Perfect Day for the Xenophon Horse Show and Open House

The preparations for Xenophon’s Annual Horse Show and Open House began last February. Our riders have been working on their balance, strength and skills since the opening of the season on February 21, 2017. They have worked tirelessly to master neck control, straight posture, ability to use their reins, mastering leading, or riding independently and remembering patterns. Their hard work shone through on Saturday as over 48 riders demonstrated their skills through a variety of classes. The day was started off with pizzazz by our Opening Ceremony class to the beautiful music of Dulcinea, an all-girl Acapella choir from Los Lomas High School. The girls harmonies echoed through the covered arena as our class paraded our country’s colors, while former students, Rebecca Weston and Sierra Olson proudly paraded in with the Xenophon banner. Our Hippotherapy Parade classes followed, and then it was on to Walk Trot, Trail, Showmanship and Dressage. It was a day to spend with family and friends, taking in demonstrations by Canine Companions for Independence; a Pas de Deux, by instructor, Melissa Maker, and student, Laurel Gallion; and a BBQ lunch hosted by the Xenophon Board of Directors.

Our students weren’t the only ones prepping months in advance. Instructors were planning classes months ago. Danielle, Lindsay, and Linda, with the help of Diane Morabito, spent weeks coordinating 49 riders with 7 horses and various tack and equipment. Volunteers from Chevron came mid-September to freshen up paint and spruce up our flower beds. Jim Fix-It Taylor was out the week before revving up the tractor to prepare the field for parking. A cadre of volunteers arrived on Friday to set up pop tents, tables and chairs and bathe horses. Then, over 75 volunteers arrived the morning of to ensure that all was ready, resulting in a perfect horse show that flowed seamlessly and created a day of smiles, accomplishments, and fun.

Please do not miss the beautiful picture gallery that is posted below. Pictures can be purchased through Zenfolio.

Xenophon wishes to thank the following groups whose help was invaluable:

  • National Charity League of Lamorinda: provided snacks and drinks for the volunteers and volunteered their time on Saturday.
  • Boys Team Charity of Lamorinda: volunteered on Saturday to help with traffic control and arena set-up.
  • Boy Scout Troop 810: volunteered on Saturday and helped with parking, traffic and helped to clean up the center at the end of the day.
  • Dulcinea Acapella Choir: Who so beautifully provided music and our national anthem.
  • Mike Miller and the United Steel Workers Union #326 from the Phillips 66 refinery who purchased our trophies and sponsored the horse show in addition to bringing their fabulous BBQ for our use.
  • Clipped Wings: a group of retired United Airlines Flight Attendants who helped prep for our BBQ and run the table.
  • Canine Companions for Independence, East Bay Chapter: for a wonderful demonstration.
  • Our Amazing Volunteers: who do so many things and help in so many ways that it is impossible to mention.
  • Our Fantastic Staff: who worked tirelessly to put on a fabulous event.
  • Our Board of Directors: for sponsoring our BBQ
  • Our BBQ Team: Mark Caron, Joe Dionne, Greg Welch, Mike Miller, Brian Neville, Bruce and Trudy Presser
  • Our MC: Michelle Bushong, who stood all day with a microphone on her head and did a wonderful job announcing and educating our audience.
  • Our Photographers: Jim and Kelly Pire who are magic at capturing the essence of Xenophon.