LOPE Texas ("LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers")

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LOPE Texas ("LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers")

LOPE helps at-risk racehorses find second careers, while inspiring young people through horsemanship

06/14/2026

After earning more than $1.2 million on the racetrack, Delaunay has officially started his newest career...

2026 LOPE Summer Virtual Horse Show T-Shirt Model. 😎🏄‍♂️🐴

This year's virtual horse show theme is Surf's Up!, and Delaunay will be featured on our official show shirt.

These days, Delaunay spends his time helping teach students about veterinary science and life after racing. But we're pretty sure he hasn't forgotten how to strike a pose when the camera comes out.

Stay tuned for more Summer Virtual Show announcements, class information, and a first look at our prize list and special awards.

We think Delaunay is taking this whole modeling thing very seriously.

Huge thanks to for creating such gorgeous and unique tee-shirts for LOPE's show every year! Her work is amazing. ❤️ And as always, extra huge thanks to Scissortail Hill Equestrian for being the Grand Sponsor and host of the show (since 2014 -- wow)!

06/13/2026

Before summer gets into full swing, we're taking a moment to look back on a busy spring at LOPE.

This spring, LOPE helped teach students across Central Texas about horsemanship, stewardship, veterinary science, and the many careers that support horses.

🐴 We taught equine science and veterinary medicine classes at Dripping Springs High School, using LOPE horse Jack (“Not Again Jackie”) as a real-world case study to explore lameness evaluation, osselets, treatment options, and prognosis.

🐴 We shared the story of racehorses and life after racing with students and teachers at Hubenak Elementary's Kentucky Derby celebration. Which included handling racing tack, impersonating racehorses during their retraining process and running actual footraces in honor of the Derby.

🐴 We introduced hundreds of students to the science, math, and teamwork involved in caring for horses (especially ex-racehorses). It is so rewarding to bring these topics alive into the real world for the kids!

Along the way, there were plenty of great questions, curious students, and even a few laughs (including an impromptu demonstration of what it's like to see the world through a racehorse's blinkers!).

Now we're gearing up for a summer filled with interns, learning labs, and plenty of opportunities for our warhorses to keep teaching.

Thank you to the schools, teachers, students, and supporters who make this work possible. ❤️

06/01/2026

🌅🏇🏻One of the last quiet evenings before summer arrives in full force at LOPE.

Soon the farm will be buzzing with 12 interns and helpers, busy horses, early mornings, wheelbarrows, water troughs, veterinary discussions, and enough sunscreen to stock a small store.

There will be plenty of heat, chores, and hard work ahead.

Fortunately, we’ll also have a herd of retired racehorses ready to teach—and a group of enthusiastic young people ready to learn.

We can’t wait. ❤️

(And yes, there’s a horse hidden in this photo. Bonus points if you can spot Jack.) 🔎

05/28/2026

🐴📚 LOPE is expecting a record summer team this year — with more than 10 interns and helpers joining us for Summer 2026!

These students are interested in careers ranging from:
🩺 veterinary medicine
🐴 equine management
🌿 environmental and agricultural fields
📚 animal science and education

Many are currently studying equine, veterinary, or ag science in high school — and this summer they’ll be getting hands-on experience helping care for the LOPE horses while learning about horsemanship, horse health, teaching, barn management, and stewardship.

We’re especially honored to work alongside so many wonderful schools, teachers, mentors, and families who have encouraged these teens along the way.

Some interviews are still happening this week, but as of now, please help us welcome:

✨ Alaina
✨ Isa
✨ Acea
✨ Gabby
✨ Bella
✨ Mathis
✨ Willa
✨ Meaghan
✨ James
✨ Cole
✨ Mia

Stay tuned for more introductions once the final summer team is assembled. We truly feel lucky to spend our summer with such a thoughtful, hardworking group of future leaders. ❤️🐴

❤️ Special thanks to Jini Berman, whose support of LOPE's Warhorse & Veterinary Mentorship Program is helping make opportunities like these possible for aspiring equine and veterinary professionals.

05/16/2026

🐴💰 Former millionaire racehorse Delaunay would like everyone to know that retirement has been VERY hard on him.

Very hard.

No pressure.
No cardio schedule.
Lots of snacks.
A growing commitment to the “dad bod” lifestyle.

Today, the mighty $1.2 million earner spent time in the LOPE teaching pen helping one of our experienced intern families learn more about groundwork, communication, and how to “read” a horse’s thoughts and emotions through body language.

As you can see… Delaunay took his teaching duties very seriously. Mostly between snack breaks. 😄

One of the things we love most about these older warhorses is how adaptable they are. Horses who once handled crowded paddocks, starting gates, and roaring grandstands often become incredibly patient teachers for kids and families.

From racetrack warrior to groundwork professor.
Not a bad second career for a horse with a championship-level appetite. 🐴❤️

05/13/2026

It's time for a Surf's Up Summer! 🏄‍♀️ We are SO excited to announce our upcoming 2026 LOPE Summer Virtual Show!

Entries open July 1st, so stay tuned for more details leading up to then. Our beach-themed show encourages surf-style attire and fun summer accessories on horses and humans alike — because that's how we roll. 🌊

Ride when there's shade. Film on your own schedule. No hauling, no stress, no perfect horse required. If you've got a horse, a phone, and a sense of humor… you're qualified. 🐴

More info coming soon! 🏖️

05/02/2026

Happy Derby Day! We taught an entire school about racehorses, the Kentucky Derby and horsemanship yesterday. Here is their official Derby race!

05/01/2026

Derby Day… elementary school edition 🐎🎩

Tomorrow we’re headed back to Hubenak Elementary in Richmond for one of our favorite days of the year.

Every class gets a session with LOPE — talking racehorses, how they’re trained, what they teach us, and what life looks like after the track.

No live horses this time… so we bring them another way:
Stories, real-world examples, and a few special items — including a halter worn by American Pharoah during his Triple Crown year.

And then the important part:
Each class runs their own race.

Yes — full Derby style. Hats, cheering, and one winner from each group (boys and girls).

It’s loud, a little chaotic, and a lot of fun — but underneath it, they’re learning how these horses think, work, and transition into new lives.

Big thanks to Sam Houston Race Park for sponsoring again this year — they’re providing gift bags for the race winners and tickets for the teachers.

We’ll share more from the day tomorrow!

📸 Sarah Andrew for photo of American Pharoah

04/14/2026

A Hero Like Me was adopted by me Kirsten over 15 years ago from LOPE. She recently sent us an email with the subject line: "Question...."

When we opened it, the email said, " ...you want him back? 😂"

And these photos were attached.

We said no, but felt her pain. It's been rainy for several days here too. And all of the LOPE horses look a lot like Hero now. 💩😂

Hero is now 26 years old -- and still is living his best life (including rolling in the mud with the gusto of a 4 yo)!

Much love and gratitude to Kirsten and Hero! We love seeing these photos -- and knowing how deeply Hero is loved. ❤️

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from our herd to yours! May you have a wonderful holiday full of good company, good food and good horses. Bunny ears optional. 🏇🏻🐰

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Driftwood, TX

Website

http://www.lopetx.org/

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