Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

Pascoe retired eight years ago from his work as a riding therapy donkey for a charity in Birmingham, but he still wants to join in with the lessons!

Pascoe started work as a riding therapy donkey in 1989 when the Birmingham centre of The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST) first began to provide therapy for local children with special needs.

EST Birmingham tells how three-year old Jonah, who has Down’s syndrome, benefits physically and emotionally from donkey-riding therapy.

Seven months ago Jonah’s mum Jacqueline Nixon was given a list of activities for children with disabilities, one of them on offer being free donkey-riding therapy at the Birmingham Centre of the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST) located within Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield.

James has been visiting EST Birmingham since he was six months old, attending each week and for holiday clubs which are held during school holidays. James has Erbs Palsy in his right arm, which is a condition caused by birth trauma affecting the nerves which supply movement and feeling to the arm. James is unable to extend his right arm any further than his head.

Birmingham holiday club is for children with special needs who come to our centre at Sutton Park, or those who go to other special needs schools. The children can come with their family, brothers and sisters and play, ride a donkey and picnic.

EST Centres are now open to the public from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm Monday to Friday. No appointment is necessary. You are welcome to come and view our facilities and, of course, the donkeys. We also have a small gift shop selling donkey-related goods.

Riding therapy

If you would like to arrange disabled or SEN riding therapy sessions, please make an appointment first to avoid disappointment as unforeseen circumstances may arise.

Adoption donkeys

Residents from Innage Grange residential home in Bridgnorth were introduced to a very special guest - Elvis the donkey (aged 19)!

Manager Pauline Tremellen said, "This is a wonderful opportunity for all the residents at the home. At Innage Grange we have two units for people with dementia and the rhythmic stroking of an animal as gentle as a donkey puts the person at ease and builds a bond between them."

Donkeys are natural companions and the relationship and therapeutic bond they form is invaluable for children with disabilities and for the elderly.