Hee-Haw Healing
Braying for a Better Tomorrow
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Loralei Lazurek
In the rugged foothills of Cave Creek, seven extraordinary facilitators with long ears, gentle eyes and remarkable patience are changing lives one interaction at a time.
“I’ve never seen someone meet a donkey for the first time without smiling,” says Sophie Rainer, founder and executive director of The Donkeys of the Heart. “Their calm demeanor is less intimidating than horses’, making them approachable. They’re naturally curious and will often come toward you.”
The French-born equestrian launched her nonprofit in 2019 after a successful corporate career, combining her lifelong passion for equines with a desire to help children facing cognitive, behavioral and developmental challenges. But rather than using horses, Rainer chose donkeys — a decision that reflects both her personal journey and professional insight into these misunderstood animals.
“In Europe, we’ve had relationships with donkeys for centuries,” Rainer explains. “But here in America, despite their historical importance during westward expansion, they often have an undeserved negative reputation — that they kick, bite or are stupid. None of this is true. Donkeys are extraordinarily intelligent.”
Her journey with these gentle creatures began unexpectedly in France, where she had been competing at elite levels in show jumping with warmbloods since childhood.
“My journey with donkeys began when a friend brought me a badly abused donkey,” she recalls. “I knew nothing about donkeys at the time.”
Fortunately, an 88-year-old neighbor who bred donkeys became her mentor, teaching her that donkeys need companionship — specifically with other donkeys — ultimately leading her to acquire four of the animals.
When a nearby psychiatric center approached her about using the donkeys in their programs, Rainer discovered their extraordinary potential for supporting individuals with various challenges. Years later, after relocating to the United States and working in various corporate positions, she made a life-changing decision.
“I’m done with my corporate life,” she decided in Fall 2019. “I want to create a nonprofit working with donkeys to help children and adolescents facing cognitive, behavioral and developmental challenges — which, as we know, is a major issue in the United States.”
Starting with just four donkeys — two formerly feral and two rescued minis — Rainer navigated the challenges of launching during the COVID-19 pandemic. After relocating to Cave Creek, she began working with clients and expanded her herd to seven donkeys, each with its own distinct personality.
The organization now offers specialized equine-assisted services through two primary programs: equine-assisted learning (groundwork only) and adaptive riding. Children as young as 4 can participate, though Rainer always conducts thorough readiness assessments first — evaluating both physical abilities and emotional preparedness — prioritizing safety above all else.
“I love horses, but donkeys’ cognitive abilities are significantly higher,” Rainer explains. “While both are prey animals, donkeys respond differently to perceived threats. Instead of running like horses, they stand their ground, process the information, and decide whether they agree or not with your request before acting. Only if they feel threatened will they defend themselves.”
This thoughtful nature makes donkeys particularly suitable for working with children who face cognitive, behavioral and developmental challenges. Their measured responses and calm demeanor create a safe space for participants to develop social skills and emotional regulation.
“When a donkey stops, there’s always a good reason,” Rainer notes. “They’re processing information — perhaps they heard, smelled or saw something concerning. They don’t spook easily like horses; they remain calm and observant.”
Each donkey at the barn has a unique personality that resonates differently with the children they serve. Alfred, rescued from the skin trade near the U.S.-Mexico border, is nicknamed “the philosopher” for his careful observation before approaching.
“Alfred teaches patience — he requires time to develop relationships,” Rainer says. “If someone approaches too quickly or forcefully, he simply walks away, as if saying, ‘I need to know you better before allowing that kind of contact.’ His cautious nature makes him an excellent facilitator for children who need to learn about respecting boundaries.”
Then there’s Violette, the only female donkey, affectionately called “Miss Mischief” for her playful, adventurous spirit.
“She’s incredibly sweet but constantly bubbling with creative ideas that sometimes push the boundaries of what’s allowed,” Rainer says with a laugh. “She works wonderfully with a 9-year-old child who faces multiple challenges. This child’s mother observed their interaction and remarked, ‘This donkey fits him perfectly!’”
Charlie, described as “our gentle giant,” possesses a uniquely smooth gait that makes him especially beneficial for children with cerebral palsy.
