A beautiful photo on Facebook was my introduction to New Vocations and the racehorses they serve. I also experienced another moment, after visiting their website, where I turned to my husband and said, “It’s a good thing we sold the house or I would be asking for a barn full of them!” Instead, I have become an avid follower of the New Vocations website at HorseAdoption.com: Warning-this can become addictive! They update the photos and videos regularly as well as posting new horses frequently. I also decided to follow them on Facebook, which brings all those awesome updates directly to my phone.
This week I was able to meet the horses and humans that make up this wonderful organization and to learn more about the program. New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program a 501 (c) 3 charity was founded in 1992 to offer retiring racehorses, both Thoroughbred and Standardbred, a safe-haven, rehabilitation, and continued education through placement in experienced, caring homes. The Mission of New Vocations is to stand in the gap for retired racehorses providing a safety-net through rehabilitation, education, & placement in qualified, caring homes.
New Vocations has worked hard to educate both those inside the racing industry as well as the general public. It was interesting to learn about how the horses arrive at New Vocations as well as the process used to rehab, retrain and rehome them. This short interview with Anna Ford does a great job summarizing what I learned about New Vocations on my first visit and holds a little surprise at the end…
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Hi Stacy,
Thank you so much for shining a spotlight on New Vocations and the crucial work they do on behalf of retired racehorses. It is a wonderful organization! I’ve been wondering if you ever adopted your own “tall, dark, and handsome” after settling down? If you haven’t yet, I really wish you would GO FOR IT and bring the rest of us “along for the ride” as you embark on a new adventure. 😉
If only more horse lovers were aware that OTTBs and OTSBs are very affordable and sometimes even FREE to a good home. It’s one heck of a deal when you consider the caliber of horse you’re getting and the high level of training it has “under its cinch.” These amazing athletes are truly worthy of our respect and consideration…and an place in our barns and hearts.
A couple months ago, my mom adopted a retired OTSB from a local racing stable, and I am beyond blessed to care for him on our small farm. He is our first horse…forgiving and patient as we bumble our way through “learning the ropes.” We almost passed up the opportunity of a lifetime due to voices claiming that OTSBs aren’t for newbies, which may generally be true; however, this guy has a calm, relaxed attitude toward saddles and carrying humans on his back. We’re taking it slow and easy, keeping a VERY close eye on his body language as we progress, and so far, so good!
THANK YOU, Stacy, and may the Lord continue to richly bless you for being a blessing to so many. You are truly an inspiration and a much-needed voice of encouragement that says “you can do this” in a sea of voices that say “you can’t.” I have benefited immeasurably from the vast knowledge and wisdom you share through your podcasts, articles, videos, and book. Who knows, maybe someday we’ll cross paths on the Mohican trails, but if not, I’ll see you on the other side.
In Christ,
Tara S.
My husband and I are great supports of New Vocations. They do a wonderful job with the horses and they do a great job of educating both the Racing industry and the public on these wonderful athletes. We believe in them so much we have adopted 1 OTTB and 3 OTTSTB from them. All four are wonderful partners and much loved pets. Way to go Stacy!
Stacy I normally get alerts through facebook when you post something but lately I am not, have you heard other members of your blog say the same? I’m using a mobile app.
Jackie
why are these poor horses in a stall on a nice day
Because they just came in from the pasture…
Sounds awesome!! I would love to adopt a rescue horse but some rules I can’t meet. 🙁 Like “No barbwire” fencing rule. We have barb wire because we have cows but my current horse does fine with it. Part of it has electric wire around it though.
I volunteer at New York Sunshine Horses a 501(c) 3 organization as well. We take in OTT thoroughbred and standard bred as well as other unwanted horses. We retrain and rehome. Our barn is not real fancy as it is an old farm. We struggle to buy hay and bedding for our thirty +- horses. The barn is not heated so in the winter we deal with frozen water buckets. We have approached many people with means but to no avail. It is good to see you involved in such places, but perhaps a visit to less well to do rescues would be better PR. We are on the WEB as well as Face Book, I hope you will stop by for as visit.
Stacy do you let your geldings run with mares in open pasture?
Thank You,
Loretta Dutra
Sent from Windows Mail
Yes, my geldings and mares run together. We currently have 4 horses. In the past I have separated some because of personality issues and smaller pen sizes but I haven’t usually separated due to sex.
So glad you visited New Vocations. I have a retired Standie. Love him to pieces!
Hi Christina, I have a retired Standie also. Love her to pieces. She is so willing to build the relationship and has a great attitude towards any discipline we try. Love to share more as we continue to grow and learn. Celebrity Jamie, our girl, came from New Vocations.
Hi Stacy, I love this story. There is a similar program running here in Australia.
http://rop.cyberhorse.com.au
It’s great to see these beautiful horses getting a second chance. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Get one Stacy, my boy is OTT thoroughbred and he is a lovely quiet ride. My farrier and his partner run an Standardbred rescue place here in Australia and they turn the horses into beautiful riding horses that don’t cost the earth.
well this answers my question on your other blog (How we plan on living on the road; husband, wife, three kids and four horses) about 5 people…. 4 horses… lol…. he is a looker!!