Castro Valley Youth Celebrate Retirement of Old Joe

By Joyce Perry

SonRise Equestrian Foundation mentors, volunteers and program participants will celebrate the retirement of Old Joe, a beloved equine partner.

The 25-year-old quarter horse has been working with SonRise youth for over three years. Joe’s previous owner’s were killed in a plane crash and he was left to fend for himself.

By the time he found his way to SonRise, Joe no longer trusted or cared for people. With lots of work and love, he quickly learned to trust again and became a favorite among participants.

Old Joe is one of seven horses in the SonRise herd and works exclusively with Team Equine, one of four programs the organization offers. It is free of charge to youth facing social, emotional or physical challenges, including terminal illness.

"He has touched the hearts of all our participants, helping our youth gain self-confidence and sense of pride while working with their dear friend," said SonRise Founder Melanie Buerke.

The party starts today, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. at Castro Valley's Gibbs Ranch. SonRise youth will get a chance to express how thankful they are for the positive impact Joe has made on their lives.

Party goers, including Joe, will play games including bobbing for apples and share an animal-friendly cake made of carrots and molasses.

Joe will continue to reside at Team Equine where SonRise participants will love and care for him, including Caleen Espinoza, caregiver of Joe who is affectionately known as “Joe Mama."

Other programs at SonRise include: In the Saddle, a tailor-made one-on-one riding program; Traveling Tails, a program connecting miniature horses with children in hospice care and at special-needs schools and camps; Horse Play Days, days dedicated to horse-related games, crafts and activities.

This special day is available to all our children on the SonRise waiting list.

For more information visit www.sonriseequestrianfoundation.org.