There’s something about spring that brings out fresh starts — even here at LOPE, where our horses are mostly seasoned warhorses with over 100 races and more life experience than the average high school guidance counselor.
But this spring? We’ve been especially busy, lucky, and inspired.
Warhorses in the Classroom (and a Special “Graduation”)
Over the past few months, we’ve welcomed multiple K–12 student groups to our farm for hands-on field trips. These visits use the LOPE horses to teach STEM concepts in ways that are engaging, real-world, and full of heart (ex-racehorse style). You haven’t truly learned about math until you’ve calculated hay rations using a suspiciously lopsided wheelbarrow.
The horses — as always — were the stars.
Oro showed off his opinions.
Cozy demonstrated calm leadership.
And Jet Set Cat? Well, he graduated.
For the first time ever, Jet Set stepped into the role of “petting horse” — greeting our youngest students up close, with kindness and patience. Jet Set usually prefers to demonstrate from a safe distance (with a mildly judgmental expression). But thanks to the influence of Oro and Cozy, he has taken a big step forward. We’re so proud of him.
STEM on the Road (and Interns on the Rise)
We also brought our program to Houston this spring — hosting a learning lab at Sam Houston Race Park for local students and teachers. It was such a success that we’re officially welcoming Houston interns back into the LOPE fold for 2025!
Even better, we’re teaming up with TEVA (Texas Equine Veterinary Association) and Houston-area high schools to host joint STEM learning workshops that use real-world equine scenarios as teaching tools. That means more students learning science, math, and vet med through the lens of horsemanship — our favorite kind of education.
Local Schools + Lifelong Learning
Closer to home, we’re thrilled to officially collaborate with Dripping Springs ISD — especially the high school — on new ways to connect local students to our warhorses and their many lessons. We also had the pleasure of hosting Brooke Tatrow for a LOPE horsemanship clinic this spring. Our team (human and equine) loved the continuing education — we believe good teaching always starts with good learning.
A Special Thanks + Derby Season Fun
We are deeply grateful to the Ed and Judy Carter Family Fund of the Dripping Springs Community Foundation and the Boone Family with Austin Community Foundation for their generous support this spring. Their contributions help make our student programs and horse care possible — and we couldn’t do it without them.
And we’re also feeling the Derby spirit! Multiple groups are hosting Kentucky Derby parties this year with LOPE as their beneficiary. If you’d like to throw a Derby Day celebration to support our gallant racing warriors, we’d love to help. Reach out to Lynn to learn more.
---
Spring may be the season of fresh grass and open windows — but for LOPE, it’s also a season of curious students, courageous horses, and beautiful partnerships coming to life.
Thank you for being part of our herd.
— The LOPE Team
