New Vocations

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Stone Surprise Stone Surprise By: Alexis Arbaugh March 6, 2024 Success Stories Tags:hunter jumper, New Vocations, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Anna Stone wasn’t actively looking for a new horse, but upon seeing images of Stone Surprise on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program’s social media, she found herself unable to resist. The presence of “Stone” in his name and the coincidence of Anna sharing the same last name piqued her curiosity. Anna had previously adopted other horses from New Vocations, making her an approved adopter, which made the process of acquiring a horse easy and straightforward. Every bit of information Anna gathered about Stone Surprise drew her closer to the decision to bring him home. His pictures were flawless, and she loved his look. He was big and bay, without any white on his legs, and a perfect diamond-shaped star on his forehead. His build and beauty reminded her of Thoroughbred Hunters from the 1970s (Anna’s favorite type of horse). Stone Surprise was stabled at New Vocations’ location in Gansevoort, New York. Anna got ahold of Amanda Vance, the Facility Manager and Thoroughbred Trainer at that farm location. Within an hour of talking with Amanda, Anna had ordered a pre-purchase examination for Stone. Soon after the exam, Stone was put on a trailer to Chicago. Since Anna adopted Stone Surprise in March of 2022, he has been in full training. He spent that winter in Ocala, Florida, where he learned the ins and outs of horse show life. He was ready to make his horse show debut in March of 2023, competing in the USHJA 2’ Hunter division, where he won four of his classes and ended as Reserve Champion. The following week, he was Champion of that same division. Upon returning home to Chicago after a long winter in Florida, Stone Surprise went on to compete in the A and B circuit shows in the Chicago area, winning either Reserve Champion or Champion of his 2’ division. As Anna and Stone continue their competitive journey together, they plan to focus on numerous gymnastic exercises and similar grid work to strengthen his muscles further while continuing his training regimen. Their goal is to progressively prepare him to compete confidently at the 2’6 or 2’9 level, aiming to return to Hunter competitions in April 2024. In the short time that Anna has owned Stone Surprise, they have traveled, shown, and he has demonstrated great potential throughout it all. She is very grateful to have such a lovely horse that wants to please and is so willing to learn new thing. “I’d like to give a huge shoutout to New Vocations for their dedication and training of both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, and making sure these beautiful creatures are put into the proper environment after the track,” wrote Anna. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

