2022 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

With no known limitations for his second career, royally bred “Irish” has all the makings of a superstar!

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Irish is led around the farm in a plain halter and lead rope. He has good ground manners and is respectful of his handler's personal space.
  
  
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 - He stands well in crossties, although he can get a bit impatient from time to time (although this is getting better and better). He can get a little bored if he thinks things are moving too slowly, at which point reins, lead ropes and the end of the crossties can end up in his mouth; we just make sure to tie up loose ends!
  
  
• Horse Care - Level 2 - Irish wears steel shoes on his front feet. Aside from that, he is a pretty easy keeper and loves his food!
  
  
• Riding - Level 1 - 2 - He's still green, but Irish is very enjoyable under saddle! He is quiet and not spooky, and he's very balanced for such a young horse. He naturally goes in a nice frame and is responsive and willing. With his way of going, we feel he will make a lovely hunter in the future!
  
  
• General Demeanor - Level 1 - 2 - Irish is a very sweet, personable horse. He loves attention and is very much “in your pocket.” He plays well with others during turnout and is a pleasure to have in the barn.
  
  
• Physical Capability - Level 5 - We have no reason to believe Irish has any limitations for a new career!

 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.