Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

Astrum works at EST Manchester where he visits the eldery in our community at hospices within the local area. All our donkeys have an annual physio check-up and while Astrum was being checked by one of our vets, he noticed that the muscles in Astrum's back were a little tight. The remedy is heat treament twice a day for approximately 20 minutes each session using lavender bags. This hasn't affected Astrum's work in any way so he is still enjoying his visits out in the community.

Wayne is a skewbald gelding, who was born in 1996. He was taken into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary, our sister charity, in 2004 with his donkey companion, Garth. Both donkeys had previously been bought by a very kind couple who had been concerned for their welfare.

Wayne goes out in the community as well as riding therapy for our centre. He mainly visits residential homes but he also visits schools and has also been to church!

When our donkeys visit new homes, we often take Wayne first as Snowy is still learning.

Both Wayne and Snowy behave well when travelling and enjoy the attention they get from the residents. They especially like the gardens of the homes as they can nibble the grass on the way out!

Wayne always seems to enjoy himself - and we have discovered why. Recently he was seen staring intently at a large plasma screen television in the lounge of one of the residential homes. He would obviously be a television addict if given the opportunity!

Snowy is a skewbald mare who was born in 1995 at East Axnoller Farm, a farm owned by The Donkey Sanctuary, our sister charity. Her birth was a great joy to everyone, as she was born very soon after her mother, Mary, had been relinquished to the Sanctuary. She is a very cheeky donkey, who likes making lots of noise and is much-loved by everyone.

She has only just started working out in the community and is doing very well. Her training involved leading her around the centre introducing her to new challenges, such as visiting the offices and staff room so she could feel comfortable in the surroundings.

The first time Snowy went out into the community, Wayne went with her. At the moment Snowy is only visiting residential homes while she learns to deal with walking up and down small steps and going into bedrooms.

One morning when the donkeys were being groomed in the yard, Snowy found herself standing next to Vicky, the groom. Obviously Snowy wanted to have a go at grooming, as she managed to take the brush from Vicky's hands by skilful use of her teeth!

Rosie was born in 1990 and relinquished to The Donkey Sanctuary, our sister charity, in 1999. She is originally from Gwynedd and came into the Sanctuary with her son, Phineas.

Rosie has an extremely quiet nature, making her ideal for working with the elderly in our community. She loves the attention she gets on visits and enjoys her creature comforts, much
preferring to be inside a nice warm home!

Tojo was born in 1990 and relinquished to The Donkey Sanctuary, our sister charity, in March 2004. He is one of the EST Sidmouth therapy riding donkeys who has also worked at EST Manchester.