Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

Edward is five years old and started attending EST Leeds in September 2008. He rides on a weekly basis with three other children from Yeadon's Westfield Infant School. Edward has been referred to the Centre as a 'selective mute' and on entering school in September would not communicate in school. Since attending the Centre with his class mates on open days and coming along to the Saturday Club, Edward has begun to talk to adults and his peers.

Emily Holder is five years old and has been riding at EST Leeds since January 2006. Emily has right sided hemiplegia (Cerebral Palsy) and faltering growth. Emily's Mum Helen has noticed many changes in Emily's development since she started riding donkeys. "We have seen huge physical benefits from Emily attending EST Leeds. When Emily began riding in 2006 she was unable to walk and co-ordinate her limbs. She is now able to walk independently and her co-ordination has improved greatly. Emily's confidence has grown enormously around animals and adults alike."

Four year old Sam is autistic with communication problems. Since August 2007, he has been coming along to EST Leeds with his dad who says "I think the donkeys really help Sam try to communicate. The centre itself is very accommodating and the staff are so friendly and make you feel welcome."

Eleanor has been regularly going along to EST Leeds with her mum and other members of her family since 2005. Now aged 5, Eleanor has become a very confident little girl who is always talking about her visits to the centre and looking forward to seeing William, her favourite donkey!