The Wonky Donkey

Get ready for giggles, rhymes, and plenty of horse-powered fun! Inspired by the popular book The Wonky Donkey, this interactive program helps young learners build literacy skills through laughter, imagination, and hands-on activities with our horses.

Children will explore rhyming words, strengthen vocabulary, practice storytelling, and discover that reading can be exciting and engaging. Along the way, they’ll create their own silly horse characters, invent imaginative stories, and participate in equine-assisted activities that bring the story to life.

At LyonHeart, we believe children learn best when they are actively involved. By partnering with horses, participants build confidence, communication skills, and creativity while discovering that learning can be both fun and unforgettable.

Program Objectives

• Develop phonological awareness through rhyming and word play.
• Strengthen vocabulary, listening, and story sequencing skills.
• Encourage creativity by creating original silly stories and characters.
• Build confidence reading, sharing ideas, and participating in group activities.
• Foster communication, cooperation, and problem-solving through horse-centered activities.
• Inspire a love of reading by making literacy active, engaging, and fun.

Dates:  Three (3) consecutive Wednesdays, September 9, 16 & 23

Time:  4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Who:  Ages 4 and UP

Location:  3135 West 22nd Street, Kearney, Nebraska

Program Size:  Limited to six (6) youth.

Release of Liability Form required (one per family per year):

https://www.lyonheartequinelearning.org/release-of-liability/

Registration Fee:

• $50 per youth (includes a t-shirt). Register by Friday, September 4
• Must be paid in advance to hold your child’s place in the corral.

Payments:

• Venmo: @Lyoness-8077 (0135)
• Registration payment link – adding a $3.00 service fee – https://www.lyonheartequinelearning.org/register/registration-payment/
• Cancellation Policy. When given a 7-days’ notice of cancellation, program fees may be applied towards another 2026 program or refunded minus $12 fee.

All activities are completed in an out-door setting (corral and activity shelter).   Closed-toed shoes are mandatory.  No riding and previous horse experience needed.

Program value is $300 per individual. Thanks to our generous sponsors, the remaining costs have been covered by West Pharmaceutical Services. private donations and fundraising events.

Further program assistance is limited and will be determined by a case-by-case basis.  To be considered, please fill out the application (located under the registration tab) in its entirety and submit ALL supporting documents by September 1, 2026.

For more information, contact Nancy at Nancy@LyonHeartLearning.org