Enrollment 2025-2026 Opens 1st Week of August
Our Programs: therapeutic riding / equine assisted learning
Students
Adaptive / Therapeutic riding
Adaptive / Therapeutic riding
The Donkeys of the Heart is a 501(c)3 organization providing adaptive/therapeutic riding, and equine assisted learning. We work with children and adolescents (starting at four years old), with cognitive, mental, and behavioral challenges.
For more information: sophie@thedonkeysoftheheart.org
(310) 486-4494
All sessions are conducted by So
The Donkeys of the Heart is a 501(c)3 organization providing adaptive/therapeutic riding, and equine assisted learning. We work with children and adolescents (starting at four years old), with cognitive, mental, and behavioral challenges.
For more information: sophie@thedonkeysoftheheart.org
(310) 486-4494
All sessions are conducted by Sophie Rainer certified by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) as Equine Specialist Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL).
Adaptive / Therapeutic riding
Adaptive / Therapeutic riding
Adaptive / Therapeutic riding
Only private lesson openings available for adaptive/therapeutic riding lessons:
- Physical Benefits,
- Improve balance, strength, range of motion,
- Improve coordination/ motor skills,
- Improve respiration,
- Sensory integration,
- Psychological Benefit,
- Sense of well-being,
- Improve self-confidence,
- Improve risk-management abilities,
- Emotional control, sel
Only private lesson openings available for adaptive/therapeutic riding lessons:
- Physical Benefits,
- Improve balance, strength, range of motion,
- Improve coordination/ motor skills,
- Improve respiration,
- Sensory integration,
- Psychological Benefit,
- Sense of well-being,
- Improve self-confidence,
- Improve risk-management abilities,
- Emotional control, self-discipline.
- Social Benefits
- Friendship
- Interaction with others, animals, nature
- Improve social skills
- Educational Benefits
- Proven to increase remedial reading, math, and science skills.
- Greater listening skills and focus
- Sequencing, patterning, motor planning skills
- Visual and spatial perception/differentiation
- Improve eye-hand coordination
Equine Assisted Learning
Adaptive / Therapeutic riding
Equine Assisted Learning
This activities occurs “on the ground.”
- EAL is an experiential approach using donkeys as co-facilitators. EAL provides opportunities to learn a variety of life skills.
- EAL focuses on:
- Behavioral regulation,
- Social skills,
- Communication,
- Problem solving,
- Cooperation,
- Relationship skills,
- Decision making,
- Goal setting,
- Empowerment,
- Focus,
- Respect,
- Confidence,
- Self-esteem,