A Heartfelt Thank You to The Donkeys of the Heart.

Our family has been blessed to be a part of The Donkeys of the Heart riding program for over a year, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. My son, who is autistic, has truly blossomed during his time with the donkeys. Not only does he love helping care for them, but riding his donkey, Zeb, has become something he looks forward to every week.

The p

A Truly Exceptional Experience with Sophie Rainer and The Donkeys of the Heart.

I cannot speak highly enough about the transformative impact Sophie Rainer and The Donkeys of the Heart have had on my 11-year-old son, who has autism, sensory challenges, speech, and neurological disabilities. 

Sophie is an incredibly patient, kind, and knowledgeable teacher who has an exceptional understanding of equin

Daniel has benefited GREATLY with this.

 It has helped him manage his stress and emotions and helps build his confidence and independence. 

The Donkeys are remarkably intelligent. (Smarter than many humans I've met) and they nurture him and surround him if he is stressed and feeling upset. They carry a great gift. They can read the emotions of children, and anyone who is stressed or feeling anxious 

I would like to share our experience with Donkeys of the Heart.  

Each class my son takes focuses on so many areas!  I see my son growing in using his voice with confidence, improving his balance, working on crossing midline, and practicing breathing techniques to calm his nervous system when he is feeling anxious.  

My son is also working on learning new vocabulary words and using them during class

My two young boys, ages 8 and 10, have been attending "The Donkeys of the Heart" in Cave Creek, Arizona for therapeutic riding lessons since September of 2024.  

My youngest son suffers from anxiety and separation anxiety.  His very first riding lesson he panicked a little when he realized he had to get in the saddle that day.  

Ms. Sophie was so kind and supportive through his tears; he got up on t