2023 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible!

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 2 - Paul is typically easy to lead, though he can start power walking at times.
  
  
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 - While cross ties seem new to Paul, he is adapting well! He may turn into a flamingo at times, standing with one leg up, or wiggling around as he settles in. He is learning to have patience while standing, but tries very hard to be a good boy.
  
  
• Horse Care - Level 1 - Paul is one of those rare gems that is barefoot and does well without shoes! He is also on our default feed program and maintains weight well.
  
  
• Riding - Level 2 - 3  - Send the Word is full of potential! If you’re looking for a horse to bring along as a competitive, driven mount, he might just be the one for you. With natural, flowy gaits and daisy-cutter movement he has wowed us from his first ride in the program. His canter can be a little heavy through his forehand, but a skilled rider will have no problem teaching him to rock back to engage his hind end. Because he can be strong, we’d recommend at least an advanced intermediate rider (and as usual we would recommend working with a trainer/ professional).
  
  
• General Demeanor - Level 2 - Paul loves time outside with the other geldings in his field. He is mid-ranked in the herd, but can be somewhat pushy with more submissive types. He is sensible around the barn, and not overly anxious. He can be mouthy or grumpy at times in his stall, but we think that once he’s settled into a consistent routine, he will flourish.
  
  
• Physical Capability* - Level 4 - Send the word had a condylar fracture (left front) that has healed well. In a recent vet exam, the vet felt that he would have no limitations, but he has some mild arthritic changes. As always, veterinary records are available to interested, approved adopters.
  
  

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.