By: Mary Eddy/NYRA When a graded stakes-placed dark bay gelding named Digger crossed the finish line third in the 2011 Mister Diz at Pimlico Race Course, his connections knew it was time for the veteran of 39 starts to turn the page and look to a new life beyond the racetrack. It was then that he was sent to New Vocations – a non-profit that retrains and rehomes retired racehorses – and adopted by Verena Brassfield to spend the rest of his days on a tranquil 600-acre farm in Tennessee. “I’ve always had a thing for thoroughbreds and I couldn’t ask for a better horse,” said Brassfield. “I had a thoroughbred before him who passed away, and at first, I didn’t want another horse. But then someone gave my husband the website for New Vocations, and the first picture I saw was my baby. I said, ‘That’s him.’ A week after I applied, I got a call that I was approved.” Digger, a Maryland-bred son of Yonaguska, made his first outing as a juvenile in 2006 and graduated at fourth asking by an impressive 9 1/2 lengths that December at Laurel Park. As a sophomore, he captured three more stakes at Laurel in the Deputed Testamony by a dominating 11 3/4 lengths, the Northern Dancer and the Jennings Handicap to close out the year. In 2008, Digger moved north to the NYRA circuit, where he scored a pair of victories at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. The following year saw his greatest Empire State successes when he earned four victories at NYRA tracks, led by a determined score in the Gravesend to cap his productive campaign. Ridden by Rosie Napravnik, Digger showed his typical frontrunning tactics and raced with Pashito the Che tracking close in second. Digger put 1 1/2 lengths between him and Pashito the Che at the stretch call and was able to fend off his determined rival by a nose in a final time of 1:11.66 for six furlongs over the inner dirt. Digger earned one more stakes victory to kick off his 2010 campaign with a 3 3/4-length victory in Laurel Park’s Fire Plug, and visited the winner’s circle for the last time in March 2011 before owner Repole Stable and trainer Bruce Brown decided to retire the evergreen veteran at age 7. “I watched the replays of his races and if someone had told me then that one day he would be mine, I would have told them they were crazy,” Brassfield said. “He was a good racehorse, and he could run, and still can. When he takes off in the paddock, he leaves everybody behind.” Digger was sent to one of New Vocations’ Ohio facilities where he was cared for until Brassfield saw his posting and applied for adoption in the spring of 2012. It was not long before she was approved, and Digger found his forever home. While Digger needed a great deal of patience and commitment to learn how to be ridden beyond racing, Brassfield was determined to help the beloved gelding settle down and enjoy his retirement. New Vocations, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded by Dot Morgan in 1992 and is one of 81 facilities accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), an accrediting body that fundraises and awards funds to its accredited organizations throughout the year. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and its horsemen support the efforts of the TAA with each owner who participates at a NYRA racetrack donating $10 per start to thoroughbred aftercare. Additionally, horsemen donate 1.5 percent of the purchase price of horses claimed on the circuit to the TAA and to the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association’s (NYTHA) TAKE THE LEAD program, which provides veterinary exams and the funds for transportation and retraining costs for horses at NYRA racetracks. “Digger was donated to our program on February 5, 2012, by Mike Repole and was in our program for four months before he was adopted,” said Anna Ford, the Thoroughbred Program Director for New Vocations. “He was a very classy guy.” Brassfield said Digger has been the best teacher she could ask for. “He’s so happy, but in the beginning, he was crazy,” said Brassfield, with a laugh. “He was headstrong and if the boy doesn’t like you, you’ll know it. He’s honest, and I said, ‘Even if I can’t ever ride him, he has his forever home.’ He gives me everything I need just by being here. He taught me more than any horse could have taught me.” 10 years after stepping off the racetrack and with much patience and gradual improvements, Digger enjoys some light riding and flatwork and has settled in beautifully to his retirement. Brassfield describes Digger as “a puppy,” his gentle nature and intelligence allowing him to teach even the youngest of horse lovers. “I started training him and working with him every day,” said Brassfield. “He’s good with kids – another boarder at the farm says Digger is the only horse she trusts with her 3-year-old daughter. He’s not spooky, he’s willing and there’s nothing I can’t throw at him that’s he’s not willing to accept. He has a sense of humor and likes things a certain way.” Digger, who once ran Beyer Speed Figures exceeding 100, leads a quieter life these days, enjoying his time out of the spotlight and with his devoted owner. Though he is a bit limited in his abilities under tack, Digger enjoys the occasional trail ride and flatwork, along with his time to himself in his large paddock with a herd of friends. “He does trail riding and we did lessons for a little dressage, but other than that, he’s leisure and pleasure. He has 30 or 40 acres to roam with about eight other horses. He loves it and loves being out there,” Brassfield said. “All the mares in the pasture are his according to him. He has made one friend that came two months ago, a quarter horse

