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- Volunteer with Horses in Croatia | Therapy Support
Volunteer with Horses in Croatia | Therapy Support
by: Oyster Worldwide
Volunteer in Croatia and support horse care and therapeutic riding programs in the historic town of Sinj. This meaningful project combines animal welfare, cultural heritage, and community support, offering volunteers the chance to work with horses while helping children with disabilities benefit from equine-assisted therapy. As a volunteer, you’ll help with daily horse care, including feeding, grooming, and stable maintenance, while assisting the local team with preparations for therapeutic riding sessions. These programs help improve confidence, mobility, and well-being for children with additional needs. Beyond the stables, you’ll also gain insight into Croatia’s rich equestrian traditions. Volunteers support a historic riding club and may assist with preparations connected to the renowned Sinjska Alka equestrian event, an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. Open to volunteers aged 18 and over, placements run from 1 to 12 weeks and provide a rewarding opportunity to develop practical horse care skills while making a real difference to the local community
Volunteer in Croatia and support horse care and therapeutic riding programs in the historic town of Sinj. This meaningful project combines animal welfare, cultural heritage, and community support, offering volunteers the chance to work with horses while helping children with disabilities benefit from equine-assisted therapy. As a volunteer, you’ll help with daily horse care, including feeding, grooming, and stable maintenance, while assisting the local team with preparations for therapeutic riding sessions. These programs help improve confidence, mobility, and well-being for children with additional needs. Beyond the stables, you’ll also gain insight into Croatia’s rich equestrian traditions. Volunteers support a historic riding club and may assist with preparations connected to the renowned Sinjska Alka equestrian event, an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. Open to volunteers aged 18 and over, placements run from 1 to 12 weeks and provide a rewarding opportunity to develop practical horse care skills while making a real difference to the local community
Program Highlights
Support horse care and therapeutic riding programs that help children with disabilities build confidence, mobility, and independence through equine-assisted activities.
Work alongside a historic equestrian club in the traditional Croatian town of Sinj, known for its strong horse-riding culture and the famous Sinjska Alka equestrian event.
Gain practical experience with daily horse care including feeding, grooming, stable maintenance, and preparing horses for riding sessions.
Become part of a welcoming local team and contribute to a meaningful community project supporting both animal welfare and inclusive sport.
Live and volunteer in beautiful inland Croatia, with opportunities to explore historic towns, mountains, and the nearby Adriatic coastline in your free time.
Quick Details
- Croatia
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- 7-12 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Alternative Spring Break
- Multiple Year
- Summer
- Winter
- Animal Welfare
- Equestrian
- Social Work
- Special Needs
- Sports
- Teaching
- Youth
- Youth Development
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Wonderful Horseback Experience in Croatia: Smooth Trip and Great Support from Oyster for DofE Residential
January 11, 2026by: William Maitland-WalkerHad a great time working with horses in Croatia. Everybody involved was really kind and helpful, and the trip went smoothly. It was also very helpful that this could be done as a DofE Residential, and Oyster have been helpful in getting back to us with Assessor's reports.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Croatia
Types and Subjects
- Causes
- Animal Welfare
- Equestrian
- Social Work
- Special Needs
- Sports
- Teaching
- Youth
- Youth Development
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- 7-12 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Alternative Spring Break
- Multiple Year
- Summer
- Winter
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Wifi Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Welcome Dinner
- Group Meals
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Required Equipment
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- In-Country Orientation
- Training
- Laundry
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
- Academic Credit
Accommodation Options
- Group living
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
Volunteers help support the daily care of the horses and assist with preparations for therapeutic riding sessions. Tasks can include feeding, grooming, mucking out stables, helping to prepare horses for sessions, and supporting the team with general yard duties and project activities.
Do I need experience with horses to join?
No previous horse experience is required. Volunteers simply need a willingness to learn, work outdoors, and help with practical tasks around the stables. The local team will guide volunteers through the tasks and routines.
How long can I volunteer for?
Placements are flexible and run from 1 to 12 weeks, with start dates available throughout the year. This allows volunteers to fit the program around gap years, university breaks, or shorter trips.
Can I earn academic credit while volunteering?
Yes. Many volunteers choose to complete Oyster Worldwide’s Diploma in International Volunteering alongside their placement. This accredited qualification helps you reflect on your experience and may be worth up to 10 US college credits depending on your institution.
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