“While most donkeys have a somewhat staccato step pattern that works well for many conditions, Charlie’s movement is especially beneficial for cerebral palsy, specifically,” Rainer explains. “His entire demeanor communicates, ‘I love you,’ and he eagerly participates in every activity.”
The transformative impact of these animal-human connections is evident in the progress participants make. In a recent session, Rainer worked with a child with autism who also struggles with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and sensory issues.
“I could immediately see he wasn’t feeling well today,” Rainer recalls. “We adapted our plans when I saw he wasn’t up for riding. Instead, we continued groundwork from last session, taking breaks for deep breathing and hydration. By the session’s end, he was laughing and happy — the transformation was profound.”
The approach at Donkeys of the Heart is holistic, extending beyond riding to comprehensive care.
“Our children don’t just learn riding; they learn comprehensive care — carrying equipment, checking their donkeys’ health, understanding proper nutrition,” Rainer says. “We constantly draw parallels between the donkeys’ needs and the children’s lives — discussing balanced nutrition when feeding the donkeys, for instance, which can open conversations about eating disorders. The metaphors are endless and powerful.”
For riding instruction, Rainer teaches classical English style, developing personalized curricula that address each child’s specific needs. The physical benefits are substantial, particularly for participants with balance issues or limited attention spans.
“Riding requires coordinating different body parts in specific ways, which they learn step by step with personalized curricula,” she explains. “Parents often tell me how their children have changed dramatically — not just physically, but in their communication skills and attention spans.”
Rainer’s professional credentials include certification from PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship), a prestigious organization that certifies professionals for equine-assisted services. This training, combined with her lifelong equestrian experience, informs the meticulous preparation each donkey receives before working with vulnerable participants.
“Properly preparing a donkey to safely carry young children requires two to three years of consistent training,” she explains. “The training process for donkeys differs significantly from horses. Donkeys need to thoroughly understand their work conceptually.”
Looking ahead, Rainer envisions expanding both the client base and therapeutic programs, particularly focusing on educational workshops that integrate academic subjects through interaction with the donkeys during the fall and winter months.
“Enrollment for the 2025-26 season is already open,” she shares. “We limit groups to six participants to ensure personalized attention. The process begins with an appointment involving both the child and parents, where I conduct a comprehensive intake session to evaluate each child’s stamina, communication skills, sensory issues and comfort with safety equipment such as helmets.”
Beyond therapeutic programs, Rainer has also introduced “donkeysmanship classes” — educational sessions designed to deepen public understanding of these remarkable animals.
“For the past two years, we’ve offered five to six classes, and the response has been wonderful,” she explains. “People genuinely want to learn more about donkeys and have the opportunity to interact with them safely. These classes typically run Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are open to children 8 years and older, as well as adults.”
These community education programs serve a dual purpose: fostering greater appreciation for donkeys while generating additional support for the organization’s therapeutic mission.
“It’s remarkable how many educational concepts can be connected to these animals in ways that make learning engaging and memorable,” Rainer says. “Children absorb information differently when it’s presented in this experiential, joy-filled context.”
As for Rainer herself, the donkeys have been profound teachers.
“By nature, I’m extremely active and efficiency-oriented — I like things done well but quickly,” she admits. “The donkeys have been excellent teachers in this regard, constantly reminding me, ‘Slow down. Take your time.’ It’s not necessarily about doing things slowly, but about developing genuine patience.”
As The Donkeys of the Heart approaches its fourth anniversary, the organization faces challenges typical of small nonprofits. Operating on deliberately affordable fees to ensure accessibility for families with limited financial resources, the organization relies heavily on donations and volunteers.
“My ultimate dream is to secure our own property,” Rainer shares. “Right now, we operate thanks to the extraordinary generosity of a woman who has opened her entire property to us. Without her support, The Donkeys of the Heart simply wouldn’t exist.”
For now, Rainer remains focused on the transformative work happening daily at the barn — work that changes both the lives of the children who participate and the perspectives of adults who witness it.
“These transformations are my greatest reward,” she says, her voice softening with emotion. “The donkeys’ patience and gentleness create a beautiful environment. I truly wish more people would come see what these remarkable animals can do.”
