Success Story: Tricky Storm
Tricky Storm was one of our favorite horses here. A true racing "warrior," he retired at age 10 with lifetime earnings of over $400K.
We wanted Tricky to find just the right home, with an owner who would appreciate his handsome looks, illustrious race career and sweet temperament. Recently, he was adopted by Leslie, a trail rider and all around horse lover in Georgia. When Tricky arrived at his new home, Leslie had this to say:
"Oh my gosh, Tricky is absolutely AMAZING and B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!! I still can't believe he's here!
A little recap of the day's events: He was a perfect gentleman his entire ride over here and seemed to be in a bit of a hurry to get settled and unpacked in his new digs. He wasted no time digging into his hay and taking in his new surroundings. He was quick to make friends with a little two-year-old Paso Fino mare, and seemed to take note on which pasture she was hanging out in. After about an hour and a half, I guess the traveling got to him and he went down for the count!!
He's all together too cute!! At one point, Tricky watched as I walked back and forth tending to another horse. He would making sure to whinny my direction as to say "Hey Lady... come back here and pay attention to me!!" And then a "Hey Lady, where does a horse get some food around here?" I do have a question for you... are you SURE he's a TB?? He's so docile and laid back... even after the long drive he just had and all the unfamiliar surroundings, he's a cool customer!!
Today was such an awesome day!! Thank you soooooo much for making Tricky a part of my family!! I'm looking forward to the days ahead, and making lasting memories with him. He is truly a gift!"
We think Tricky has found the perfect home -- and so does Leslie. Thank you, Leslie, for giving Tricky a second chance at a new career (and for appreciating him the way we do).

Dr. Alan and his terrific family have adopted seven LOPE horses -- plus they have taken in at least four other ex-racers.
"Based on a single photo and a phone conversation, I immediately knew Scarlet was 'the one.' My husband and I packed up the trailer and our three dogs in Albuquerque, NM two weeks after seeing Scarlet's photo. We road tripped 12 hours to the south of Dallas to pick up Scarlet. It was obvious from the second I met Scarlet that she had been well-cared for. She was easy to work around and absolutely a doll as just a 4-year old.
And so Bridge Place arrived at the LOPE Ranch, slipped into a transport at the last minute. Bridge Place was a gorgeous bay fellow, with great conformation and a cheerful look in his kind eyes. Bred in Britain, he was shipped to the US with high hopes for a big racing career - he was regally bred, very expensive and full of talent.
Mickey is about to turn one year old. He was bred to be a show horse and lives on a beautiful farm in Fredericksburg with his dam and sire. Mickey is extra special to LOPE because his dad, Tawakoni, was a LOPE adoption horse.
"I wanted to let you know that Tristano is settling in really well to his new home! He has several girlfriends already! Nobody can believe he's only four years' old and off the track. He is so calm and sweet and just takes everything in stride."
Deirdre made sure she got donated to the LOPE Ranch. "She is just such a doll to ride," Deirdre said, smiling as she petted Might Tonight gently.
What’s especially fascinating is that they train the horses in the lab herd to canter on a treadmill. The exercise is mild compared to true racing and allows the researchers to monitor the horses’ respiratory rates under athletic performance. 