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Donkey Sanctuary Information Sheet

Science - Ourselves

Information Sheet No. 9 – EST

The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys Centres are based in Birmingham, Sidmouth (Devon), Leeds and Manchester.  The aims of EST are to bring enjoyment and pleasure into the lives of children with special needs and disabilities and to give them the satisfaction that comes with the achievement of learning riding skills.

Riding skills are taught by qualified riding instructors using the donkey because of its placid nature.  In addition, children are encouraged to groom and care for donkeys.  The donkeys chosen must be healthy, obedient, mild mannered and above all they must enjoy human company.

The children who attend the centres have a wide range of disabilities; some may have learning difficulties, be physically disabled, may have behavioural problems or sensory impairment.

Children are brought to the centres daily by their school or hospital and, once a month on a Saturday or during school holidays, they can attend clubs with their families.  During the summer months mobile units operate, taking donkeys to those children in schools and hospitals who, because of their disabilities, cannot travel to the centres.

Each week up to 150 children attend each centre.  Their ages range from one year to young adults and those too heavy to ride (over 50 kilos) or are wheelchair bound are given donkey cart rides.

There are 14 attainment levels the children work towards.  From level 1, which includes such activities as smiling and holding their head up, to level 14 where the children can steer the donkeys through obstacles etc.