“Payton” is a giant love bug who wants nothing more than someone to love and explore with! He has the kindest face with the most adorable expression which, paired with his huge body, make him so very endearing!

He can be cautious in new settings, but he stays level headed and keeps his composure! He'll do best with a handler who wants to take things slow, but once he's comfortable he just wants to give you his all.

Payton is a big guy who's still working on minding his personal space, but he's a good learner and we know he'll catch on! He is a beautiful uphill mover and we know he'll excel in a dressage ring!

We see Payton doing well with an advanced intermediate with a trainer down the road, but currently he'll need someone to teach him the ropes and give him that exposure and confidence boost under saddle.

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

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 3
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2
• Horse Care - Level 2
• Riding - Level 3
• General Demeanor - Level 2
• Horse Physical Capability - Level 3

 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.