 Bob: Hello, everyone! I'm here today with a very special member of the STEPS with Horses herd, our esteemed miniature donkey, Donkey. Donkey, thank you for joining us today. Can you share a bit about your background and how you became the longest-standing member of the STEPS herd? Donkey: Well, hello, Bob! It's always a pleasure to chat. I've been with STEPS with Horses for quite a while now—the longest of the bunch, you could say. As you know, you and I came together from our last ranch, and I’ve had the privilege of watching this wonderful organization grow and flourish over the years. Bob: That’s incredible, Donkey. Can you tell us about your role in equine-assisted counseling and how long you’ve been working with clients? Donkey: Absolutely, Bob. I’ve been a part of the equine-assisted counseling team for more than 7 years now. It’s been a transformative experience for me. When I first started, I was quite scared of people—I’d run away from everyone. But through the counseling sessions, I found my purpose and calling in life. Helping clients, supporting them when they’re feeling anxious or vulnerable—that’s what I live for. Bob: That’s beautiful, Donkey. How has equine-assisted counseling helped you build trust in people while also aiding your clients? Donkey: It’s been quite the journey, Bob. Doing this counseling work helped me realize that people are here to support and care for me, just like I support and care for them. It’s a mutual understanding that’s built on trust and connection. As I’ve opened up to clients, I’ve seen them open up too. We’ve grown together, and it’s a remarkable experience. Bob: That’s truly heartwarming, Donkey. Now, I’ve seen that you’re particularly good at picking up on when your clients are feeling anxious or vulnerable. Can you tell us more about how you show your support and protectiveness? Donkey: Absolutely, Bob. It’s like I have a sixth sense for it. When clients are feeling uneasy or vulnerable, I step in front of them. It’s a way of showing them that I’m here, I’ve got their back, and they’re not alone. It’s a silent communication that speaks volumes, and it’s amazing to see the comfort it brings to our clients.  Bob: Your empathy and support are truly commendable, Donkey. Before we wrap up, I know you wanted to say something about our supporters. Donkey: Oh, Bob, you know how I feel about our community—they’re the absolute best! We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them. The truth is, community support—whether it's through events, fundraisers, or simply helping us spread the word—is absolutely essential to our mission. Within the last year, we had some amazing local partners who really stepped up with some incredible campaigns and events. Go Fast, Do Stupid Stuff helped raise awareness for us during their Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge ride. Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design included us in their Cowtown Collection, bringing visibility and funding to our work through beautiful art and design. Kendra Scott hosted an in-store event that combined sparkle with support, and our Breeders’ Cup Bash, cohosted with Hope 4 All, was an unforgettable evening that brought the community together in support of healing through horses. And Mama Mia was thrilled to join the Ventana neighborhood for a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Each of these events made a huge difference—not only in raising critical funds for our equine-assisted mental health programs, but also in helping people learn who we are and how we help. And let me tell you, Bob, every dollar raised helps keep hay in our feeders, vet care covered, and sessions accessible to clients who truly need us. Bob: That really shows the power of community. What would you say to someone who might want to help STEPS but doesn’t know where to begin? Donkey: Great question, Bob! If you're inspired by our mission, there are so many ways to get involved. You don’t have to be a big company or plan something elaborate—every effort counts. Host a small fundraiser, invite us to your event, partner with us through your business, or even organize a simple awareness campaign. We’ll work with you to make it meaningful and fun! And truly, from the bottom of my braying little heart, thank you to everyone who has supported us, past and present. Your kindness fuels our work, and your belief in our mission means the world to all of us—especially the four-legged team members. Bob: Well said, Donkey. It’s heartwarming to hear just how much community support empowers the work we do every day. Donkey: It sure does, Bob. We may be a small herd, but with our community behind us, there’s nothing we can’t do. So thank you—and if you’re thinking about supporting us, now’s the perfect time to join the herd! Interested in working with Donkey as a client? Complete a Counseling Interest Form!
Want to support Donkey's work? Join Donkey's Carrot Club!
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 David* was only three years old when he was adopted by a relative. While his adoptive family loved him deeply, the wounds from his early years remained just under the surface. He had little memory of his biological parents—only a lingering sense of confusion and anger that never seemed to go away. By the time David arrived at equine-assisted counseling, he was 14 and already tired. Tired of being labeled the “angry kid.” Tired of yelling, punching walls, and watching people flinch or shut down around him. He didn’t want to be angry. But the emotions felt too big, too fast. And the only way he knew how to make them go away—even briefly—was through aggression. Enter Donkey. Donkey isn’t your typical therapy animal. Short in stature but wise beyond measure, he carries with him the quiet kind of strength—the kind that notices things others miss. From the beginning, David was different around Donkey. In place of shouting, there was silence. In place of slamming doors, a tentative hand reaching out to stroke soft fur. Donkey made David pause. At first, David didn’t speak much during sessions. He wasn't sure how to explain what he felt without becoming overwhelmed. And, deep down, he worried that if he acted out, Donkey would be scared of him—or worse, go away. So he held it all in, bottling up the storm inside. Then came the day his therapist gently invited him to talk about his biological parents. David had just mumbled, “I don’t know why they didn’t want me,” when Donkey turned his body and began slowly backing up toward him. It was a subtle movement—but one the equine specialist recognized immediately. This is how Donkey responds when he senses vulnerability or emotional distress. It's his way of saying: I’ve got your back. For a long moment, neither David nor Donkey moved. “I didn’t think animals could tell,” David said quietly, eyes fixed on the ground. “They can,” his equine specialist replied. “Especially Donkey. He senses when people feel unsafe or unsure. And right now, he’s letting you know—he’s here. With you.” David reached out, resting a hand on Donkey’s side. He didn’t cry. He didn’t yell. But for the first time, he didn’t hold it in. He talked. About the anger. The guilt. The belief that there was something wrong with him—something that made him unlovable or unwanted. Donkey stayed close the entire time. That moment was a turning point—not a sudden fix, but a shift. Over the next few months, David began learning that anger is often a mask for deeper pain—sadness, fear, loss. He started exploring new ways to express those feelings. He practiced recognizing when the anger was building and learned tools to step away, breathe, or ask for help. And through it all, Donkey remained a steady, calming presence—never demanding, never judging. Just being. Why This Matters For many children like David, traditional talk therapy can feel overwhelming or unsafe. Equine-assisted counseling offers a different path—one where healing begins not with words, but with presence. Donkey didn’t teach David to stop being angry. He taught him that he didn’t have to be angry alone. And that made all the difference. Interested in working with Donkey as a client? Submit a Counseling Interest Form! Want to support Donkey's work with more clients like David? Join Donkey's Carrot Club today! *Names and details changed to protect client privacy and identity Categories All |
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September 2025
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