Talk about tall, dark and handsome! “Will” is a big-bodied beef cake who's looking for a dance partner! He might only stand 16h, but don't tell him that ... he rides like he's the biggest horse in the barn.

Good looks aside, Will has lovely movement and a great personality. He loves to be doted on and would happily stand on the crossties all day to get as much attention as possible! 

In the arena, he's still working through his suspicion of the mounting block (we all know how scary they are!). It might take an approach or two for him to stand for mounting, but he’s becoming less and less worried about it every day. Once under a rider, Will has natural cadence and a nice natural head carriage. He still needs support to help balance him in canter but it’s certainly coming along and he just gets better each ride.

We can see Will shining as someone’s flashy dressage partner because of his exceptional movement. He'll be limited to the lower levels due to a tendon injury he sustained on the track. During rehab, Will received PRP treatment, generously donated by Rood & Riddle in Saratoga. Our veterinarians have since indicated he's healed well and gave him the green light to get back to work. It's clear Will has tons of potential and will make an exceptional partner on the flat.

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Will doesn't need a chain and walks confidently anywhere you'd like him to. He's basically a giant Labrador Retriever.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - He's easy, easy, easy and loves being pampered!
• Horse Care - Level 1 - Will is currently barefoot and turns out well with every gelding we've placed with him.
• Riding - Level 2 - 3 - He's a push ride, but he needs some contact and might take a peek at unusual things before going on by.
• General Demeanor - Level 1 - This guy is eager to please and easy to have around!
• Horse Physical Capability - Level 2 - Will is a flat-only horse. No jumping for this guy!

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

 click for horse level information 

ABOUT OUR ADOPTION FEES

We intentionally set New Vocations’ 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 a price between $2,000 and $5,000!). Our facilities are always at full capacity, which means we can't take in an additional horse until one is adopted; a lower adoption fee means horses are more likely to find appropriate homes quickly and we can welcome more horses into our barns. And just think: By adopting one horse through New Vocations, you're actually helping two horses (you new family member and the one who takes his place in our program) 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.

Another perk of adopting from us? We do our best to give you the best bang for your buck. 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, fully evaluated, and in work with a professional trainer. We're also happy to share the history and any medical records (often including X-ray and ultrasounds) we have on each horse with interested and approved adopters.

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.