Medal Count

Of a gold standard indeed, Medal Count is ready for his next career in his forever home! This well-traveled gelding earned nearly half a million dollars during his successful racing career, which included a Grade 3 stakes win and finishing in the money in several Grade 1 and Grade 2 stakes, including the Belmont Stakes (G1)! He stood at stud for several years before being gelded and entering our program to start his third career.

One of Medal Count’s first transitions in our program was figuring out turnout with a buddy! He's done well with this task and goes out during the day with our resident babysitter, Ranger. He loves to stretch his legs and enjoys some snacking, but he’s overall quite relaxed and content outside.

Around the barn, you can often find Medal Count sticking his head out of his stall, taking in all the action, or resting quietly. He can be shy and aloof at first, but he is happy to get one-on-one time when he gets individualized attention. Medal Count has spent some time getting used to new environments and building his confidence with us; he can be a bit of a cowardly lion at times!

Under saddle, Medal Count is a bit nervous as he is figuring out his new job in the ring. We see loads of potential in him (check out his free lunge video!), but he is just working on relaxing under saddle at the moment. He will do best with an advanced rider who is confident and can guide Medal Count through the process as he learns to relax and get back into shape with his next career.

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 3
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 3
• Horse Care - Level 2 - He wears front shoes.
• Riding - Level 3 - 4
• General Demeanor - Level 3
• Horse Physical Capability - Level 3+

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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.