News

Alison embraces change

By Bree Harding

Aug 3, 2025

Alison Dohnt with Gem, Peanut and Breeze. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Alison Dohnt cried every day after the announcement that Horses for Hope would close, as she faced continuous goodbyes to participants, animals and colleagues.

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She had worked as a horse practitioner at the mental health service for 15 years.

She was well aware of the life-enriching power of the program, and says she couldn’t bear to let it all just slip away when the farm gates closed for the final time.

“I know it works and how valuable it is. How can I just walk away from that without giving it a fight?” she asked rhetorically.

“Participants fight every day; we need to fight for them.”

Not one known for taking risks, Mrs Dohnt underwent a mindset transformation after the closure.

She purchased some equipment from her former workplace — helmets, vests and a portable office — and established Alison’s Equine Embrace at Katandra West.

While her services differ marginally from those of Horses for Hope, now, as an independent support worker, she offers horse yard work for clients at her five-acre property.

Alison Dohnt with lead mare Breeze in their round yard. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“This is where my heart lies, helping people help horses and horses help people,” Mrs Dohnt said.

Her early passion for horses first led her into the field.

It quickly grew to include people, despite never before being too comfortable in social situations herself; a history that helps her relate to others experiencing anxiety and other mental health issues.

“Communicating with people wasn’t easy for me. When I finished school, I was in the paddock with my horses; that’s where I was comfortable,” Mrs Dohnt said.

“In 15 years (at Horses for Hope), I learned invaluable skills working with horses and people as well.”

Quarter horse Gem is the shyest of the herd. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

She said many of the methods used to teach horses could be applied to people, including how to read body language and communicate, making challenging things easier or more manageable.

“Conversations can be had about how horses learn similarly to people and then that knowledge can be taken home to use in their everyday life,” Mrs Dohnt said.

“Horses have always got something to offer. Some people see them as useless or worthless, but we see them as horses who can help people.

“It’s the same for human beings; everyone has things to offer, they’re never just a burden on society.”

Mrs Dohnt’s herd consists of some familiar long faces, including lead mare Breeze, miniature pony Peanut, whose attitude is as big as his stature is small, and quarter horse Gem.