As you may have heard, the fires in Bastrop came close to the LOPE Ranch on Monday, and we decided to evacuate all the horses. Thanks to a huge outpouring of trailer help and foster homes from the Texas horse community, all of the LOPE horses were relocated to safety within hours. We are very grateful for everyone's support -- and our thoughts and sympathy are with the other friends and families in Bastrop who lost so much in the fire.
We have returned to the ranch -- there was no damage to the property and we are gradually bringing the LOPE horses back (as the fire risk diminishes).
Benefit Horse Show Still Scheduled
Many people have asked what they can do to help LOPE, now that the immediate threat of fire has been reduced. We would like to hold our planned Benefit Horse Show and Silent Auction Fundraiser on 9/17 at Hy Court Farm as scheduled. The LOPE volunteers, Hy Court staff, show sponsors and class judges have all worked hard to create a terrific event for a good cause. And we would like to move forward with the event and begin the process of putting the fire behind us. The fire crisis was a good reminder to us of how suddenly many horses can be at risk -- and we want to raise hay and care funds for the LOPE Ranch (so that we can help more horses in the future).
If you can attend the show, please register online here or download and mail the entry form and enjoy a fun, laid back show. For folks who can't come to the show but would like to support the event, please consider donating a $15 "virtual" show registration entry to LOPE here.
2011 LOPE Benefit Show Online Auction Now Open
The silent auction is now open for online bidding -- please check out the terrific collection of items our volunteers gathered for the auction (including a custom designed Derby hat, a VIP tour of Three Chimneys Farm in KY and tickets/passes to the 2012 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering). The auction will culminate with live bidding at the Benefit Horse Show on 9/17.
Thank you so much for all of your support, prayers and good thoughts this week for the LOPE horses -- it made a huge difference and kept us safe.
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