Xenophontrc.org

Xenophon on KTVU-Channel 2

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:48:46 -0800

Bob MacKenzie, the Emmy Award-winning reporter for KTVU News, came to Xenophon last week to do a story on Autism featuring one of our students. It will be aired on the 10 PM News on Sunday, October 4th. Be sure to watch or set your Tivo.

HEAVEN HAS A NEW ANGEL

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:35:16 -0800

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you. And each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand. So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart. For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beautiful little girl. Shelby Tudhope passed away in a tragic accident on August 15, 2009. Shelby was a student with us for five years and rode several of our horses, but her favorite was Pooh. We will always remember her smile when she trotted and took trail rides. God bless you Shelby. Jean and Andy Tudhope asked that donations be made to Xenophon in lieu of flowers. Funds donated in Shelby's name will be put into a scholarship fund to help needy families with tuition for lessons. You may also leave a comment if you wish and it will be forwarded to Shelby's parents. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation on your credit card via PayPal – please click on the Donate button below!

If you like to mail us a check, please make the check payable to Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center and mail it to:

Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center
P.O. Box 16
Orinda, CA 94563

New "Comments" Section

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:29:28 -0800

There is now a comment section after every entry. The link is at the bottom, right side of the entry. Please feel free to give us your feedback.

Martinez Horsemen hold "Battle of the Barns" benefit for Xenophon

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:28:43 -0800

This is the eleventh year that the Martinez Horsemen have held this fabulous event for Xenophon. Two of our students demonstrated their riding skills for all to see. It is always so much fun to show off our program and to be part of the "Battle." Thank you Martinez Horsemen! Melyssa and Izzy talking things over and Izzy and Matthew waiting to ride Izzy and Matthew ready to ride

Eric Thomas Presents "AN EVENING ABOUT HORSES" to benefit Xenophon

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:44:41 -0800

Thank you to Eric and Julie Thomas for their fabulous evening. Sixty enthusiastic horse lovers came to Thomas Ranch to learn about reining and other horse-helping topics. Eric demonstrated how to work in partnership with the horse focusing on the value of allowing the horse enough time to process our requests. It was a wonderfully informative event. Eric demonstrating cutting with the cow, Matilda. Julie and Eric and friends

Fun on the Fourth - Xenophon is in the Orinda Parade

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:03:20 -0800

Two of our students, Grant and Rebecca, enjoyed waving to the crowd gathered for the festivities. Instructor, Heidi Koch, rode Annie, who was happy and calm.

Fourth Annual Open House - A Successful Day

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:53:30 -0800

Our Students giving a demonstration of their riding skills Thank you to all the hot people who ignored the elements to come to our Open House. It was wonderful to see so many brave souls. It was the hottest day on record so far. Our talented students demonstrated their riding skills on our fabulous horses. The hot dogs were delicious and the lemonade hit the spot. A good time was had by all!

Xenophon gets ready for its 17th season

Mon, 25 May 2009 11:02:11 -0800

Xenophon volunteers worked hard to clean, dust, weed, paint and generally get dirty to get the barn and environs clean. Our board president, Chris Legallet, thanked the volunteers for all their work and encouraged them to find new ways of fund raising in this challenging year. The next day we had 55 new volunteers at our training. It's a great start to a new year.

Rupert Isaacson, author and producer of Sundance Film, comes to Orinda

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:53:58 -0800

Thank you to Rupert Isaacson, Orinda Books and to all those that attended the event on May 19th. Over 100 people came to hear his fantastic story and to support Xenophon. We greatly appreciate your loyalty.

Xenophon's Gala Masquerade Ball Photos

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:40:41 -0800

What a great evening! Festive, fun, frivolous and sometimes foolish but always fashionable - Xenophon's Gala Masquerade Ball was exactly that. We'd like to offer a heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and made this year's gala such a success! View the rest of the pictures!

