The Children
Until recently, the Trust was able to help enrich the lives of special needs children by giving them the opportunity to care for a donkey during a short holiday at Freshfields.
The children arrived on a Monday morning and, after settling in, they were taken into the meadow to meet their new friends. The hardest decision they faced was to choose one of the 60 or so donkeys to adopt for the week. By adopting it, they undertook to help feed, groom, exercise and befriend their donkey and, in doing so, form a close bond of trust and affection with it.
For many children who have to rely on parents or carers for their most basic needs, the opportunity to become “the carer” and look after an animal which needs their help, was a great challenge and one which they took on with enormous enthusiasm. The experience gave the children a great sense of achievement and self-confidence while the donkeys, many of which have been rescued from unhappy backgrounds, relished the care and affection which was lavished upon them.
Regrettably, the legislation regarding the facilities which must be provided for special needs children has increased to the point that the Trust can no longer provide over-night accommodation.
Of course, the children can still come for day visits - and they do so with enormous enthusiasm. As well as helping with feeding and grooming, the can have a ride on one of the “special” donkeys which are used to carrying small riders. A “basket saddle” is available which provides a secure seat for those children who need it.
It would be helpful if the Trust could be notified in advance of any group visits.
Freshfields is also a great place to hold a children’s birthday party - with food, drinks and donkey rides included. For details, contact Annie on 01298 79775 (for e-mail address, see our Contact page).