A day in the life of a farm supervisor

Nestled near Buxton, the sanctuary covers almost 30 acres and provides a permanent home to a number of donkeys, some of whom are elderly and have long-term medical conditions.

Fit and healthy donkeys who are relinquished into the Derbyshire centre may be put forward for our Rehoming Scheme, so they can be placed with one of our Guardian homes.

For Sophie Joseph, Farm Supervisor, it is these “amazing” animals that make every day so special. She joined The Donkey Sanctuary in February 2018, after a complete redirection in her career.

“I was previously a store manager for a stationery chain,” Sophie explains. “After spending all my working life in retail, I decided it was time for a change. I wanted a job where I could really make a difference, and having been around horses all my life I was drawn to the Farm Worker and Groom role at the Derbyshire centre. I applied, got the job and worked my way up to supervisor since then, learning more about donkeys every day.”

Helping new arrivals find their hooves

For Sophie, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing the donkeys themselves transform.

“I love seeing a donkey’s character come out as they grow in confidence and find their hooves,” she explains. “When they first arrive they are usually very quiet and shy, but when that character comes through and they come for a cuddle, or scratch, it just makes everything worth it.”

A day in the life

Although every day is unpredictable, Sophie’s morning usually begins in the same way:

“My job varies massively day to day,” she explains. “I might spend time helping a donkey learn that a head collar is a nice thing, or working with one who is nervous of the farrier. I also help assess new arrivals, and make sure we’ve got everything ready for them- from special feed to a particular rug they may need.”

When a new donkey arrives at Buxton, the team’s focus is on understanding and easing their transition. Some come from difficult backgrounds, often frightened or unsure of their new environment. Sophie and her team spend time patiently building trust, finding out what comforts each donkey and helping them feel safe in their new surroundings.

As the days go on, they watch with pride as those tentative first steps turn into playful trots. However, this progress can take time and patience.

“Sometimes the information we have about a donkey is limited, and we have to really unpick their history to understand their behaviour.” Sophie explains, “We have to go back to the basics to find out everything we can about the donkey.”

Of course, even in such a rewarding role there are challenges. “Time is always against us,” Sophie admits. “There are never enough hours in the day!” Nevertheless, Sophie and her team ensure the donkeys are kept both mentally and physically active. Providing plenty of enrichment activities is important, especially when the colder winter months may mean a more restricted environment for the donkeys.

New beginnings

Every donkey’s journey at Buxton is unique, but for Sophie the most memorable moments come at the very end. Once a donkey has regained confidence, good health and trust, it’s time to find them and their bonded pair a Guardian home.

“Waving the donkeys off as they leave to join a Guardian home is so rewarding”, Sophie describes, “I often cry happy tears as we wave them on their way, knowing the joy they will bring to that home and the part I’ve played in that journey.”

So, what makes it all worthwhile? “The donkeys themselves.” Sophie exclaims, “They’re so forgiving. You might have one who’s been in pain or neglected, yet they still come over for a cuddle. They learn to trust so quickly. They really are amazing animals.”

From the shy arrivals who take their first tentative steps at Buxton to the confident donkeys who leave for their forever homes, Sophie has seen countless donkeys “find their hooves” and, in many ways, she has found hers too.