Contra Costa Times

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:18:28 -0800

Sunbeams: Xenophon provides some therapy for the heart By Harriett Ainsworth Contra Costa Times Posted: 07/10/2009 12:00:00 AM PDT THAT SATURDAY WAS THE HOTTEST DAY we've endured so far this year, and on the hottest part of that day, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Xenophon celebrated with an open house, showing heart-warming demonstrations of progress by students at the Therapeutic Riding Center at its barn headquarters in Orinda. This is the distinguished organization whose students won two national awards last year, as did one horse, Cocoa, named Therapeutic Horse of the Year. No one knows yet why autistic kids and horses are so meaningfully connected, but we do know children so afflicted are increasing in numbers. And we witnessed what the combination of horse, child, trained teacher and volunteers can accomplish together, bringing joy, movement and confidence to the child. It works for kids with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delays, hearing impairment, partial sight and Noonan syndrome as well as some other complicated maladies. Orindan Judy Lazarus, founder and executive director of Xenophon (named after the B.C. Greek horseman, writer and military leader) began helping here 17 years ago with one horse and one teacher. She now administers up to 45 students each week, with six horses and seven teachers, plus many more volunteers. Remember, this demonstration involves the rider, a trained leader and two teachers on each side of the horse. This means that, on this day of more than 100 degrees in direct sun, when the horse and rider trotted and cantered, the three human assistants were trotting and running, too. They were awe inspiring. I enjoyed a visit with student Melyssa Snyder, age 11, a graduate of five years of riding at Xenophon. She is a delightful charmer, home-schooled by her mother, Laura Snyder. Melyssa will be in the sixth grade this fall. She was meticulously painting faces on other young riders, between exhibitions. "I've been riding Pal, but Pooh is my favorite horse; she's fast!" said smiling Melyssa. Pooh is a bay Morgan, named after the late Orindan Pooh Lange, who gave her to Xenophon. After the program, which brought a choke in the throat, we all had — what else — hot dogs, and some cooling lemonade, too. The therapeutic rides go on all summer, but the horses, who seem to sense each rider's ability and adapt to it perfectly, have to be taken care of all year. Each requires hay, grain, vitamins, minerals, supplements and wormer to stay healthy. This year, in our sinking economy, Xenophon found itself in the red for the first time. If you'd like to adopt a horse, check out Web site www.xenophontrc.org or send a tax-deductible donation to Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center, P.O. Box 16, Orinda, CA 94563.

