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."

Samuel used to attend EST Sidmouth on a weekly basis, but now goes regularly to EST Ivybridge since it opened in 2007 as it is much closer to home and his school.

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.

Patrick is almost three years old and has been visiting EST Manchester for over a year. Here, he receives donkey riding therapy and visiting is the highlight of his week. In fact, Patrick loves donkeys so much that his second word was "donkey"!