2020 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

Zip! Zap! Kapow! Better snag this one up quickly or he’ll be gone in a flash! California-bred Sunset Green Flash, or Flash as he is known around the barn, is a charming youngster with great brain and a quiet demeanor. Like the phenomenon he’s named after, he displays an incredible personality not often seen in young horses.

While he is not completely a deadhead, this Cali boy has that surfer vibe that makes handling him very easy. He stands well in the crossties, for the farrier, and bathing. He leads very well by himself or with other horses. Flash has gone out with many horses in his time here and has been a really great turnout buddy for all of them. During his stay at the rehab barn, he was frequently used as a “babysitter” for the hotter newcomers who needed to learn to quiet down in turnout. He loves cookie, mints, and forehead scratches. He is a social gelding with a playful mind who enjoys a stimulating environment. 

If you’re looking for an intelligent, capable mount, then Flash is your guy. He has three good gaits and is learning balance and to better track straight while working. He picks up both leads but can be sticky going into the canter as he is still learning to carry himself independent of the rider’s hand. His transitions are getting sharper as he continues to work off his rider’s seat and leg. Flash has proven to be bold and brave while working, never displaying a spook or bolt under saddle. He still has some of that lingering track horse pep but is learning to relax and settle in work. His biggest challenge right now is becoming more comfortable using his back and hind end and becoming lighter in the bridle. However, he is not heavy or strong and goes around in a simple snaffle. As you can see in the free lunge video, Flash enjoys challenges and goes over poles and flower boxes like they’re nothing! He prefers a rider with a light seat/hand. Under saddle videos will be added as they become available. He has also worked extensively on the lunge line.

Sunset Green Flash is suitable for at least an intermediate rider working with a trainer. While he is suitable for most disciplines, we think he would be a good hunter or eventual lesson horse prospect.

Flash is also eligible for the 2020 Retrained & Remarkable Challenge eligible. As such he will be invited to compete at the 2020 New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, where he will receive free entry into R&R Challenge classes (which include English and Western pleasure, hunter hack, trail, driving and in-hand classes).

COVID-19 Adoption Fee Update

You might notice some of our horses' adoption fees have been reduced in recent days.  This is solely due to the current COVID-19 situation and not because we've discovered new physical issues or behavioral issues.  We always aim to keep our adoption fees low so adopters can invest more in the future training and care for each horse. The adoption option is truly the most economical option!

In addition, please keep in mind the more horses we rehome, the more retiring racehorses we can welcome to our program. And, with the current uncertainty at many racetracks and training centers, we're hoping to eliminate barriers to help find perfect homes for our current residents so we can continue serving those in need of transitional training. Adopters must still be approved to bring a horse home.

Please feel free to contact any horse's trainer for additional information on his or her adoption fee.

ADOPTION FEE POLICY

New Vocations’ adoption fees are intentionally set lower than the cost of buying most Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds through a private seller. In today’s market, it’s not unusual for horses coming right off the track to be listed for sale at a price between $2,000 and $5,000. At New Vocations, we set a fee that will ultimately help each horse find a home quickly. The program’s facilities are always at full capacity, which means we cannot take in an additional horse until one is adopted. Adopters should be encouraged to know that by adopting a horse through New Vocations, they are actually helping two horses transition to careers outside of racing.

In general, our fees are set at $500, $1,000 or $1,000 with a $1,500 donation. 

• $1,000 with a $1,500 donation: This range is for horses that we consider to be the cream of the crop or the unicorn horses.  They are horses that have few or no limitations, have 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 3’).  They may have been fully rehabbed from a race injury but have been cleared 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.

Additionally, adopters get great value for their money: The majority of the horses have been in the program for a minimum of 60 days. During that time, horses are rehabilitated (if needed), socialized with other horses, fully evaluated, and in work with a professional trainer. New Vocations fully discloses each horse’s history and provides all available medical records, many of which include X-ray and ultrasounds.

While adoption fees are low, it should be noted that costs associated with ongoing care and additional training for each horse after adoption can be high. New Vocations hopes that by helping an adopter save money upfront, he or she will have more funds available to cover the continuing costs of properly caring for a horse.