• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 2 - Liz is generally easy to handle with normal, daily tasks. As a young, inexperienced mare she can be a bit insecure or spooky in busy or unexpected situations. In these moments she may try to convince her handler to carry her for protection. 
  
  
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 1-2 - Liz LOVES to be handled and groomed! At bath time she prefers warm bubbles to get her squeaky clean. She is good for tacking, though she expresses her displeasure if her girth is tightened too quickly. 
  
  
• Horse Care - Level 1 - Liz is barefoot and has wonderfully solid, large feet! 
  
  
• Riding - Level 2 - Liz is coming to the realization that work can be enjoyed! However, new things take time to process, and she needs some encouragement that she is capable of what she is being asked.  She is a bit “wiggly” under saddle, and will spook as a youngster who is still gaining experience does. Her general reaction is a small, yet swift movement followed by a stern stare down and snort at the pesky object!
  
  
• General Demeanor - Level 2 - 3 - Liz's general demeanor is typical of a young horse who is still learning the world around them. She lacks the experiences that typically come with a former racing career, but is extremely adoring of her person and reciprocates affection. She does have an opinionated side, in which her name is temporarily amended to “Lizard”. Liz thoroughly enjoys her social time outdoors with friends. She expects to be the center of attention and loves grooming and carrots!
  
  
• Horse Physical Capability - Level 2 - Liz is building up to become a solid, strong and large mover. Due to an old pelvis fracture (sustained over four years ago) which resulted in surgery and thorough rehab, she will be suitable for controlled flat work only as not to over stress the joint. Liz is fully capable of having adventures on the trail, dancing in the dressage ring or enjoying liberty work and other flat endeavors. Her thick build and size is surprisingly light and flowing, with a gracefulness that would be ideal for lower level dressage!  Liz will canter in the field, but will need more time to develop the physique needed to carry a rider at that gait. With slow and patient build up under saddle, and an adoring partner who listens to her, we can see her being an eye-catching show prospect. As a youngster, she is moldable to become quite the partner! 

 click for horse level information 

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.