Interview with a Therapy Donkey: A Journey of Trust and Support

11/26/2023

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 seen 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 five 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. Now, I'd love for you to share with our audience about the Ride with Kendall campaign. Can you tell us more about it?
Donkey: Absolutely, Bob. Kendall Hayley is an amazing human who's embarking on a motorcycle journey of a lifetime. He’s a long-distance endurance motorcyclist with over 300,000 miles logged on a Harley Davidson over the past 10 years who has been selected for the most extreme motorcycle challenge in the world, the Hoka Hey. Departing on August 4, 2024 from Key West, Florida, Kendall covered more than 10,000 miles, battling storms, hurricanes, mudslides, bees, wildfires, and more ending in Homer, Alaska on August 14, 2024. His journey was absolutely incredible!
Bob: That sounds like an incredible challenge. Can you tell us more about the Hoka Hey and what makes it so unique?
Donkey: Certainly, Bob. The Hoka Hey is not just a race; it's a challenge that pushes riders to their limits. It's more than a test of riding skill and endurance; it's a spiritual, mental, and physical challenge. Riders are equipped with only handwritten turn-by-turn directions, with no GPS or map navigation. They sleep outside next to their motorcycles each night. It's an event that truly challenges every aspect of a rider, from the selection process to reaching the finish line.

Bob: Kendall's dedication to such an extreme challenge is commendable. Why is Kendall riding for STEPS, and how does his journey connect with our mission?
Donkey: Kendall's connection with STEPS' mission runs deep. As an Ordained Youth Minister, with a professional career in the death care industry, and a personal experience of losing a brother to suicide, Kendall understands the importance of mental health support. He sees the life-changing value in what STEPS with Horses does, especially for Veterans and At-Risk Teenagers. Riding for STEPS is Kendall's way of using his passion for motorcycling to raise awareness and support for an organization that directly impacts people he deeply cares for. It's a beautiful alignment of his personal experiences and his desire to make a positive difference.

Bob: Thank you, Donkey, for shedding light on Kendall's incredible journey and the meaningful cause he’s riding for. It's heartening to see individuals like Kendall dedicating their efforts to support organizations like ours.
Donkey: Thank you, Bob. And to everyone listening, remember, Kendall's ride is not just a motorcycle journey; it's a journey of empathy, compassion, and awareness. Let's all support his mission and make a difference together. You can even help Kendall reach his goal of raising a dollar per mile giving to https://donorbox.org/ride-with-kendall-hokahey

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