2023 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible!

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 2  - There are few things that Dumpling loves more than a good outing! He is respectful of his handler, easy to catch and demonstrates patience at the gate (even when his buddies don't).
  
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 - Dumpling wiggles occasionally when being saddled, but stands nicely for grooming and tacking otherwise. He is a big fan of soft brushes on his face and will stand quietly if left unattended.
• Horse Care - Level 2 - 3 -  Dumpling benefits greatly from extra digestive and hoof support with his daily rations. He wears front shoes and is working hard to grow out a healthy, strong foot!
• Riding - Level 2  -  When it comes to riding, Dumpling lives up to his name in every way! He is a smart, steady type who has blown us away with his work ethic. He can be a bit impatient when mounting, but his rehab rides have overall been pleasant and productive. Dumpling seems to improve with each passing day! With his agreeable nature and naturally correct movement, we can't wait to see how he finishes out.
• General Demeanor - Level 2 -  Dumpling is a go-with-the-flow kind of guy, and is quite content to live the "simple life" out in the field with some friends... Of course, a few hours of stalling is fine too, as long as he can poke his head out to solicit much-needed scratches from passing humans. Overall, this sweet gelding is fine with just about any setup and gives us no trouble in or out of the barn! 
• Physical Capability* - Level 3 - Dumpling has recovered well from a chip removal and is expected to be most comfortable in a mid-level career. He does appear to have a condition called "Shivers", which doesn't affect him in most capacities at this point (it's only evident when he backs up), but we have adjusted his adoption fee to reflect that.
  
  

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.