Standardbred Unicorn Alert! “Dewey” checks all the boxes! This tall, dark and hansome trotter retired sound with more than $1.4 million in earnings and holds the distinction of being the world record holder for the Trot Under Saddle in addition to racing in harness. 

He had two years off to rest and relax before entering the New Vocations program to find his next career. He is quiet, brave, and willing, and we can see him excelling in the hunter or dressage world! He has no vices and is wonderful to have in the barn.  

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Dewey is easily handled in a regular halter and lead rope, is good to turnout and catch from the field, and has been led and handled by kids and husbands!
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1 - Dewey happily stands in the crossties for you to brush off all the mud he has accumulated during his enthusiastic rolling during playtime! He is quiet and polite to saddle and bridle.
• Horse Care - Level 1 - Dewey has no special needs and is currently barefoot. 
• Riding - Level 1 - 2 - Dewey is a quiet and straightforward ride and generally brave in new situations. He is a big horse and his size might intimidate a beginner or nervous rider. 
• General Demeanor - Level 1 - Not much bothers this guy!  He recently attended the Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio, and did wonderfully with crowds, noise, traffic, new arenas (including scary banners, rowdy horses and deadly trash cans!).
• Physical Capability - Level 4 - There are no limits on what Dewey can do in the future.  He is currently riding well at the walk and trot and has given us a bit of a canter under saddle as well! He is also starting to work over ground poles and has been out on adventures around the farm and through water. 

Dewey is such an amazing horse, it is no wonder he was so successful on the track!  We can't wait to see what he brings to his next family!

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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.