Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

This weekend I visited EST Manchester’s Summer Fair. I drove up on Friday morning to meet two families whose children benefit from donkey riding therapy at the centre. I arrived in the car park to find organised chaos – it was a very windy day and there were marquees threatening to take off left right and centre but Lindsay the centre co-ordinator had it all under control and was directing deliveries, porta-loos and gazebo erection quite calmly!

I have not had much time to write my diary over the last few weeks as there has been so much going on at the Adoption paddock! First, Busby and I were the star attractions during a ‘Help for Heroes’ sponsored cycle ride and then the big Marquee went up, signalling the start of Donkey Week. I was just settling down to some rest and relaxation time in the field, when I spotted one of my grooms coming towards me with a head collar. For a moment, I thought she must have confused me with one of the younger donkeys and be taking me down to work in the Slade Centre.

This video was taken Christmas 2009, whilst the children were in the arena visting Santa in his grotto. You can hear the Christmas music in the back ground... which Pancho decided to join in with. So here is Pancho's version of 'I wish it could be Christmas everyday' - enjoy!

Hello Everyone!

My name is Paula and I work as the Centre Coordinator at EST Ivybridge . We have 18 donkeys at the Centre, and one of my favourte things to do is to watch them playing and messing around in the field.

I catch them up to all sorts of mishief - so I make sure I always have my camera to hand, so I can share videos and photos with you all.

Here is Eeyore and Jacquot playing tug-o-war with a welly boot. As you can see, neither of them want to let go!

During my recent visit to EST Leeds, I met up again with Edward and his family. Edward was featured in September 2009 in the Daily Express and made an appearance on ITV’s This Morning programme, because he has selective mutism and benefits from our special donkey riding therapy.

I probably don’t need to introduce myself as I’ve been at the Slade Centre for donkeys’ years now, but in case you don’t know me; I am Daniel P, the tallest and oldest donkey at EST Sidmouth!