Molly

Sidmouth

Molly was two years old when her mother, Terri, visited EST Sidmouth for the first time. Having very little confidence and needing help with her position and muscle strength, Terri says "Coming here and having structured riding lessons has completely turned Molly around in the four years she has been coming.

Terri explained that when Molly was born, she was given a pony and as she grew older, Molly had always been frightened to go near. Now, she's a different child and is full of confidence and helps out looking after her pony. Terri puts this down to the time Molly has been spending at the EST centre where she can be with other children and benefit from the large amount of support from staff and structured riding lessons on the donkeys.

The centre also encourages the whole family to come along to their Saturday Club. When I met Molly, her brother Tom had also come along for the day along with their mother and grandmother. The centre is just as important to the family. Terri went on to say "Back when Molly was two years old, we felt this was the only place we could come to as a family. Nobody stared at us and we felt we'd found somewhere we belonged as well as it being hugely beneficial to Molly's progress.

Talking to Terri, she goes on to tell me that she works for EDF Energy based in Exeter and she is proud of her fellow colleagues who help in their own way. They organise activities such as "name the donkey" competitions and running an old-style school tuck shop to help raise money for the EST. Some of the staff have even adopted a donkey to help raise funds.

While talking to Terri, both Molly and Tom play in the sensory room which is an amazing area. Molly's riding lesson is all booked and while she waits for her turn, she happily plays with her brother and is a very lively young girl.

Terri mentioned that one of Molly's friends who comes to the centre is quite disabled and hyperactive, but as soon as he sits on a donkey, he's as calm as ever. Terri thinks that Molly seems to feel the energy from the donkeys and from the whole place.

And as a final word, Terri says "Just come along and see for yourselves how the centres are benefitting the children. It will touch your heart."