Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

Musical Mats and Hoops - The children ride around the arena, dismount, run for a mat or hoop once the whistle blows or the arm drops (response, co-ordination and awareness work alongside counting and colour perception).

Scavengers - A team game with the child and donkey at one end of the arena and at the other end, a bucket or cone with items in or on it, like a hoop, bean bag or any coloured item. The children have to dismount, run to collect the item, bring it back to the donkey, mount and trot to the other end of the arena (counting, colour and shape recognition, memory development).

Round the World - The children are encouraged to turn themselves around completely whilst sitting on the saddle, by sitting to the side, then facing the donkey's tail, sitting to the other side, then back facing the donkey's head (confidence building and a change from normal routine). The children can also be encouraged to ride the donkey whilst facing its tail - great fun and a very good muscle toning motion.

Follow the Leader - Taking turns to be the leader, moving the donkey and rider to the front by using a sound, such as a "beep, beep".

Copy Cat - Copying the instruction or another rider's movements, actions or sounds whilst seated on the donkey, either moving or stationary.

Trotting - Exercises and games are normally carried out at a donkey walk pace. However, most of the children enjoy a period of trotting within their session. Some children who are unable to join in any of the above games or exercises because of their disability can enjoy a period of trotting in their ride. Some who have been thought not to speak have been heard asking for "more"!

and a lot more... Posting Letters, Hoops On An Elephant's Trunk, Balls In A Net...