A novelist of distinction indeed, Distinction is unlike any other with his big build and warm personality! Plus, at just 3 years old, he'll only continue to grow!

Distinction quickly became a barn favorite with his puppy dog personality and desire for attention. He goes out at night with three other geldings and they have become a quiet herd that simply enjoys grazing. He is led easily in and out of the barn and stands very well in crossties. He has no stall vices and you can typically find him quietly munching on some hay or sticking his head out politely asking for treats and scratches. 

Under saddle, Distinction is a kick ride and has more whoa than go. He passed our “lesson pony test” with flying colors, not to be bothered by flapping, loose reins! At the canter, he does have an extra "hop" to him, but he settles in quickly and we expect he'll grow out of that with more routine work. We see Distinction thriving in a home where he can be the center of attention and getting all the love he deserves. 

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 3 - Currently, Distinction can be fidgety on the ground and very reactive to his handler.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1
• Horse Care - Level 2
• Riding - Level 2 - 3
• General Demeanor - Level 2 
• Horse Physical Capability - Level 3+ - Distinction had sore suspensories and fetlocks when he retired from his track career, which was believed to be from his very low slung heels. Corrective farrier work has addressed this biomechanical issue so that he is set up for success in the future. He has no other known issues.

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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.