NCEFT National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy

 

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Willy and Wonka

Willy and Wonka

July 25, 2011 by Development Director

They’re the quintessential socialites. Whether it’s white tie or country chic, the two of them have been photographed at every social event since their arrival in Woodside four years ago. You won’t find them knocking back a cocktail though; at only 5 years old they’re both too young to partake in anything more than a bucket of water.

2010 Jeans and Jewels Gala

Willy and Wonka are arguably some of the most prominent and well-recognized members of NCEFT. Though some of their notoriety is certainly due to a serious set of vocal chords—often put to good use during feeding time—their fans love them for more than their good looks. Officially known as Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys, the boys are the perfect size for our smaller patients to love on. Though their list of marketable skills is short (walks on lead, eats cookies), they earn their keep as ambassadors, entertaining visitors with antics and elaborate costumes alike.

Oscar as a foal at Evening Star
 Registered as Evening Star Chris and Evening Star Oscar’s Doc Holiday, both Donkeys were born in 2006 at Evening Star Ranch in Raymond, CA.  It’s hard enough for most people to tell Willy and Wonka apart, much less try and match them to registration papers written back when the donkeys were yearlings, so for now we don’t know who’s Chris and who’s Oscar.  In any case, the two of them arrived at NCEFT in late 2007 and instantly settled into their roles as icons. 
Willy and Wonka at the 2011 Poker Walk

It’s been 4 years and the boys’ fan base is still growing.  During lunchtime you’ll find them roughhousing in the arena with our Miniature horse, Roxy, or taking a walk with one of the many volunteers who helps care for the “Three Amigos.”  They’re always happy to visit with admirers, so be sure to say hello the next time you’re at the barn.

Filed Under: Our Horses Tagged With: donkey, equine, hippotherapy, horse, miniature, mule, NCEFT, therapy, woodside

NCEFT: HORSES. HOPE. HEALING.

Horses. Hope. Healing. Three simple words that when combined have the power to transform lives. NCEFT is centered around helping people. We are about compassion, inclusiveness, and offering the highest level of service to those in need. We do this by harnessing the unique connection between horses and humans. NCEFT is also about community. Many of our clients and families describe NCEFT as a place that feels like home with people who feel like family.

 

 

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880 Runnymede Road
Woodside, CA 94062-4132

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© 2022 The National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy. NCEFT is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation established in 1971. Tax ID# 94-2378104.