Description

This South African horse safari work experience program is designed for anyone who is passionate about horses. For three months, participants joining this horse safari trip will gain fantastic equine work experience as they gallop across the open plains of South Africa and work with some beautiful horses. Whether you want to work with horses as part of your gap year, fancy exploring South Africa on a career break with a difference or just want to have a remarkable equine adventure that takes you to see some of the most remarkable wildlife from horseback, this Horse Safari Work Experience in South Africa is for you.

The programme is designed for dedicated and very experienced riders of the classical English style, who would relish the chance to become a member of the exclusive 'Wait a Little' horse safari operation, as a backup groom and guide for their horse safaris. Working alongside seasoned professionals with years of experience under their belts, you will join the team and contribute towards the day to day running of the horse safari operation.

This Yomps Horse Safari Work Experience programme gives you the opportunity to discover and practice a multitude of skills associated with managing a herd of horses used on safaris in Africa. This includes activities such as riding; general stable management; feeding, schooling and grooming the horses; and interacting with your team members as well as the 'Wait a Little' guests. It will take approximately two weeks to train you as a back up rider and the 'Wait a Little' team will assist you with any questions.

Participants ride as a trusted backup rider when taking groups of up to six people out into the reserve. You will be extremely safe, as you ride with our knowledgeable guide, roaming through the African lowveld and learning about the 'bush' and the animals that live in it. Situated on Karongwe Game Reserve a vast expanse of over 8,500 hectares of pure African lowveld, this Yomps volunteering experience is for anybody who wants an equine work adventure with a difference. As you ride on horseback, you may see lions, hippo, elephants, cheetah, rhino's, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and perhaps even one of the many illusive leopards of Karongwe!

Available to applicants from experienced equine environments, the Horse Safari Work Experience will provide you with new skills, knowledge and a valued equine experience.

Highlights

Experience a new aspect to equine work and management in a totally new and wild environment. Based deep in the heart of the South African lowveld, in a 'Big Five' game reserve, participants will be a back-up rider on horse safaris and help to manage a herd of 40 stunning safari horses, to gain a new perspective on horse work whilst creating the memories of a lifetime!

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Birdwatching
• Camping
• Climbing
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Heritage Tourism
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Nature Tours
• Off Road / 4X4 Driving
• Overland Tours
• Polo
• Safari
• Student Tours
• Summer Camp
• Tours
• Trekking
• Vacation Packages
• Volunteering
• Native Culture Studies
• Photography

Qualifications

- Participants must be experienced and excellent riders
- You should have an open, friendly nature and a natural affinity for people to help to make your stay and theirs more memorable
- Only English style or classical riders will be accepted
- Our weight limit for students is 80kgs
- You are expected to be generally fit, as well as riding fit, as days can be long
- A minimum of eight years continued riding is required and we would expect you to be riding every day for six months prior to arrival in preparation for your stay with us; your riding ability is of the utmost importance and will be tested before you are allowed to accompany any safari
- We will prevent you from riding as backup if we do not feel that your abilities are sufficient, though obviously we are very reluctant to take this position
- 'Wait a Little' is multinational and the ability to speak other European languages is useful, although not essential for this horse safari work experience
- Volunteers must be prepared to work hard and as part of a team
- You must be able to put the clients needs before your own
- You must maintain a positive attitude

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

3,920

Cost Includes:

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

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

20 - 50

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 2

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 day

Yomps's Mission Statement

We work hard to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime through responsible adventures off the beaten track. You will learn new skills, meet new friends, experience cultural activities that are just not available to tourists and you will have the time of your life.

Year Founded

2006