Once the formalities of day one are sorted, the next bit of the holiday is visiting the farms. There are half a dozen farms in South Devon and Dorset housing hundreds of donkeys which are not open to the public and these farms are opened up for Donkey Week, with charity stalls, refreshments and light lunches, and interesting talks on all aspects of Donkey Sanctuary work from overseas relief to local donkey assisted therapy. But there is no pressure, the Weeker is free to pass their time as they see fit. Some visit the talks, some spend the whole time with donkeys and some take advantage of the trailer rides, walks available.
First farm for 2018 was Woods, a peaceful farm nestled in the Devon countryside near Ottery St Mary. Home of David, well known in donkey circles for his floppy ears and also home to Timmy and Tommy, UK cruelty rescue, and Lola, Cheeko and Snowy - rescued from a nearby farm.
With my friend Mollie’s help I found a lovely peaceful jenny called Cassie who was happy to mooch about with the limpy two-legs.
It wasn't all donkey walking, I visited Cuddle Corner and did some grooming, went on a wonderful trailer ride, and also spent a lot of time in the presentation barn with youngsters like Jessie and Darcy stroking and talking to them while listening to the talk on Donkey Assisted Therapy. There is an interesting article recently on the Donkey Sanctuary Webpage listing 10 interesting facts and today was a wonderful example of #9;
“9) The bond between donkeys and humans is closer than you think
Research has shown that a donkey’s heart rhythm can synchronise with, and even influence those of a human when they interact. Because these heart rhythms reflect how we’re feeling, a donkey’s calming mood can reduce a person’s anxiety. The limbic system, the part of a donkey’s brain associated with emotion, behaviour, motivation and memory, is the same size as that of a human.”
Research has shown that a donkey’s heart rhythm can synchronise with, and even influence those of a human when they interact. Because these heart rhythms reflect how we’re feeling, a donkey’s calming mood can reduce a person’s anxiety. The limbic system, the part of a donkey’s brain associated with emotion, behaviour, motivation and memory, is the same size as that of a human.”
The time spent with donkeys like Jessie and Darcy was a practical illustration of this, as I relaxed they relaxed and then it was heads on shoulders and whuffling…so intense it was hard to let them go, but when they wanted to move I had to let them...
a donkey's head is very heavy!!
a donkey's head is very heavy!!
I managed to help one nervous Weeker get the courage to stroke a donkey, telling her what was good signs and what was bad. The behaviour she found threatening was actually the donkey pushing his head towards her in anticipation of some fuss, not the prelude to biting! :-)
Evening entertainment tonight was the Bingo. A fun evening with Farmer Willie and his made up bingo calling! Great fun but I never won one game. I did however pick up a raffle prize - chocolates!
Tomorrow Brooksfield and I hope to see Patsey Donkey again.
Night night everyone and all the donkeys.
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