This year the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance celebrates 10 years of service since being established by the industry—an anniversary that offers racing an opportunity to make actionable goals for continued support of Thoroughbreds. Here is a look at where TAA has been in those years and where it might be going, with help from racing and aftercare industry veterans: Jeff Bloom, TAA president and managing director of Bloom Racing; Richard Schosberg, director and aftercare chair of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, president of TAKE THE LEAD, and TAA board member; Kristin Werner, senior counsel for The Jockey Club and administrator of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program; Jen Roytz, former executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project; Anna Ford, Thoroughbred program director for TAA-accredited New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program; Lisa Molloy, program director of TAA-accredited ReRun; Laurie Lane, cofounder and president of TAA-accredited Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption & Placement; and Kim Smith, founder of TAA-accredited Second Stride. Q: Why is there a need for industry oversight of aftercare? Werner: The conversations about aftercare really started for me around 2009 or 2010. There was some retraining, retirement, and adoption going on and organizations like Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, New Vocations, and Thoroughbred Charities of America were doing good work. But, the overall aftercare picture looked a bit piecemeal with gaps in services and areas of the country. And, it was not supported in any large part by the racing industry. As social media continued its rise in popularity, more and more cases of “rescue organizations” needing to be rescued began to appear. The general public became more aware of the fate of Thoroughbreds once their racing careers were complete. It was apparent that a multi-faceted solution was needed, which included accreditation of organizations providing aftercare, a funding source from industry constituents for those organizations to do their work, and incentive programs for Thoroughbreds in a second career. In the years that followed, this was accomplished through the formation of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Retired Racehorse Project, and numerous other regional and track-based organizations focused on supporting organizations providing aftercare. Molloy: Prior to the formation of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, there was a time when there were so many rescues and programs operating without any guidance, provisions, or checks and balances. This created issues for those wanting to donate their horses and those wanting to donate money. Finding a way to responsibly retire a horse and ensure an empathetic and compassionate retirement with viable second career options really was a difficult path to navigate for an owner. The processes that are in place, especially using Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations working in partnership with racetrack programs like TAKE THE LEAD, provide transparency and prevent horses from falling through the cracks. Q: In the past decade what have you learned about the versatility of the Thoroughbred? Bloom: Over the last 10 years we have seen numerous examples and heartfelt stories of re-trained, re-homed, and re-purposed off-the-track racehorses. From assisting with therapeutic care for mentally and physically challenged children and adults, to full-blown sporting events such as polo, dressage, and eventing, to backyard trail riding, participating in television and movies and everything in-between, the Thoroughbred racehorse has proven to be incredibly kind, intelligent, versatile, and durable for use following their racing careers. Werner: I am fortunate to see on a daily basis how versatile the Thoroughbred is through my work with the Thoroughbred Incentive Program. We have Thoroughbreds participating in and excelling in hunter/jumpers, eventing, dressage, English and Western pleasure, barrel racing, ranch work, endurance, working equitation, therapeutic riding, equine-assisted therapy, mounted police, polo, polocrosse, competitive trail, recreational riding, and even skijoring. I am sure there are more that I am missing. Lane: It was the best kept secret. For those of us who worked with Thoroughbreds, we knew the versatility and the many incredible talents and tasks our Thoroughbreds could achieve just given the chance.   Q: Do you think there has been a new interest in the Thoroughbred as a sport horse? Roytz: A thousand times yes. One of the most meaningful statistics that comes out of the data we collect from our Thoroughbred Makeover competitors each year is the ratio of first-time competitors versus repeat participants. Each year a significant portion of the competitors at the Thoroughbred Makeover are competing at the event, and often taking on the retraining of a Thoroughbred, for the first time. RRP’s mission is a bit different from most other aftercare organizations in that it focuses on expanding the market and increasing demand for Thoroughbreds in equestrian sports rather than doing hands-on re-training and re-homing. I strongly believe it takes both approaches to aftercare to be successful. The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program and the TAKE2 program, both of which offer Thoroughbred-specific shows, horse show classes, and prizes throughout the country, as well as TIP’s recreational riding prizes and incentives, are other great examples of ways to incentivize equestrians to actively choose Thoroughbreds over other breeds for equestrian sports. Q: What do you think the factors in this have been that have helped a new interest in the use of the Thoroughbred? Roytz: Programs like the Retired Racehorse Project, The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program, TAKE2 show series, and others that incentivize equestrians to compete on Thoroughbreds is a major driver in garnering new interest for Thoroughbreds in the equestrian world. I think adjusting our messaging as an industry will continue to help to appeal to equestrians. By positioning Thoroughbreds not as “retired racehorses” (which naturally insinuates a conclusion to their use/usefulness) but as “Thoroughbred sport horses” or “sport horse prospects” will make them more appealing to a non-racing equestrian audience as it focuses on these horses’ potential in new sports, the sports they are being marketed for, and that they will likely spend a more significant portion of their life doing. Q: What have been some of the most important developments of Thoroughbred Aftercare in the last 10 years? Ford: In the last 10 years

Melissa Barber instantly fell in love with Zesty Zar when she saw the son of Tapizar on the website of TAA-accredited New Vocations.

The well-bred gelding found his calling off the racetrack in the dressage arena thanks to TAA-accredited New Vocations.

