2020 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

If you’re aiming to hit your horse show goals this year, then you’re already on the board if you’re looking at Flying Arrow. “Robin Hood,” as he’s known around the barn, is walking around with a target on his back as one of our top choices for a sport horse propsect! This handsome son of Tapit has all the old and Irish lines to back up his good looks with nice breeding. Don’t knock this arrow unless you’re prepared to get hit by a future superstar.

Robin has taken to life off the track very well. He is quiet in hand and leads calmly in and out of turnout each day. He has no issues standing for the farrier, and has settled into hanging out in the crossties as he’s been here. He was recently gelded before arriving here so he has been turned out with our resident babysitter during the day to learn how to be social with other geldings. He is playful outside and enjoys showing off his sick moves and coming in covered in mud. Robin is thinner coated and prefers to be groomed with gentle curry combs and softer brushes. Has has no shown any stall vices while he has been here and has never been “studdish” while in our program.

Under saddle, Robin is a foward, sporty ride. He has three lovely, balanced gaits and a soft, uphill feel that bursts with potential as he continues to develop better topline and fitness more suited to a show horse. He is still tighter through his hind end and neck in a “racing fit” way but is learning to reach and stretch while engaging from behind. He likes a rider that is soft but “present” with their aids who challenges his mind while working so he stays mentally stimulated. Robin is brave and bold, working in the indoor and outdoor alone and in company with no issues. He has been started over ground poles and is not fazed at all about picking his feet up. While he is still learning to rock back and collect at the trot and canter, he is accepting of the rider’s seat and leg. His biggest goal is working on lifting his shoulder and carrying himself into the hand rather than relying on support but he has made great strides under saddle already.

Robin is suitable for an advanced rider working a trainer. He retired sound with no known injuries and is a sporty prospect that would be successful in many different disciplines, however, we think he would make a great jumper or dressage prospect. He has been seen by the vet and the chiropractor and we have clean radiographs on file for interested approved adopters. He is currently in a cross-training program to build his fitness and develop a muscular build more desirable for off the track life. One thing is for sure, he’s a bullseye choice for the show ring. 

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.