Role reversal: Sidmouth donkeys provide wellbeing for equine welfare officers  

A group of dedicated professionals, who spend their working lives protecting the welfare of horses, donkeys and mules, were treated to a wellbeing session with a difference at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth.    

The frontline equine welfare officers spent a day at the Sanctuary’s Donkey Assisted Activities centre, giving them the opportunity to take time out of their busy roles to spend some quality time with the donkeys, and to connect and build relationships with colleagues in similar roles from other organisations.  

The group included equine officers from the RSPCA, the Mare and Foal Sanctuary and the Hugs Foundation, as well as Donkey Welfare Advisers from The Donkey Sanctuary.  

The officers were split into three groups and given different opportunities to interact with the resident donkeys. The groups were then rotated to ensure they had the chance to experience each session.   

One session focussed on mindfulness, and here the group spent some time out with, then grooming the donkeys, while another group were given the opportunity to create enrichment treats for the herd.   

The third group took part in a donkey facilitated learning session. Each participant took an object that represented how they feel in their work life. They then discussed it in the presence of the donkeys. The group took time to observe how the donkeys were mirroring their emotions whilst talking about their different situations.  

Lauriel Woodley, Donkey Assisted Activity centre manager said: “We gave the officers the time and space to closely observe donkey behaviour, and to learn more about the donkeys and themselves.    

“Working on life skills such as self-awareness, managing emotions and communication, they had the opportunity to reflect on experiences, and to share ideas they could call upon to support themselves in the future.  

“For example, taking a moment to practise mindfulness techniques is not only beneficial for personal wellbeing and for helping to stay calm and grounded during stressful situations, but it will also make them more comfortable to be around the equines they are approaching. 

“For donkeys who are very anxious or who have not previously been handled, this could be the first step to building trust and beginning more positive associations around people.”    

The day was organised by Senior Donkey Welfare Adviser Jenna Goldby. She said: “It is so beneficial to be given opportunities to consider one’s own wellbeing. 

“The field officers work in very challenging circumstances, under a lot of pressure, and dealing with emotional situations daily. To be able to offer a day of respite allowed each person to be able to recognise their feelings and emotions in a safe space, and have the chance to discuss scenarios with others that are dealing with similar situations.” 

Jenna added: “These days not only offer some emotional support, but also allow colleagues to network and form bonds and solid working relationships which they can take back to the field. It also gave an opportunity for those field officers that don’t deal with donkeys daily to ask questions and have some hands-on experience with these very special animals."