December, 2008
NARHA Youth Equestrian of the Year, Horse of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year
ORINDA, CA – December 18, 2008 – Xenophon Therapeutic Horse Riding Center is proud to announce that several members received awards at this year’s North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) conference, held in Hartford, CT.
Anthony Fusaro was awarded the 2008 NARHA Youth Equestrian of the Year. Xenophon’s beloved horse Cocoa, received 2008 Horse of the Year. Additionally, long-time Xenophon volunteer Ken Bergstresser was awarded Region 11 Volunteer of the Year.
5,900 equine therapy horses and 11,000 riders from all over the nation were vying for these awards.
Anthony Fusaro, Youth Equestrian of the Year
15-year-old Anthony Fusaro had been riding at Xenophon for 5 years. Diagnosed with cancer at age 8, his life expectancy was 6 months when he first came to the Center. But, Anthony stated determinedly, “I am more than cancer,” and went from wheelchair to cane and from surcingle to saddle to independent riding. Whether Anthony was in a wheelchair or using a cane, his trusted mount had to accept those aids. When he was strong and able to ride, the horse would challenge him. And when his riding abilities were very diminished, the horse would instinctually recognize that and concede accordingly.
“Even with Anthony’s aggressive cancer, he tried to live each day to the fullest,” says Myke Judd, Xenophon Registered Instructor. “He worked on an Eagle Scout Project, which he called HOPE -- Helping Oncology Patients Endure. He wanted to supply local oncology nurses with small gifts for children hospitalized with cancer and coping with stressful procedures. As an unofficial spokesperson for Xenophon, Anthony would give presentations about the benefits of riding and what it had done for him.”
Even with major health setbacks, his hard work, wonderful sense of humor, bright smile, and incredible optimism would carry him through. Anthony’s ability to bounce back from any diversity was an inspiration to many.
Though his strength and abilities would vary depending on his cancer treatments, the goal for Anthony was always the same – spending time with the horses. Sadly, Anthony lost his battle with cancer in May of this year. But his inspiration and love for life and horses will be remembered by all he touched.
Cocoa, Horse of the Year
Cocoa has been a therapy horse for seven and a half years. She is half Morgan and half Arabian. Cocoa has special characteristics that you seldom see in any animal. According to Judy Lazarus, Xenophon Executive Director and Founder, “Cocoa has a complete understanding of the needs of special children. She 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. When a more capable rider is on her, she perks up with increased energy and speed. I have never seen these characteristics in all the years I have been involved with horses.”
Cocoa is the horse Xenophon always uses for a first time rider or a very disabled child because the handlers know that she will take care of them. She will stand for long periods if a child needs extra time to do an activity. And yet, she will walk around and around the arena as many times as needed until an apprehensive student finally stops crying. Cocoa also willingly participates in advanced dressage routines with higher-level riders. She excels at Xenophon’s annual horse show as she calmly carries many different students, allowing them to show their families and friends the skills that they have learned.
Jan Bindas, Xenophon Registered Instructor, remembers a specific incident that typifies the relationship that is established with Cocoa, “We had a boy with multiple disabilities who rode Cocoa for a few years. With a big smile on his face, he loved trotting fast and so did she. They were quite a team. It took him a long time to learn to say Cocoa, but when he did he would gently pet her and slowly say ‘Good girl, Cocoa’. Unfortunately, he needed surgery which resulted in many setbacks, and when he finally came home, he kept saying ‘Cocoa’ over and over. One day his Mom asked if he could come see Cocoa. Cocoa was led to where he was sitting in his wheelchair. She put her nose against him right away as he repeatedly said ‘Cocoa.’ She stood there for as long as he wanted to pet her, never moving. He has not yet been able to return to Xenophon, but hopefully, someday, he’ll once again be able to ride his adored Cocoa.”
“Cocoa is a once in a lifetime horse. She is 21 years old now and hopefully will be with our program for a long time to come, because there are many disabled children who need her,” says Ellen Marienthal, Xenophon Volunteer.
Ken Bergstresser, Region 11 Volunteer of the Year
Ken Bergstresser has been a part of Xenophon since the early stages of the program and his dedication truly reflects in his involvement around the barn. Aside from feeding the horses, Ken can be found setting up the arena for a trail course, cleaning up after the horses, assisting students who need to be lifted onto the horse, mucking out stalls, and much more. He’s gentle with the horses and the students, and is calm in an emergency.
“Ken typically arrives at the barn before the sun comes up on Saturday mornings,” says Lazarus. “Before feeding the horses, he begins his day by walking around to the different corrals and hugging each horse individually. Every Saturday morning, when I see Ken in the paddocks with the horses, I know that whatever the day throws at me, I can handle it just fine.”
About Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center
Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center is a non-profit organization founded 16 years ago, born out of a dream about what horses could do for disabled children. Horses are incredible animals that can make a person feel like they can do almost anything. Horses are powerful and awe inspiring. The joy of riding a horse is the same for everyone. They allow you to forget about yourself and go to a place where life is good. They do not care if you use a wheelchair or if you cannot speak. The horse’s unconditional devotion is what makes therapeutic riding such a joy for everyone involved.
The center serves 40 children per week and has eight NARHA registered instructors. It is the only accredited center servicing Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Donations can be sent to Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center, P.O. Box 16, Orinda, CA 94563.
Visit our website at http://xenophontrc.org for more information and for photos of the featured members.
For further information, contact:
Judy Lazarus
Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center
jlazarus@xenophontrc.org