2023 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible!

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - 2  - Buddy is a kind and sensible gentleman who makes it clear, even when walking to turnout, why he wasn’t successful as a racehorse: he would rather take his time and smell the roses than win them!
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1- 2 - Buddy stands in the cross ties like a champ and doesn’t mind being tacked, groomed or generally doted on.
• Horse Care - Level 2 -  Buddy wears basic front shoes and can be a somewhat pickier eater. We've addressed this by giving him half textured feed and half pelleted feed with oil, but he hasn’t been a harder keeper– he just has a refined palate.
• Riding - Level 2 - Even from his first ride, Buddy has been described as “perfect” in his manners under saddle. His last race was not very long ago, so he’s still shifting mindsets from his track career and experiencing new things every day. He does so bravely and with curiosity rather than fear. Buddy can start a little tense under saddle but warms up quickly and has shown consistent willingness to learn since he entered our program. He would do best with an advanced intermediate to advanced rider who can help to build his confidence and show him the ropes. 
• General Demeanor - Level 2 - Beauty Amazed is always a friendly face in the barn, and happy to greet anyone who comes to say “hi”. He has no stall vices and is happy to munch hay quietly or nap when he is inside. In turnout he is playful and gets along with the other geldings in his group– whether sharing a space to roll or playing a game of ‘halter tag’. He is typically mid-ranking in a group and prefers his own space rather than getting into any conflict.
• Physical Capability* - Level 5 - Buddy came to us with no injuries - he just wasn't competitive on the track!

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.