Meet Sophie Rainer | Founder and President of The Donkeys of the Heart

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophie Rainer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I knew that it would be challenging to reach success. In the industry of Equine Assisted Services, working with standard size donkeys is very rare. I listed all the difficulties.
The major ones are: almost no network, very little financial resources.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I provide Equine Assisted Services with standard size donkeys. Although very rare in the USA, in Europe we work with these amazing animals for 40 years. They are considered as the best facilitator to address mental health disorders, diseases, challenges. My chart ethic is rigorous about the quality of my work. It is not about quantity but quality. The welfare and well-being of the donkeys is a paramount. They are not over aged, physically and mentally capable of working. I work continuously to acquire more knowledge and skills.
I am going to implement a riding program for children. hopefully I will be certified by Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) as Instructor for Riders with Disabilities. I am certified by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH, Intl) as Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.

The journey to success is still with big stones. I have the chance to be determinate, resilient and a high level of energy. I am not super woman, but every day I know that I am on the path of success.
I learned a lot since I started. Although sometimes painful, the experience I gain will be helpful to the future of the Donkeys of the Heart.
I am proud to have the will to continue, I am proud being able to help people at my little level. A smile is worth than any reward.

I would love to share the passion I have. I witnessed so many times the “miracles” that happen with people in needs when they work with donkeys. I need help; where we are it is difficult to work, we need a property.
Volunteers who are committed to help community in needs. Mental health is a major issue in our country.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have been traveling the world since my early childhood. I met extraordinary people. It was possible since I don’t pay attention to the appearance or the social status. There are so many places on our planet that give us joy and happiness. It is only a matter to be open minded, eyes open, able to listen and observe.

If someone is coming to visit in Cave Creek I would do a simple walk with the donkeys in a wash. Landscapes are breath taking. Donkeys carry water, food, everything we would need. The peaceful gait of the donkeys brings serenity. Sitting under a tree to share simple food, having a great conversation, or not speaking at all is a wonderful time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
3 amazing ladies are supporting the nonprofit despite full time work and family life. 11 thousand kilometers from Arizona, a old friend from France is on my side; when I feel down, when I have a good news to share he is always here. True friendship. I am fortunate for the education, culture I received. Philosophy helps me a lot in front of life.

Website: www.thedonkeysoftheheart.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophierainer/

Facebook: facebook.com/thedonkeysoftheheart.org