“Machie” was born and raced in New Zealand before being imported to the United States. He is a big, handsome gelding who's happy to both pace and trot under saddle. He's looking for a trail partner who wants to get out and about! Machie has had quite a lot of time under saddle since first coming to New Vocations, including enjoying some time trail riding in Virginia! 

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Machie is led easily in a plain halter and lead rope. He comes in politely from the field and offers no trouble handling on the ground.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - He stands quietly in the crossties to be groomed and tacked up. He LOVES to be muddy, but he's quite happy to stand patiently while you remove it all!
• Horse Care - Level 1 - Machie is currently barefoot in his ample turn out and work. He does not require any special supplements or feed.
• Riding - Level 2 - Machie is a forward guy, but he doesn't drag or pull. He just wants to see all there is to see! He is not bothered by water, traffic or noises. 
• General Demeanor - Level 2 - Machie can be a bit of a grump in turnout; he isn't mean, but he doesn't always want to be bothered by some of the younger horses' antics! He is currently turned out with a large group of geldings and generally hangs out by himself, though he won't hesitate to run someone off if they are bugging him! Machie is all about meal time and has no intention of sharing.  He does need to be fed in a stall for this reason. 
• Physical Capability - Level 2 - Machie sustained a suspensory injury during his racing career and, while it healed well, it will limit his future capabilities to non-speed and flat careers (no jumping for this guy!). Fortunately, he's a champ on the trails and would be quite happy spending his time exploring with his perfect partner!

 click for horse level information 

ABOUT OUR ADOPTION FEES

We intentionally set New Vocations’ horses’ adoption fees lower than the average cost of buying a Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds from a private seller (in today's market, horses coming right off the track are often listed at $5,000 to $10,000!).

Our facilities are always at full 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, thereby enabling us to assist even more horses transition off the track as stalls open up in our barns! In that way, when you adopt a horse through New Vocations, you're actually helping two horses: your new family member and the one who takes his place in our program!

While our adoption fees are low, please remember that costs associated with ongoing care and additional training for a horse (adopted or otherwise!) can be high. We hope that by helping an adopter save money upfront, you'll have more funds available to cover the continuing costs of properly caring for and training a horse.

In general, our fees are set at $3,500, $2,500, $1,000, and Under $1,000:

• $3,500: This range is for horses considered unlimited in their physical ability or otherwise have exceptional qualities that would make them an upper- or high-level equine athlete.
  
  
• $2,500: This range is for horses we consider physically capable of a mid- to high-level second career. They have few or relatively minor limitations.
  
  
• $1,000: This range is for horses best-suited for a low- to mid-level career. They may have sustained an injury but have been fully treated and rehabbed. These horses have been examined by and cleared by our veterinarians for most disciplines, possibly up to a certain level (for example, suitable for a career jumping 2’0” but not suitable for a 3’6” career).
  
  
• Under $1,000: This range is for horses that have more limited athletic potential (for example, possibly suitable for flat-work only) but are still capable of a successful second career. They have been evaluated by our veterinarians and are otherwise healthy.

Another perk of adopting from us? 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're rehabilitated (if needed), socialized with other horses, evaluated by trainers and veterinarians, and in regular training with a professional; on average, the monetary value of these services exceeds $5,000. Any medical records (often including X-ray and ultrasounds) and pertinent history we have on each horse is also available to interested and approved adopters.