HOW TO ADOPT
Make Your Next Horse a Retired Racehorse!
Both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds can be successful show or pleasure mounts beyond the track. With proper training there are no limits to what these horses can do. Many have excelled in hunter/jumpers, dressage, eventing, competitive trail riding, foxhunting, 4H, barrel racing, carriage driving, pleasure riding and more. These highly athletic and intelligent horses have a lot to offer individuals that take the time to teach them.
How to Adopt a Horse:
Step #1 - Submit An Applicant Questionnaire
Interested in adopting from New Vocations? Experienced horse owners can get started by filling out an Applicant Questionnaire at the link below! Your questionnaire will be screened by our team to see if a retired racehorse is right for you. If so, you will then be invited to fill out an application to adopt by our Adopter Relations Manager.
Step #2 - Submit an Application
Questions are asked concerning experience and stabling. Veterinarian and personal references are required. Applicants must be approved prior to visiting any of the facilities. Adopters must reside in the 48 contiguous U.S. states.
A $25 non-refundable application fee applies.
Please Note: The application form is easiest to complete on a desktop compter or laptop.
Step #3 - Gain Approval
Processing time often depends on accessibility of references. Applicants should notify references that they will be contacted. Applicants are notified of status via e-mail or other designated means. Approved applications are valid for 2 years, so there is plenty of time to find the right horse!
Please remember to check your SPAM folder for status e-mails!
Step #4 - Choose a Horse
Available horses are listed on the website complete with multiple photographs, riding video(s) and a detailed description. Approved adopters can speak with a trainer for further details that aren't already posted online. They may also make an appointment to view the horses or commit sight unseen based on website information and a phone/e-mail interview with the New Vocations trainer. Adopters who work with trainers are encouraged to include them in the selection process.
Step #5 - Pay Adoption Fees
Adoption fees range from waived to $3,500 depending on each horse's age and physical limitations.
Fees are waived on horses that, while otherwise healthy, have significant limitations for a riding career or are otherwise difficult to place.
Horses with higher adoption fees (typically horses that are highly desirable will have an added non-refundable donation along with the adoption fee) help those horses who may need extensive medical care or just more time to find a loving home.
Please confirm with the horse's trainer prior to paying adoption fee. Without confirmation the horse may not be available and the adoption is not pending or final.
Step #6 - Sign the Adoption Contract
Thoroughbred adoption contracts are for one year and Standardbred adoption contracts are for two years. In the event an adopter determines a horse is unsuitable within 60 days following the receipt of physical possession of the horse, the adopter may return the horse to New Vocations in exchange for a credit equal to the adoption fee. Provided, however, that New Vocations shall be entitled to retake possession of the adopted horse without granting a credit to the adopter in the event the horse’s physical condition has worsened while in the possession of the adopter. In either case the adopter is responsible for providing transportation for the horse to return to the program.
If the horse will be kept at a boarding facility, the owner of that facility must fill out the boarding agreement.
After the contract term has ended, the adopted horse may change hands, contingent up these conditions: that all updates have been confirmed received; New Vocations has been given the Right of First Refusal; and the Third Party Bill of Sale has been completed and sent to the Updates Manager.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THOROUGHBRED ADOPTION CONTRACT
Step #7 - Arrange Transportation
Once a commitment is made the adopter has seven days to pick up or transport the horse. A daily rate is charged for board beyond this grace period. A health certificate is required by law for horses that are shipping with a commercial hauler and would be crossing state lines. Health certificates typically cost $30 - $50, depending upon facility location.
Step #8 - Send Updates
Adopters are required by contract to send updates with clear photos. During the first year, Thoroughbred adopters must submit updates at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th month from the date of the adoption. During the first two years, Standardbred adopters must submit updates at the 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th month from the date of adoption. This helps New Vocations monitor the horse’s condition and progress. Copies are sent to donors to assure them of a successful transition and may be posted on New Vocations social media as Success Stories or included in the bi-annual print/PDF newsletter.
Make a Difference
Please take a moment to consider gifting a vital donation to help retired racehorses in need. Please select what kind of gift suits you best. Your contribution today helps us continue our important work to help rehabilitate, retrain and rehome over 600 racehorses each year.
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