Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding

This week’s honoree: New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program.

Each Friday, Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to spotlight an individual or organization doing good work in the horse world. Today, we recognize New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program.

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program is the largest racehorse adoption program in the United States, helping to rehome off-the-track Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds to forever homes where they can begin their second careers.

New Vocations’ mission statement is as follows:

To stand in the gap for noncompetitive, often injured racehorses providing a peaceful environment and skilled hands to assist in their development as pleasure mounts. To place these horses in experienced loving homes that will continue their education so each has a skill and therefore, a future.

New Vocations is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Locations: New Vocations has two locations in Ohio and a location in Pennsylvania. The organization currently has a capital campaign to develop a long-term donated lease of Mereworth Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, which when developed is projected to be the largest aftercare facility of its kind in the United States. The Mereworth Farm location will serve as a showcase to the public as well as a functional facility to help more retiring racehorses.

Adoptions: New Vocations has adopted out over 6,000 retired racehorses since its inception in 1992. Adoption contracts apply for one year, and after that period horses may be sold or change hands with New Vocations retaining the first right of refusal. Adoption fees average at $450 but range anywhere from $1 to $1,000; all applicants must provide references from a veterinarian as well as personal references and are required to send three written updates as well as photographs in the first year. Additional application requirements can be viewed here.

Education: In addition to facilitating the adoption of Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds to second-career homes, New Vocations also provides plenty of education and information about both breeds and the retraining process, from debunking common myths to providing plenty of training tips. Program director Anna Ford has written and published the ultimate guide, Beyond the Track: Retraining the Thoroughbred From Racehorse to Riding Horse.

To learn more about New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, to submit an adoption application or to make a donation towards the Mereworth Farm program, please visit the New Vocations website. You can also follow New Vocations on Facebook for more updates.

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.