Donkey therapy
In the future we hope to build a donkey therapy centre dedicated to helping children with special needs.
The therapy consists of different exercises depending on the severity of the child’s disability. Participants interact with the animals and their environment through riding sessions.
The benefits of pet therapy have been shown in studies and research from around the world. People suffering from physical and psychological problems can communicate without barriers. The animals show their affection and interest and the children enjoy this reassuring relationship.
Donkeys are well suited to this type of work thanks to their gentle natures, patience, small stature and slow yet constant pace.
With the help of instructors, the children learn simple lessons in each session which builds their self confidence and esteem. Riding the donkeys also improves their balance, coordination and strength.
The children love being with the donkeys, petting, stroking and even cuddling them and the donkeys happily return the attention.
Trained donkeys
Despite having had hard lives before coming to the Rifugio, some of our donkeys are still young and healthy.
We choose a selected few with particularly gentle natures and train them to be ridden, pull a cart, be loaded in a horse box and not to spook at noises or unexpected situations. This way their behaviour will be perfectly safe for the children.
The donkeys work enough to stay fit and interested in what they do, but not so much that they become tired or bored.
A free service
This service is completely free of charge to participants, any related costs are funded by the Rifugio.
Your help
Adopting a donkey for a year will pay for two therapy sessions.
Riding therapy training starts for donkeys
Thanks to help from the UK based Elisabeth Svendsen Trust, four of our rescued donkeys Tudor, Costel, Ringo and Gina are receiving the 1st phase of their donkey therapy training. Trainers Robina (Manchester) and Lauriel (Sidmouth), came to Italy In January to train the staff here so that we could start out therapy work. Tudor and Costel both arrived in February 2008 from Romania. they were found abandoned together during the winter by our partners of Save the Dogs.
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