Phoenix the horse, Mark DePaola and Horses for Hope horse practitioner Alison Dohnt.
Photo by
Bree Harding
A miniature horse and a Shetland pony stepped into a ring together.
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While that’s not the opener to a groan-worthy joke, it’s still a fun tale.
The pair kicked a giant ball around as an audience watched, enjoying drinks and canapés as night fell under the trees at Horses for Hope’s tranquil Mooroopna North location on Wednesday.
Supporters watch miniature horse Peanut and Shetland pony Alex play ball before the presentation began.
Photo by
Bree Harding
They had gathered for a presentation and demonstration about the history, future and everyday work performed at the not-for-profit facility.
For 21 years, Horses for Hope has helped horses and humans overcome fears and build trust through innovative therapeutic techniques.
The idea behind the dual horse-human therapy is that by establishing a connection between the two beings, both will heal and improve their quality of life.
Wednesday night’s event was held to thank supporters for their contributions and give them an insight into the unique service’s operations and the facility itself.
Acting manager and counsellor Jack O’Sullivan said there was a difference between talking about it and seeing it.
While he’s been with Horses for Hope for three years, he said he was still in awe of it.
“I’m astounded by the level of innovation in little old Mooroopna North,” he said.
“It punches above its weight with both the service and doing what we talk about doing.”
He used three keywords to describe the service: respect, collaboration and hope.
Each can be applied to participants, horses, staff and supporters.
Mark DePaola and Phoenix grow more comfortable with each other.
Photo by
Bree Harding
“We are a foster care for horses, whereby the people looking for counselling contribute to the life of the horse,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
He said support came in many forms, including donations, partnerships and advocacy.
Greater Shepparton Foundation recently contributed to building a second counselling space at the 10-hectare property to meet growing demand.
Its board chair, Mark DePaola, was invited to enter the ring with a 10-year-old horse named Phoenix, who has in his time on a healing journey at Horses from Hope moved from being labelled a ‘petrified’ horse to a ‘scared’ horse.
Mark DePaola and Horses for Hope counsellor James Argiro with acting manager and counsellor Jack O’Sullivan in the background.
Photo by
Bree Harding
Before entering the ring with the nervous and powerful beast, Mr DePaola said his anxiety level was around six out of 10.
After the experience, he reported the fear had declined to a “three or four”.
He said he felt empowered, confident and proud.
“It’s empowering to go in with a big beast, not knowing what you’re in for,” Mr DePaola said.
After some final words from now-retired program founder and current Horses for Hope board chair Colin Emonson, staff fielded questions from the crowd before they finished their drinks and politely declined the gatecrashing mosquitoes’ offer of an afterparty.
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