Springwood Sanctuary

Thomas​

Thomas is a beautiful grey 11hh donkey gelding. He is 13 this year.

Thomas is one of the two gorgeous donkeys living at Springwood in the Mysties herd. They've been living with us for 7 years now. He is 13 this year - his birthday is 1st April 2011 but there's nothing foolish about this boy ... apart when he plays his crazy games of chase, bitey face and pull-tug with sticks with Rodney, Nelson & Charlie I suppose!

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Thomas is a very wise, gentle and sensitive soul who also has a very playful side. He often enjoys time on his own too,. 

He's everyone's friend and will be there by your side if he senses you need him. He has been a steadfast companion to each of the herd when they are poorly.

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He's very fond of ear rubs, being brushed and often loves hugs too. He loves rolling in the barn when new shavings have been put down. He loves seaweed, apples ... and practically any treat that is on offer! 

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​He has an uncanny knack of knowing when any gates or doors are open - even from on the hillside - he will magically appear and ninja in to where he's not meant to be, always finding the best treats on offer and of course an extra hug.

 

His best buddy is Rodney, he loves Kati, Blue Moon and Nelson and he's been hanging out a lot with Ted the sheep recently too. 

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Thomas' past: 

Thomas arrived at Springwood in June 2017 with his best buddy Rodney who he'd been with for a few years prior to coming to live with us. We received a message from a friend who needed to find a perfect forever home for them. They had been rescued previously and gone to live at a children’s petting farm.  This absolutely didn’t suit either of them – the noise, the constant petting, the small areas in which they were kept, the lack of free choice and the way they were handled all contributed to them feeling very misunderstood and overwhelmed.  When we went to meet them and bring them ‘home’ they were robotically pacing up and down the fence line in a very stressed and anxious way. Rodney was clinging on to the top of Thomas’s neck to try to calm himself and / or Thomas down and Thomas consequently had bite marks along his neck. All of this was usual behaviour for them apparently. Thomas had recently pulled a member of staff over sending them to A&E which is when the decision was made that the petting farm was absolutely not the right place for them to be – thankfully.  They were extremely anxious about being loaded onto the horsebox due to the fact they had had very bad experiences in the past. So we took lots of time and began to earn their trust, giving them confidence so they loaded gently and peacefully.

 

Thomas' life now:

It was the start of their healing journey, where they could feel totally understood by us and that all was well.  I drove the lorry very slowly, and we were able to keep an eye on them in the back via a camera.  They stood very still, neck over neck and arrived at Springwood not even a little bit warm, and still extremely relaxed. We opened the gate of the top paddock for them and out they came to explore their new forever home. The horses lined up at the fence to greet them and many were surprised and alarmed to see these gorgeous creatures with such long ears! From the first moment they were in the horsebox they were different animals. They have continued to be relaxed, peaceful, happy donkeys from that day to this.  Their confidence quickly increased, as well as their inquisitive nature. They love meeting new people now, as they completely trust that visitors are well versed in being mindful and gentle before they are allowed anywhere near the animals here! At first they were inseparable, but over time they have made independent bonds with all the herd and can often be found hanging out individually, playing with one of the thoroughbreds, mutual grooming with a horse three times their size, lying down in a sunny spot on their own, browsing along the hedgerows with the ponies or helping new arrivals feel at home and secure.  They of course still love spending time playing, resting with and grooming each other too.

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They were very anxious about having their feet trimmed in their previous home but they are now relaxed and happy for this to be done regularly at complete liberty, as well as teeth checks, any first aid and grooming they need.  They love the mindfulness we share with them, and can enjoy hanging out or lying down next to a mindful human. Their gentle yet inquisitive energy is very different to that of the horses and ponies, and we are so happy and honoured to be their guardians and that they are such a huge part of our sanctuary.

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Thomas has taught me so much about my personal energy and boundaries. He is incredibly sensitive to even the most sublte changes in my energy and thoughts. Being able to stay peaceful and embody a feeling of safety has enabled Thomas to deeply feel this himself and to therefore release his past anxieties, to trust deeply and become a very relaxed, healthy and happy donkey.