Congratulations go out to our Barn and Facility Manager, Linda Parsons. Linda won the PATH International Equine Caretaker of the Year! Linda was first awarded Equine Caretaker for Region 11, then went on to be awarded the International title as well. This was no small feat, as Linda had some very stiff competition from the other regional winners. Long-time Xenophon volunteers remark that “the center’s horses and facilities have never been better, and a culture of continuous improvement is attributable to Linda’s focus on constant review and implementation of new practices and procedures to benefit the horses, as individuals or as a group. Customized exercise, feeding and treatment plans are developed as needed, and the volunteer barn staff is always made aware of each animal’s change in status to provide the best possible support.” Linda came on board with Xenophon in 2014. During that time she has expanded her knowledge ten-fold. Our horses have benefitted from knowledge, along with her gentle touch. We could not be more proud or grateful to have Linda overseeing the care of our horses.
The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, is the governing body for therapeutic riding centers in the US. They set industry standards, provide certification for professionals, and accredit those centers meeting the pinnacle safety standards. Xenophon has been a premiere accredited center with Path for most of its existence.
Each year, PATH holds a national conference. Included in that are awards for professionals within the industry, outstanding riders and veterans, outstanding horses, and awards for veterinarians who serve centers in their area. This year, in addition to Linda winning the International award, our veterinarian, Michael O’Brien won Veterinarian of the year for Region 11. Dr. O, as he is fondly called around the center, has been caring for the Xenophon horses free of charge for over 20 years. There are not enough words of thanks for all that Dr. O’Brien has done to keep the Xenophon herd healthy.
Our horse, Ozzie, also won Region 11 Therapy Horse of the Year. For those of you who know Ozzie, he is 25 and still going strong, loving his job and happily serving the many riders and participants that come through the center. He has been working at Xenophon for over 13 years. Ozzie is a character, and though small in stature he is bossman of the herd.
Xenophon is proud to continue to receive national recognition within our industry. In past years we have had an International Professional of the year, Region 11 Professional of the Year (twice), Region 11 and International Horse of the Year, Region 11 and International Junior Rider of the Year. It is an indication of the high quality of staff and programs that we offer.