This handsome guy has a big build and soft eye that draw attention from everyone that comes in the barn!

Sound Effect is an easy-going horse with a sweet personality and no stall vices. In turnout he likes to goof around a bet but he is ultimately quiet and reliable (and mid-ranked) in his turnout with three other geldings. He is relatively easy to handle on the ground, though he occasionally needs to be reminded about personal space!

Sound Effect is looking for his next home as either a companion or pleasure/light trail mount. The most recent vet exam at our farm revealed a chronic apical sesamoid fracture with moderate to severe osteoarthritis. Additionally, ultrasounds shows lesions within the medial suspensory branch and median oblique sesamoidean ligament. As such, he would benefit from a rehab-type schedule for under saddle work to heal his current soft tissue injuries. For the best chance at future under saddle work (which he'll still be quite limited in his physical capabilities) he'll need a specific rider and situation, however, as he can be an energetic and occasionally strong/testing mount. He does stand well at the mounting block and we've found he really enjoys hacking outside of the ring; we think he'd love a lifestyle where that's his maximum effort level! He would also be an excellent companion horse or pasture puff.

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 2
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1
• Horse Care - Level 3 - He does wear a slight mechanic shoe and will benefit from continued special hoof care and shoeing.
• Riding - Level 3
• General Demeanor - Level 1 - 2 
• Horse Physical Capability - Level 1

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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.