“Early” is always one step ahead! Already an incredible mover who carries himself in natural balance, we can see him excelling in any discipline or job he's asked to try! He retired from racing sound with no known injuries, and he's full to the brim with potential for his second career.

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 3 - Early needs an experience handler on the ground. He currently requires a chain while being led in and out of turn out; he's most likely to shows off after being stuck in for a few days due to weather (he lives in New York, it's cold with snow and ice and he can't always run around and play like he'd like to!). Early's behavior leading in and out does improve with more regular work and turn out.
  
  
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 3 - Early loves attention and he enjoys being groomed, but he can be impatient at times if he's being tacked or waiting around. Just as is the case with leading, 'he's become less reactive with training and work.
  
  
• Horse Care - Level 2 - 3 - He currently wears front shoes. We've noticed his hooves are a bit sensitive on the frozen New York ground, however, so we'll be adding hind shoes as well!
  
  
• Riding - Level 3 - Early is brave under saddle, has an excellent work ethic and has a nice way of going! He's even started to use himself and is already catching on to coming from behind. While he's a straightforward ride, he can still lean in the hand a bit and can be quick at the canter for a few strides. He's easily corrected and is improving every day. We really can't say enough good things about his under saddle work!
  
  
• General Demeanor - Level 3 - 4 - An experienced handler and rider will be able to help Early through his few quirks on the ground. But all in all he's a solid citizen with a big future ahead!
  
  
• Physical Capability - Level 5 - Early has no known injuries and retired from racing sound. He has a history of a tie-back surgery, but this should not limit his second career potential! The sky's the limit for this one!

 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.