We have exciting news to share! LOPE is partnering with Sam Houston Race Park (SHRP) for a special day of youth education on Saturday, March 22, 2025. This collaboration brings together our shared passion for horses and education in a way that offers young people a rare behind-the-scenes look at the world of racing and horse care.
A Day of Hands-On Learning
The day is packed with opportunities for students to experience horses up close and learn about the racing industry from the experts who make it happen. Here's what's in store:
Morning Learning Lab (9am – 11am)
- Interactive demonstrations with the track pony horses (no riding, but plenty of hands-on learning!)
- Mini-science and veterinary lessons using Horse Wise® teaching methods
- Racehorse training demonstrations in the paddock
- Special presentations from the lead outrider, jockeys, and race trainers
- A fascinating demo of the racetrack tractor by SHRP's lead driver
This Learning Lab is open to all K-12 students, teachers, and parents, with a special welcome to 4-H, FFA, and Pony Club members.
Barn Tour (11am – 1pm)
Weather and race schedule permitting, participants will get a tour of the race barn area with special guest speaker Dr. Steve Bond, DVM at the testing and holding barn.
Texas Champions Day of Racing (1pm – 5pm)
The day concludes with the excitement of live racing, including:
- Special counter seating in the grandstand reserved for LOPE and Horse Wise® guests
- Free tickets to watch the races
- Limited opportunities for youth to visit the track announcer's booth during races
Why This Matters
In today's increasingly digital world, many young people have never had the opportunity to see, touch, or interact with horses in person. Yet horses remain an important part of Texas heritage, with over 155,000 Texans owning or caring for these magnificent animals.
This event creates a space where young people can connect with horses and the people who work with them daily. Through these interactions, we hope to inspire the next generation of equine professionals, veterinarians, and advocates.
Educational Partners
We're proud to partner with the Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA) and the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (AAEVT) for our education programs. These valuable partnerships help LOPE provide high-quality veterinary education to youth, giving students insight into potential career paths and the importance of proper equine healthcare. Their expertise and support are invaluable to our educational mission!
How to Participate
If you'd like to attend this special event, simply bring the event flyer as your ticket! To guarantee a spot in the special seating area, please RSVP to hello [at] lopetx.org.
We're incredibly grateful to Sam Houston Race Park for opening their doors and sharing their expertise with our community. This partnership aligns perfectly with LOPE's mission to help at-risk racehorses find new purpose while inspiring young people through horsemanship and veterinary education.
We hope to see you there for what promises to be an educational and memorable day at the races!
