Last summer, Kim Dekett faced the task of finding a new horse to replace Thoroughbred Oakley, who had recently retired from competitive showing. She wanted a suitable mount for her daughter Alexis and knew exactly where to look—Sunset Oaks, a nearby stable in Howell, Michigan, which had already welcomed four thoroughbreds adopted through New Vocations.
“Before Oakley retired, we reached out to Amanda Grace at New Vocations to discuss our needs,” Dekett explained. “My daughter, who’s 14, is very talented and has done well competing against adults over 18. I wasn’t particular about the horse’s gender or color—what mattered most was talent and a kind disposition.”
After browsing several candidates from New Vocations, Dekett was drawn to a 3-year-old filly named Mary in the Irons. Bred by Sakonnet Racing in New York, Mary was trained by David Donk and raced under Buzzards Bay Racing Stables. Although she raced four times for Suidobashi last season and placed fourth in three of those outings, it was decided she might do better in a different role.
Mary in the Irons began her transition via the New York Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association’s TAKE THE LEAD program, established in 2013 to help New York-based owners and trainers find new homes for retiring racehorses. Since then, TAKE THE LEAD has helped nearly 1,400 horses embark on second careers. Mary was placed in the Kentucky division of New Vocations through the program.
New Vocations, one of the country’s longest-running aftercare initiatives, operates in six states and assists over 500 horses annually, consistently facilitating many adoptions. Among these horses, Mary quickly stood out to the Deketts.
“We watched a YouTube video of Grey and saw her great potential,” Dekett recalled. “Talking with Amanda was invaluable—she clearly knows how to match horses with riders so both can succeed together.”
Known affectionately as “River” around the barn, the petite mare will turn four next month. With guidance from trainer Maggie Huntoon, the Deketts are considering naming a program to showcase River’s talents.
“We’re thrilled with her. She’s the sweetest, most motivated filly you could imagine,” Dekett said. “Every day she greets us at the gate, often running over for attention. If it were up to her, she’d spend hours being groomed or lightly exercised. Under saddle, she’s bright, driven, and eager to learn new things.”
Originally from Brighton, Michigan, Dekett now resides in nearby Howell, working as a veterinary technician at a small animal clinic that also treats horses. In their free time, Dekett and his daughters Alexis and Morgan, along with their mother Denise—who has been passionate about horses since childhood—ride regularly at Sunset Oaks.
“It really is a family affair,” Dekett shared. “My mom, who’s 74, still rides and keeps her horses in the same barn. We all ride together.”
While the whole family is involved, Alexis has taken the lead in developing a bond with River. “Alexis spends five to six days a week with her, both riding and caring for her,” Dekett explained. “River already competed in one show and did well, despite being a little excited. We plan to enter some local hunter/jumper educational shows this summer and possibly target more prestigious events in the coming years.”
Dekett’s love for horses started in dressage, where she rode multiple breeds as a young rider, but the thoroughbred breed truly captured her heart.
“What I love about Thoroughbreds is their drive and eagerness to please,” she said. “In my veterinary work, I see many kinds of horses, but there’s something special about Thoroughbreds.”
Thanks to programs like New Vocations, thoroughbreds like Mary in the Irons are given new opportunities to thrive beyond the racetrack, and Dekett is wholeheartedly supportive.
“We had five New Vocations horses at the barn, and every one of them was exactly as described,” Dekett noted. “The team does an excellent job understanding your goals and matching the right horse. After so many positive experiences, I trust their process completely.”
“This has been a wonderful journey, and I’m so grateful to New Vocations and TAKE THE LEAD,” she concluded. “Mary in the Irons has truly filled a special place in our lives.”
This article originally appeared in the Horse Care section of the Paulick Report on January 23, 2026.
Fan Take: This story highlights the incredible work being done to give retired racehorses meaningful second careers, demonstrating how programs like New Vocations can change lives for both horses and their new families. For horse racing fans, it’s a hopeful reminder that the sport’s athletes are valued beyond the track and can continue to shine in new roles.
