Long-legged and lovely, “Dakota” is an unraced filly who is an absolute joy to work with and ride. She came to us after her connections determined that she might not be the speediest thing and that to bring her back from the knee fracture that interrupted her race training for a racing endeavour was essentially a futile pursuit. Her now-healed injury does not affect her way of going and she is an elegant and athletic girl who will absolutely shine in the show ring. 

She is currently walking, trotting and cantering under saddle and hacking out all over the farm, including by the scary hay barn. She has a good mind and does not get silly when introduced to new stressors. She is well-balanced to ride and tries very hard to please. She is becomes very bonded to her handler and strikes up and easy rapport as she is a clear communicator. She is currently ridden in a Micklem bridle with a double jointed snaffle. She has a small head and, as such, a small mouth. 

Dakota is super easy to handle, both in the cross-ties and in the wash stall. She loves a good bath and a steady stream of water to her face. Dakota has some slight scars and a bump on her right front from a past paddock accident, but they are purely cosmetic. 

Built like a Whippet, Dakota is still in her growth phase and will continue to add weight and muscle as she grows and develops in her new career. She will require an adopter willing to give her exactly what she needs feeding-wise. 

She is currently stabled in the evenings and turned out with a herd of mares during the day. She has three besties and is midpack when it comes to levels of dominance. She can be elusive to catch, if you don’t come prepared (aka, bring a treat!); she'll happily walk over to you for a treat, though!

Dakota is a young athletic filly whose past knee injury may or may not affect her future as a sport horse—we're just not sure yet! We have flexed her multiple times to no effect, and she has remained sound and happy in a steady training program. She has a willing-mind, three lovely gaits and a huge heart. With the right partner, we know she a bright future ahead. 

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Dakota is super to work around and lead.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - She stands quietly and loves attention.
• Horse Care - Level 2 - 3 - Dakota is shod up front. She will require an adopter who is knowledgeable in nutrition to help her gain weight.
• Riding - Level 2 - Generally Dakota is a quiet girl, but does have her own engine. In new situations, she might be looky at new things, but nothing silly or stupid. She’ll do best with a confident but soft and balanced rider with independent hands and seat.
• General Demeanor - Level 2
• Horse Physical Capability - TBD

 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.