2022 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

“Vally” is a big-bodied boy who retired after one start on the track when it was clear he wasn't interested in racing; his donors wanted him to have a successful second career instead! He has no known injuries and is a lovely prospect for any discipline!

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - 2 - Vally was slightly pushy on the ground when he first arrived, but he's been an absolute gentleman since settling into his new surroundings and routine.
  
  
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - 2 - He's a big fan of grooming and bath time! On a normal, quiet day Vally stands quietly in the crossties. He can get a bit impatient if there's lots of activity going on around him (he just wants to be part of the fun!), but he typically settles with a soft reminder to stand and a pat.
  
  
• Horse Care - Level 2 - 3 - Vally wears steel shoes on his front feet. Since he's gotten back to work, we added an extra feeding to help keep his weight up, and we'd recommend his adopter keep an eye on his weight as he adjusts to his new home and situation. He is a controlled cribber and wears a collar.
  
  
• Riding - Level 1 - Vally has been very enjoyable to restart! He is quiet and kind with a good work ethic. He marched around the big grass ring and payed no attention to the spooky jumps or horses running and playing in the field next door! He knows how to longe and long line and is soft and responsive enough to continue to be ridden in a soft Mullen mouth snaffle.
  
  
• General Demeanor - Level 1 - 2 - It only took Vally a few days to settle into his new routine and he's been an absolute pleasure to have in the barn. He gets along well with other horses and has very good manners. 
  
  
• Physical Capability - Level 5 - We have no reason not to think that the sky is the limit for this handsome boy! 

 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.