot. 
• Riding - Level 2 - Overall we consider Sam to be an easy horse. However, his initial reaction to the ponies makes us think he will need a rider who won't be worried if he ever thinks the ponies are going to get him again!
• General Demeanor - Level 2 - Sam is relatively easy and the same every day.
• Horse Physical Capability - Level 4 - Based on the recent radiographs and exam, Sam is ready to go and be your next partner in a variety of disciplines!

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

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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.