2023 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 2  - Kahuna is typically led with a chain over his nose when coming in from turnout in case he needs to be reminded that his food is not going anywhere. He is more relaxed when being led out to his field in the afternoons and around the barn.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2-3 -Kahuna stands well on the crossties to be groomed and tacked up but he does have a time limit and expects that you are well prepared before he is taken out of his stall. He doesn't mind being groomed but prefers a softer brush on his legs.
• Horse Care - Level 1 - He has been barefoot during his time in our program and has filled out nicely on our default feeding program without any extra supplementation. 
• Riding - Level  2 - 3  - Kahuna is a powerful mover with smooth, comfortable gaits! Occasionally, he will ask that his rider hold his head (all that knowledge makes the brain heavy, after all!), but can be persuaded to support his own weight after a brief warmup period. As a lazier type, he would do best with a rider who can keep his mind motivated! 
• General Demeanor - Level 2 - 3  - Kahuna currently goes out overnight with our babysitter horse and seems to prefer this set up. He can also be a bit territorial about eating in his stall and will let his neighbors know that he prefers not to share but does not share this characteristic with his human handlers. 
• Physical Capability* - Level 3- The Big Kahuna retired from racing with some hind end suspensory issues but was treated with the gold standard of care! He is being brought back into work slowly and has been sound in our program. He would be best suited for a mid-level career.

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.