2023 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

Here's your chance to experience the joy of owning a War Horse! After 66 starts on the track, "Bene" has experienced a lot in his racing career and it shows through his "been there, done that" attitude.

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - Bene is led around the farm in a plain halter and lead rope. He respects his handler’s personal space.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 - Bene generally stands quietly and patiently in the crossties. We have found that with new people or in new locations he can sometimes be fussy or fidgety until he settles in. He does best when reminded to stand still and is happier when grooming sessions are kept short and to the point. Lately, he has become very chatty with us- nickering when the person that’s with him comes back into view or when it's time for his post-ride carrot.
• Horse Care - Level 1 -  Bene eats well and is currently living out with one other friendly gelding. He has been a little harder to place in turnout and we have found that a quiet, friendly gelding is the best buddy for him. He is currently barefoot but will require front shoes when his work level increases. Benefactor is a controlled cribber.
• Riding - Level 1 - Bene is steady and dependable under saddle. He is more of a push ride. 
• General Demeanor - Level 1 - 2 - Bene is an older War Horse that we have learned, during his time with us, can be particular about the person he wants to be with and that he will choose his partner as much as you would. Bene’s best match would be someone that is business minded with a program that is firm but fair. He becomes more affectionate as you get to know him and at that point will tolerate being doted on and fussed over. We are looking for a special adopter who will respect Bene for who he is and all the life experiences he has.
• Physical Capability - Level 4 - Bene is finishing up his rehab from a paddock laceration before getting back into work again. He has an old osselet that is set and would make a great all-around horse!

 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.