LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Kiwanis Club supports expansion at Xenophon


Chase Collier rides Kiwi in the new Round Pen with side-walkers Bonnie Cornell, Gaby Grant, and Jessica Mangaccat. Photos provided

Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center, in Orinda since 1993, is proud of its new horse Round Pen that will expand this nonprofit's life-changing impact on children with disabilities and health challenges. Through riding and bonding with the therapy horses, the children benefit both physically and emotionally. The new arena will also be used for the veterans and patients with dementia programs, and supplements the large covered arena and the original smaller outdoor arena. Xenophon's seven therapy horses and passionate team of instructors, therapists and volunteers keep very busy.

Long-term support from the Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley has included major funding for the recently dedicated Round Pen, and purchase of one of the therapy horses, Kiwi. Club members also volunteer for work parties to help with upkeep and other improvement projects.