New Vocations places over 200 horses a year in qualified, loving homes.
A few examples follow:

Key Slew and adopter Kelly Grant of Georgia navigate a water obstacle during an Eventing class. The rugged chestnut gelding raced until he became noncompetitive at age seven and was sent to New Vocations. Less than a year later Key is a winner in Kelly’s eyes as they compete in a variety of sports.

 

Andrea and Eric Queen enjoy trail riding at Buffalo River, Tennessee with their adopted Thoroughbred, Golden Destiny (left) and one they raised, Elvis. On this Labor Day weekend, the rest of the family joined them on their adopted geldings BL’s Ghost, Distinctive Sunny, and Mantanza’s Bay. “There were about 300 people and their horses enjoying the holiday,” relates Heather Queen. “Our Thoroughbreds were the talk of the campground. Many people came to the barn to check them out and ask questions. Our horses enjoy getting out into nature and especially like going in the creeks and river.”

Christy Baxter from Hilliard, Ohio proudly hugs her handsome Thoroughbred gelding, Fair Grape. Retired from racing at three due to a breathing problem, he struggled to get his air even with only moderate exercise. Christy adopted Fair Grape from New Vocations and had “tie back” surgery performed at OSU veterinary clinic a year ago. The horse healed rapidly and regained his wind. Christy is schooling Fair Grape in Dressage and starting him over jumps in preparation for the 2003 show season.

Right Beat and her young rider compete in a Walk/Trot class. The 17 year old mare was sent to New Vocations when she was deemed unbreedable. Though she hadn’t been ridden in four years, and then, never by a child, Right Beat proved quiet and willing in her new role.

 

Hit the Fan and adopter Audra Cooper of Tennessee participate in a Pat Perrelli clinic. Audra is currently taking the four year old gelding through the different levels of training.

 

 

 

Regal Relaunch was retired at age seven with a mild suspensory injury and sent to New Vocations. During his rehabilitation he proved to be quiet, confident, and wise. Regal was adopted by 14 year old Rachel Shavers of New York who handled most of his transitional training herself. Rachel writes, “At a recent “fun night” at our barn, Regal was second in the apple dunking contest. Running down the arena to a water tank full of apples wasn’t a problem, but Regal had a bit of trouble figuring out what in the heck he was supposed to do when he got there! He also gave rides to children who had never been on a horse before. He loves little kids and is fascinated with their size. He will gently lower his head to accept their hugs and kisses. When I’m riding Regal I haven’t a care in the world. Your Program has given me the horse of my dreams.”

They are both 13 years old and what a pair! Eric Mayfield proudly poses with his adopted Thoroughbred, Copper Sundown. The classy gelding was retired at age ten and found his way to a home that gave him some basic hunter training. After a couple of years his new owner fell on hard times and sent Copper to New Vocations. Though the horse was in very poor physical condition, young Eric and his adult sister, Amanda opened their hearts and home rising to the challenge to restore the big gelding’s health. Copper has blossomed under their loving care, and he and Eric have developed a strong bond of mutual admiration.

Claudia’s Upset nuzzles her newborn Quarter Horse filly. The 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare was sent to New Vocations when her owner was forced to downsize. Adopter Barbara Smith of Georgia bred the elegant mare to her quarter horse stud.

Barbara gives Claudia a hug of relief and gratitude shortly after the delivery.

 

 

 

Irish Era and Mickey Burke compete at the All Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show in 2002. Irish raced for several years (over 50 starts) before retiring to the pleasure horse ranks. He injured himself foxhunting at age 16 and was donated to New Vocations. Mickey and his wife Kerri spent months rehabilitating and conditioning Irish. Their labor of love was fruitful and once again, he is a star!

Elliganceindiamonds’ pretty black and white filly is the product of a Thoroughbred dam and a Paint Horse sire. The foal can be registered with the American Paint Horse Association which accepts a Thoroughbred parent. This is also true for the Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, and many Warmblood registries.
Crossbreeding programs provide a wonderful vocation for many Thoroughbred mares that do not have the pedigree to breed pure, but are still high quality individuals. Thoroughbred blood enhances the elegance and athletic ability of many breeds, and often adds size, as well.