Shortly after his 12th start, Kulik Lodge retired to TAA-accredited New Vocations with a record of 4-2-0 and earnings just under $181,000. Since the Kentucky-bred’s adoption, the pair has worked hard to build a solid foundation in eventing.

The unraced son of Temple City has made quite a name for himself by consistently placing in the ribbons in a variety of disciplines.

The New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Show and Thoroughbred Incentive Program Championships held Sept. 6-8, 2019 at the Kentucky Horse Park was a success for TAA grads. TAA-accredited organizations were well represented in numerous disciplines and their horses shined bright competitive classes. The TAA presented High Point awards in four disciplines: dressage, hunter, jumper, and pleasure. Dressage: Little Latin Lulu and Kara Hertz Hertz adopted Little Latin Lulu from the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in May of 2019. The duo earned first place in both the Intro test A adult amateur and Intro test B adult amateur with scores of 70% and 68%. There were 10 horses from four TAA-accredited organizations competing for the TAA Dressage High Point Award. Hunter: Big City Dancer and Sue Sylvester Sylvester adopted Big City Dancer from the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in 2012. There were 22 horses from nine TAA-accredited organizations competing for the TAA Hunter High Point Award. Jumper: Kulik Lodge and Taylor Wienold Brooke Schafer adopted Kulik Lodge from the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in October of 2016. There were four horses from three TAA-accredited organizations competing for the TAA Jumper High Point Award. Pleasure: Frank’s Gift and Victoria Kupets Kupets adopted Frank’s Gift from the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in May of 2019. There were four horses from two TAA-accredited organizations competing for the TAA Pleasure High Point Award. In total, 12 TAA-accredited organizations were present at the New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Show and TIP Championships. After the Races Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue Friends of Ferdinand Kentucky Equine Adoption Center Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center MidAtlantic Horse Rescue Inc New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program Old Friends ReRun, Inc Second Stride, Inc Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Thoroughbred Retirement Network of Louisiana Congratulations to all of our TAA grads on their success in second careers! Photo: Melissa Bauer-Herzog / Pyrois Media Click here to learn more or sign up for the Thoroughbred Incentive Program.

Death Valley ran 55 times in five seasons retiring from the track with a record of 13-9-4 and earnings just over $200,000. In September of 2007, jockey Inez Karlsson earned her first career win with Death Valley breaking his maiden at Arlington Park. Karlsson and Death Valley earned seven more wins together, developing a close bond. Coincidentally, Karlsson is the reason that the Illinois-bred found his adopter Anne Stone. When the rider met Stone’s husband, he mentioned they were looking to adopt an OTTB. “(Karlsson) showed my husband pictures of Death Valley and mentioned he was the first horse she ever won on, and won several subsequent races on,” Stone said. “He was now with Galloping Out and she really wanted him to go to a good, loving home as she had a special relationship with him.” With Karlsson’s recommendation in mind, Stone headed to TAA-accredited Galloping Out to meet Death Valley. “As I was talking to the woman who was working with him, (Death Valley) put his head into my chest and fell asleep,” Stone said. “If I had taken a step back, he would have done a face plant. I knew at that moment I was his person and he was my heart horse.” From 2015 to 2017 Stone and Death Valley, or “Devin”, competed at hunter jumper shows. However, “Devin’s” show career was cut short due to previous tendon and ligament injuries flaring up. “He had on and off lameness issues and was in long-term rehab twice,” Stone said. “Just over a year ago, the decision was made to retire him from jumping and competition for good.” Now, the son of Gulch is enjoying life in the slow lane living out his days with fellow war horse Mr. Rosenthal or “Kip,” who earned more than $300,000 and is a graduate of TAA-accredited New Vocations. “Devin is sound enough to go on trails and he enjoys hacking in the ring as opposed to dealing with bugs out on the trail,” Stone said. “My goal is to make him happy and keep him healthy as long as humanly possible.” Around the farm, “Devin” is known for his antics and often gets himself into trouble. Yet despite all his mischief and shenanigans, Stone wouldn’t trade him for the world. “I’ve been around Thoroughbreds all my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Stone said. “They’re quirky, intelligent, big hearted, and brave. You never know what you’ll get on a day-to-day basis, but they will always give you their all. Good or bad. I feel honored and blessed to have two OTTBs in my life.”