O, say can you see? My America is the perfect addition to your stable!

“Sam” is a regal, confident and solidly built guy who'd love a home where he can stay busy. He love exploring and isn't excitable; he pays no mind to passing traffic or noises outside the arena! He happily accepts contact and has even started showing some self-carriage. Sam is a lovely mover with a powerful hind end. We could see him shining in multiple disciplines, from Dressage (traditional or Western!) to low-level eventing!

An easy to handle guy, Sam loves grooming and being fussed over. He stands well for the vet and farrier.

Sam loves to romp with his fellow playful geldings in the field! He's a bit particular about his wardrobe and has been known to take off his clothes if he thinks they're cramping his style. He was gelded a bit later than normal, so we would not recommend he be turned out with mares.

Sam has made it clear that he's not a fan of sharing his grain (does anyone really like sharing food??), so we would recommend feeding him in a stall or a small pen outside and letting him dine in peace. He'll happily accept blanket changes, scratches and other forms of interaction once he's finished his main course! 

He retired from racing in August 2021 with a slab fracture in his right knee. The fracture healed very well and he's been sound in work. Sam was previously adopted, but returned to us when it wasn't quite the right fit for his new family. 

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - 2 - Sam is typically easy to lead; if the weather or an injury has limited his turnout for an extended period of time, he can be a bit pushy, but he settles back down once he's back in a routine.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 - He stands quietly to be groomed (he prefers soft brushes, please!) and tacked.
• Horse Care - Level 2 - Sam has thin soles and needs front shoes.
• Riding - Level 2 - While he's an easy ride, he's still learning to balance himself properly.
• General Demeanor - Level 3 - 4 - We rated Sam a Level 3 - 4 largely due to his mildly food aggressive nature. Aside from that, he's very easy to work around and enjoys attention! If you respect that he'd rather not be fussed with during breakfast and dinner, he's a puppy dog!
• Physical Capability - Level 3+ - 

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

 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 are set at $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.
  
  
• $2,500: 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: 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.