LOPE is a retired racehorse aftercare and youth education program near Austin, Texas. Our older Thoroughbred“warhorses” had unusually long careers at the racetrack and now help teach youth about veterinary care, horsemanship, and STEM subjects.
This summer, LOPE is hosting a small series of one-day Equine Vet Experience Days designed especially for veterinary students who enjoy horses, equine medicine, and hands-on learning outside the classroom setting.
These events are especially well suited for 1st and 2nd year veterinary students.
Participants will spend time with retired racehorses with interesting long-career case studies, including discussion of soundness, rehabilitation, radiographs, veterinary histories, and observation of old sports injuries commonly seen in racehorses.
The atmosphere will be relaxed and small-group in format — more like a thoughtful horse day than a formal wet labor CE course. Veterinary students will also have opportunities for informal Q&A and conversation with teens interested in equine veterinary careers.
What the Day May Include
- Soundness observation and discussion
- Review of radiographs and veterinary histories
- Discussion of rehabilitation and long-career racehorse management
- Small-group horse interaction and case study conversation
- Informal mentoring and career Q&A with aspiring teen vet students
Small Group Environment
Each event will include only a few veterinary students so participants have meaningful interaction time with both the horses and students.
Cost & Support
There is no cost to attend these events.
Depending on travel distance and event format, LOPE may be able to assist with:
- Travel reimbursement
- Lodging support
- Meals/snacks
- Small participation stipends
LOPE partners with Texas Equine Veterinary Association and works with Austin Equine Hospital.
Summer 2026 Scheduling
Rather than setting dates far in advance, we are currently shaping events around veterinary student availability and summer schedules.
Interest Form
If interested, please complete theshort form below. Completing the form is simply an expression of interest — nota firm commitment.
Questions? Please contact LOPE.
This program is made possible by generous support from the Warhorses & Veterinary Mentorship campaign.
