“DJ” is definitely our choice, too! He has a stout, thick stature and the brains of a horse who has been there and done that.

He's a quiet inquisitive guy who eats up attention and loves to be loved on. He stands quietly on the cross ties, he’s well behaved for the farrier and easy to have in the barn. He quietly leads in and out without a chain and sometimes right next to his paddock mate. DJ does like to play in turn out so he’s best turned out with others who won’t get offended with his antics.

Under saddle DJ is quiet. Like he’s been a seasoned lesson type his entire life! Nothing phases him, not even the excavators putting in drainage tile at the New York farm while he gets his glamour shots or is being ridden. DJ walk, trots and canters quietly and on a longer rein. We think just about anyone could bring DJ along!

DJ would be best in a mid- to lower-level type job, (like lower jumping, trails or dressage). He retried with sclerosis in both knees, but he's healed well, had lots of turn out and let down time and is ready for his next big adventure!

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

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - We don't need to use a chain on DJ ... he's always well behaved.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - He stands like a statue!
• Horse Care - Level 2 - DJ is shod in the front.
• Riding - Level 1 - He is a straight-forward and easy ride.
• General Demeanor - Level 2 - DJ is an easy-going guy but he's playful with others in turn out. 
• 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.