Horse, riding student inspire others

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:42:36 -0800

Horse, riding student inspire others Oakland Tribune, Jan 13, 2009 by Aaron Morrison Janet Alexander took a well-rested Cocoa out of her Lafayette stable last week and led her to a gated arena for a brief warm-up. That day was especially exciting for Alexander, and perhaps for Cocoa, because it was the first day back to work for the dark-brown Morab mare since undergoing major surgery. Cocoa's occupation: therapy horse at the Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center in Orinda. Alexander, program director for Xenophon, set up a special riding lesson for 15-year-old Jenna Legallet at Henson's Arabians in Lafayette; the Orinda facility is closed for the winter. "I was really excited when my mom told me I was going to ride Cocoa today," said Legallet, who is living with Noonan syndrome, a disease that causes congenital heart malformation, short stature and other varied physical disabilities. In no time, Legallet was checking for rocks lodged between the shoes and walls of Cocoa's hoofs, and going through other lesson routines. "A good rider is supposed to check for rocks," Legallet said, demonstrating her recall of what Alexander, her riding instructor, taught her. The lesson marked Xenophon's and Cocoa's returns to the saddle after a tough 2008, which saw risky surgery on its star horse and the loss of a beloved riding student, Anthony Fusaro. Cocoa and Anthony, posthumously, received honors in December from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association at its annual conference in Connecticut. Cocoa was named the association's horse of the year, and Anthony its youth equestrian of the year. Additionally, center volunteer Ken Bergstresser, of Berkeley, was named NARHA Region 11 volunteer of the year. "It's very rare that you have three awards to one (riding) program," said Judy Lazarus, Xenophon founder and executive director. Xenophon, a nonprofit organization founded 15 years ago, was born of Lazarus' desire to help disabled children through therapy with animals. Lazarus has an autistic son. Years of work turned into a fledging program with a yearlong waiting list for riding lessons. Anthony's father, Robert Fusaro, of Albany, informed Lazarus in 2003 that his son -- diagnosed with cancer at age 8 -- might not make it another year. Lazarus said she and her staff got Anthony into lessons immediately; Robert Fusaro said the timing and flexibility of Xenophon staff was invaluable. "He far exceeded the time we thought he had," Robert said. "It clearly extended his life. The thing that was always motivating him was the prospect of riding again." During an Orinda benefit for Xenophon in 2005, then-12-year-old Anthony spoke about how the center helped bolster his morale. "I felt like a wimp until I went to Xenophon," Anthony told the gathering, describing months of recovery from chemotherapy, being bedridden or using a wheelchair. "From the first time I rode Patience, I have felt very connected to her. The look in her eyes tells me she is as excited to see me as I am to see her." Anthony's effect on the staff and other students at the center was invaluable to Lazarus. His sense of humor and spirit were an inspiration to "everyone that knew him." Anthony's illness kept him from riding during his final months, but he had set his example. Anthony progressed from "wheelchair to cane, and from surcingle (padded strap) to saddle to independent riding," said volunteer Denise Boucher. Added Lazarus, "If I could live my life the way he did, I would consider that a very fulfilled life." Anthony succumbed to his illness May 20. Two months earlier, at a Xenophon gala, Anthony proclaimed that "there's more to me than just cancer." "The great thing about Xenophon is that it doesn't matter what's wrong with you -- and I think there's something wrong with everyone," Anthony said. "What's important is that you have fun." As for Xenophon's prized horse Cocoa, her service to the center - - seven years and counting -- is marked by her extraordinary connection with the students. Lazarus says Cocoa adjusts her energy level according to the disability of the rider. "If she has a child on her who is very unbalanced and unable to sit up straight, she will slow her pace," Lazarus said. "I have never seen these characteristics in all the years that I have been involved with horses." When Cocoa underwent surgery last year, doctors were not optimistic to do the type of surgery Cocoa needed at age 21. "Now she's 100 percent back in action," Lazarus said. Cocoa's improved condition was evident to instructor and student last week. "Horses are pleasers," Alexander said. "(Cocoa) loves her job and likes working with the students." Cocoa also loves Mrs. Pasture's equine cookies, from a Walnut Creek-based company. Legallet held her hand out flat and Cocoa took the cookie. "You are my favorite girl," Legallet said, kissing and stroking Cocoa's head.

Xenophon Participants win National Awards!

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:33:57 -0800

This year's NARHA conference was held in Hartford, CT and was attended by seven of our staff. The sessions were all very informative but the highlight of the conference was the awards dinner. Anthony Fusaro was awarded the NARHA Youth Equestrian of the Year Award. Sadly, Anthony passed away earlier this year. His father was there to accept the award and gave a beautiful speech in his memory. Anthony’s spirit will always be remembered by those that heard the speech that night and all those that he touched at Xenophon. Ken Bergstresser was there to receive his award as Region 11 Volunteer of the Year. Ken was awarded a beautiful belt buckle. He has been a Saturday volunteer since the very beginning of Xenophon & we are grateful for his continued service to us. And, finally it was announced that our beloved Cocoa had won the 2008 Horse of the Year award! Jan Bindas accepted Cocoa's award for her as she could not be there! We received a beautiful painting of Cocoa and she received some extra carrots! Congratulations to all our award winners!

Xenophon Horse Show 2008

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 09:50:00 -0800

Xenophon closed its sixteenth year with our annual student horse show. It was a beautiful sunny day filled with happy students, grateful parents and a score of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. Xenophon honored Bill Lange for his continuing support of Xenophon and our horses. It was a fitting end to another successful season. View many more pictures of the day's activities here.

Fact Sheet-downloadable

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:49:15 -0800

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