Meet our Little Engine That Could! “Gary” has quite a history! This little War Horse not only ran an impressive 244 times, winning nearly $500,000, but he also had many of his best races in his older years. His unusual name comes from a long-time harness racing fan and breeder, Ralph Gauwitz, who has followed the gelding's career for many years (check out a fun article about Ralph and Gary by clicking here!).

"Gary" gives the same go-getter attitude he had on the track to his new riding career and happily tackles everything we throw at him. 

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Gary is quiet and agreeable on the ground, leads everywhere in a plain halter and lead rope, and is "husband-safe" to work with on the ground.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 - For the most part, Gary has no issues with grooming or tacking, but he can be a bit sensitive to brushing in the flank area and will pick up his feet when crossing blanket straps between his legs. He has never actually kicked. 
• Horse Care - Level 2 - 3 - Gary is an easy keeper and is currently barefoot. He did tear a suspensory (which limited his early racing career) so may need supportive shoeing depending on his workload.
• Riding - Level 2 - Gary isn't bothered by much. He can be forward under saddle. He has a job to do and he wants to get to it! He walks, trots, paces, and canters under saddle.
• General Demeanor - Level 1 - Having been claimed a remarkable 11 times in a single racing season, Gary is no stranger to changing locations! He takes everything in stride and settles in easily. In turnout, he enjoys the company of other geldings and falls into the middle of the pack in the herd dynamic. 
• Horse Physical Capability - Level 2 - Gary's old suspensory injury will keep him from some disciplines (like speed events or jumping), but we can see him excelling in flat classes for English and Western disciplines or enjoying hunter paces!

 click for horse level information 

ABOUT OUR ADOPTION FEES

New Vocations intentionally sets our horses’ 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 $5,000 to $10,000!).

Our facilities are nearly always at max capacity, which means we can’t take in a new horse until one is adopted. Keeping our adoption fees low helps us find appropriate homes for horses quickly, thereby enabling us to assist even more horses transition off the track as stalls open up in our barns! In that way, when you adopt a horse through New Vocations, you’re actually helping two horses: your new family member and the one who takes his place in our program!

While our adoption fees are low, it’s important to remember that costs associated with the ongoing care and additional training for a horse (adopted or otherwise!) can be high. We hope that by helping adopters save money upfront, you’ll have more funds available to cover the costs of properly caring for and training a retired racehorse.

In general, our fees range around $3,500, $2,500, $1,000, and Under $1,000:

• $3,500: This range is for horses considered unlimited in their physical ability or those with exceptional qualities that would make them an upper- or high-level equine athlete.
  
  
• $2,000 - $2,500: This range is for horses we consider physically capable of a mid- to high-level second career. They have few or relatively minor limitations.
  
  
• $1,000 - $1,500: This range is for horses best suited for a low- to mid-level career. They may have sustained an injury but have been fully treated and rehabbed. These horses have been examined by and cleared by our veterinarians for most disciplines, possibly up to a certain level (for example, suitable for a career jumping 2’0” but not suitable for a 3’6” career).
  
  
• Under $1,000: This range is for horses that could be harder to place in a perfect situation or those with more limited athletic potential (for example, possibly suitable for flat-work only) but are still capable of a successful second career. They have been evaluated by our veterinarians and are otherwise healthy.

Another perk of adopting from us? We do all we can to give you the most value for your adoption fee. 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, evaluated by trainers and veterinarians, and in regular training with a professional; on average, the monetary value of these services exceeds $5,000. Any medical records (often including X-ray and ultrasounds) and pertinent history we have on each horse is also available to interested and approved adopters.