Description

An exciting opportunity to work hands on with horses on the South African coast. The project is designed to care for previously abused or neglected horses. As well as the rehabilitation side of the project, you will also have the opportunity to help out with beach and bush horse trails.

You will get to enjoy the Indian Ocean, the beaches, the dolphins, the dunes and of course the horses!

The project allows you to work closely with the horses on a daily basis. You do not need to be a very experienced rider; having the basics of walk, trot and canter are a bonus. The project accommodates all levels of riding experience and will tailor your activities accordingly.

While at the project you will benefit from your experience and can use it for your future in the equestrian world, or you can just put it down to a great life experience!

Although each day varies, the routine is based on:

7am: Morning duties include food preparation and feeding of the rehabilitation horses, checking water and the physical condition of the horses. Volunteers then choose between riding on a beach trail and assisting with the preparations for that, or working in the rehabilitation centre with assigned horses. This work could include dipping, grooming or working with individually allocated horses.

2pm-3.30pm: Grooming and attending to the rehabilitation horses.

3.30pm-5pm: Food preparation and feeding of all horses on the farm and at the beach. Checking water and visual checks of the horses.

Please be aware that although there is a daily routine in place, this could all change, for example due to bad weather conditions, in such a case, volunteers will be involved in tack cleaning whilst watching a DVD!

Highlights

* Work hands on with over 40 horses
* No experience required
* Enjoy riding along the Indian Ocean coast whilst watching whales and dolphins

By volunteering with us, you will be helping to care for and giving some much needed TLC to horses that have suffered abuse and neglect in the past. Your time with the horses will be improving their quality of life.

Volunteers who are staying for at least 4 weeks and who have sufficient experience will also be given the opportunity to dedicate some of their time to working with a young, inexperienced horse which provides the chance to make vast improvements. Volunteers who are staying for less than 4 weeks will not have enough time to do that; however there are still lots of interesting projects and horses waiting for you!

With over 40 horses to care for, volunteers' hard work really helps to lessen the load and consequently, their help is invaluable. Your fee is also an important source of funding for the project, so that the work can continue.

Qualifications

No specific qualifications are required for this volunteer role.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From 599 GBP

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* A comprehensive information booklet and pre-departure support
* Travel advice and assistance
* Being met on arrival at East London airport
* Accommodation (shared room)
* All meals
* Return transfer to East London airport at the end of your stay
* Ongoing support, help and advice from our local team

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Equestrian
• Volunteering

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide, American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 2-4

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Personal Overseas Development (PoD)'s Mission Statement

PoD is a leading non-profit organization arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world. Established in 2001, our aim is to support ongoing projects with our partners in Belize, Cambodia, Ghana, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam by providing passionate and committed volunteers. We work with long term projects that we know personally and where there is genuine benefit to local communities. A placement with PoD will not only develop volunteer's skills and confidence, get them out of their comfort zone and exploring incredible parts of the world but also the ability make a genuine difference. PoD believes in providing challenging, safe and fun experiences for individuals and groups to enjoy. We are passionate about giving volunteers of all ages the opportunity to use their energy, enthusiasm and personality where it counts.

Year Founded

2001