Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

Here at the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST) we provide donkey riding therapy to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

All of the work carried out by EST is free of charge and we really need to raise funds to enable us to care for Boomer and his friends who help so many children and adults. Just £8.00 will pay for a head collar and lead rope or £15.00 would pay for the care of one donkey for a week.

Learning new skills

To be able to carry out our work we rely on our teams of donkeys who happily interact with the children. One of the donkeys living at our Centre in Ivybridge is Boomer, who is a dark brown gelding and is full of character. Boomer is a very friendly donkey who loves to be around people and because of this, we decided he would make an ideal riding therapy donkey. He very quickly learnt the skills he needed to be both a riding and carting donkey, making him very versatile.

… and learning new tricks!

Boomer really enjoys his work, and with his larger than life personality soon became a favourite among staff and volunteers. He would always be the first at the gate in the mornings, making a point of saying hello to everyone around. Staff quickly learnt that he was very cheeky - stealing brushes from the grooms, untying his lead rope and, most annoyingly, tipping over a full wheelbarrow whilst staff are mucking out (a favourite thing to do now he realises it gets the biggest reaction!).

Making the children laugh

His cheeky behaviour still continues, and doesn’t just end in the barn – even in the arena he will still cause mischief and try to be the centre of attention. He loves to make the children laugh by grabbing and playing with the equipment; anything will do: cones, poles, toys, rubber rings, Boomer’s not fussy. He has even taught himself to put the rings over the cones, from watching the children during lessons!

A favourite with everyone

As well as helping with lessons and cart rides, Boomer is also often chosen to go on outings in the EST van. His experience of doing mobile work and his love for people often make him first choice, and he seems to enjoy every visit – so much so that he literally runs up the ramp into the van!

Boomer has been to many school fetes, carnivals and shows – winning a trophy two years running at Yealmpton show for ‘Most Versatile Donkey’.

All of the EST donkeys are special, but Boomer certainly makes an effort to stand out from the crowd. He’s a real star in our eyes. He really lifts everyone’s spirits.

Sadly Boomer has recently been unwell and had to leave Ivybridge for veterinary care in Hospital. He has now returned to Ivybridge and after a ‘welcome home party’ happily settled in with his new friend Merlin.

How much does it cost?

Please help us to continue our work with the children. We aim 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 using its specially trained donkeys, dedicated staff and volunteers.