Update on LOPE Ranch Flooding
The LOPE Ranch facility was heavily damaged by a flash flood on January 25, 2012 (see photos below, some news footage here and the Statesman story here). Due to an extremely unusual rain event (7-9 inches of rain between 2:00-5:00 am that morning), our property sustained high-water flooding that we have never experienced at the ranch before.
LOPE lost its ranch truck, tractor, mowers, much of the fencing in our largest pasture, a large stretch of asphalt in the driveway between the pastures, a run-in shed, barn supplies and some tack. Worst of all, most of LOPE’s winter/spring inventory of hay and alfalfa was damaged and had to be discarded. Thanks to the efforts of our friends and neighbors, all the LOPE horses are safe.
UDPATE: Thanks to the generous assistance of Austin Equine Associates and their clients, funds have been raised to replace the hay!
We are in the process of assessing the damage, salvaging barn supplies and planning repairs. Since the clean-up and repair process will take quite awhile, we will be moving the LOPE horses into foster homes until the ranch facility is back to normal.
LOPE is need of donations to help with foster horse boarding, fencing, hay, ranch repair and equipment purchases. Several supporters have asked us to provide a list of our needs — we are requesting the following items:
- Financial donations via PayPal or by check
- Gift cards to Tractor Supply, Lowe’s or other stores with fencing and ranch supplies
- Gift cards to Valley Vet Supply or other tack/barn/vet supply stores
- 10 ft gates for replacing pasture gates damaged or lost in flood
- T-posts and cedar posts for fencing
- Road base for driveway repair
- Sandy footing for round pen
- Stall mats
Please contact us here, and we apologize in advance for any delays in responding as we temporarily relocate our operation. You can also get updates on Facebook.
We are very grateful for all the help from LOPE’s friends, neighbors and supporters during this difficult time. Thank you!
