2023 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 2 - If Fishy's adorable face doesn’t win you over, his personality is sure to do the trick! He might sometimes forget his manners and march forward, but is overall a sweet boy who is happy to be included in just about any activity around the farm. 

• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 - Aside from some occasional baby wiggles, Fishy stands very well to be groomed and tacked. 

• Horse Care -  Level 1 - Fishy is barefoot and is quite content on our default feeding ration! 

• Riding - Level 2 - 3  - Fishy is a fun, forward type that is sure to excel in a sport career. He demonstrates a “can-do” attitude and always tries hard to please, even when he is confused or unclear on the rules of the game. As with any youngster, he can sometimes be opinionated, but is easily persuaded with a kind, guiding hand. 

• General Demeanor - Level 2 -  Fishy is a sweet fellow who mostly keeps to himself in turnout. While the more rambunctious geldings in his overnight group will rush the gate to be brought inside, Fishy watches from afar and waits patiently to be retrieved. 

• Physical Capability* - Level 4+ - Fishy is sound and has no known physical limitations! He was reported to have a sesamoid fracture after his last race, but recent x-rays don't show any signs of fractures, so the sky is the limit for him! As always, veterinary records are available to interested and approved adopters.
  
  

Wild Carp Diem came to New Vocations via the NYTHA Take the Lead program. We are grateful for their support!

CLICK FOR HORSE LEVEL INFORMATION

*Assessments are based on information provided by the donors, physical/ mental assessments done by our professional team, as well as any veterinary examinations done at the farm (as needed). Approved, prospective adopters are welcome to arrange and coordinate a PPE if they choose, after speaking with the trainer at the respective facility of the horse. Adopters may also elect to use the 60-day trial period to thoroughly vet and assess the fit of the horse at their barn to ensure a great match!  

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 range around $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.
  
  
• $2,000 - $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 - $1,500: 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.