Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center
Orinda, California
Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Orinda, California, founded in 1993. Its website lists therapeutic riding, physical and occupational therapy using horses, and horsemanship. It serves children with disabilities and, through a separate program, veterans.
- Therapeutic riding (ages 5 to 18)
- Hippotherapy led by licensed PTs and OTs (ages 2 to 18)
- Horsemanship
- Operation Hooves on the Ground (veterans program)
- Scholarships
- Volunteer opportunities
- Children with physical or developmental disabilities
- Veterans
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Xenophon is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center, and its history page says it is the only accredited center serving Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The center says its riding instructors are trained and certified through PATH Intl.
Therapeutic riding lessons are 30 minutes and tailored to each student. Instructors set goals with parents, teachers and therapists and reassess every 7 weeks. The therapy program uses hippotherapy, with each session led by a licensed physical or occupational therapist. The center says riding skills are not taught in these sessions.
Both programs run in 6 to 8 week blocks, with sessions Monday through Thursday and Saturday.
History
Founder Judy Lazarus started the program in August 1993 at Black Point Farm in Martinez with one horse and two students. It moved to Orinda in 1996 on land leased from PG&E. Construction in 2011 added a covered arena, winter horse quarters and an office, and the program became year-round. The history page lists ten PATH-registered instructors and five licensed therapists.
Location
The center is at 60 Don Gabriel Way, Orinda, CA 94563. Mail goes to P.O. Box 16, Orinda, CA 94563.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do we get started?
Download the Initial Intake Form from the center's website and mail it to Xenophon Program Director, P.O. Box 16, Orinda, CA 94563. The student is placed on the wait list once the packet arrives.
What ages are served?
Therapeutic riding is for children 5 to 18 with a diagnosed physical or developmental disability. Therapy services with a PT or OT are for children 2 to 18.
How much does it cost?
As listed, a riding assessment and each 30-minute riding lesson are $74. A therapy evaluation is $150 and a 30-minute therapy session is $142. The center says scholarships are available if needed.
How do I contact the center?
Call (925) 377-0871 or email info@xenophontrc.org. The center asks for 24 hours notice if a student will miss a session.
Location
Orinda, California 94563
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.