As one of LOPE's youngest interns, Cole spends time learning from our senior ex-racehorses — magnificent athletes who raced longer than most and now serve as teachers in our youth STEM and veterinary education programs. These warhorses, with their incredible racing histories and even bigger hearts, have found new purpose inspiring the next generation of veterinarians and scientists.
One scorching Texas day, while observing a training session in LOPE’s roofless round corral, Cole noticed something. Our valiant warhorse needed extra time to work through his anxiety — but the beating sun made every extended minute challenging for both horse and handlers. Cole turned to his mother with a straightforward observation: "Why doesn't LOPE just put a roof on the round pen?"
When told that such a project would cost $50,000 — a significant sum for our small charity — Cole didn't skip a beat. "I'll start a GoFundMe," he declared, as if solving complex problems was just another day's work. And he meant it.
What makes this story extraordinary isn't just Cole's initiative. It's that this young man, who's never ridden a horse, has developed such deep compassion for our warhorses through pure horsemanship. He's captivated by their personalities, their learning journeys, and their racing histories. But more than that, he understands something profound: compassion paired with practical action creates real change.
What makes this story extraordinary isn't just Cole's initiative. It's that this young man, who's never ridden a horse, has developed such deep compassion for our warhorses through pure horsemanship.
In 2024, LOPE reached 300 students and educators through our programs — teaching STEM subjects, veterinary science, and life lessons through these remarkable equine teachers. Now, one of our youngest interns is teaching us about the power of taking action.
Will you help amplify Cole's initiative? By sharing his fundraiser, you're not just supporting a much-needed improvement to our facility. You're showing a 12-year-old that when you step up to make the world better, people notice. You're proving that in an age where cynicism often prevails, one young person's compassion can inspire a community.
P.S. While Cole's mom had to officially set up the GoFundMe (they have rules about 12-year-olds!), this campaign is 100% Cole's vision and drive. Let's show him how far his compassion can reach.
