• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 2 - 3 - Johnny is a glass-half-full kind of guy who finds joy in the simple things, and as such, might display some excitable energy or get into a mouthy mood while being led. However, this is typical for a young gelding and should be a simple fix for an experienced handler!

• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 -  As the self-proclaimed main character of the universe, Johnny requests the full attention of his “subjects” at all times. He might paw or fidget around as a reminder of his presence, but will surely learn (with time) that patience is a virtue.

• Horse Care - Level 2 - Johnny wears basic front shoes and does best with bell boots while in turnout. 

• Riding - Level 3 - Under saddle, Johnny’s confidence is on full display! He is currently in a fitness program to work on balance at the walk and trot, and does require some encouragement to keep forward momentum. We think that he would be best suited for a confident professional who can provide a structured regimen and handle a bit of silliness every once in a while!

• General Demeanor - Level 2 - Johnny is a tour favorite for his unique color and goofy personality! He is a friendly and rambunctious turnout buddy who is always game for a round of halter tag or a romp around the field. 

• Physical Capability - Level 3+ - After a series of acupuncture, rest and reconditioning Johnny is now in a great position moving forward to embark on a new career path! He has what appears to be an old injury to the base of his withers, so saddle fit will be important (a medium tree with normal flocking fits him well right now though so custom saddles are not necessary). Otherwise, Johnny E’s Cowboy has no known injuries moving forward. 

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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.