Showjumping Working Holiday, South Africa

Immerse yourself in the world of elite show jumping by improving your skills at a world-class show jumping yard in Kyalami, South Africa.

Open to riders of all levels, this program is for anyone looking to visit Africa, improve their riding skills, experience the inner workings of a professional stable yard, and make life-long friends.

CC Equestrian is founded by international showjumper Charley-Ann Barford (now Crockart), who is currently campaigning on the European circuit. You will be hosted by her mother Penny and Charley’s husband Roy, as well as the friendly staff and young residents of the academy.

You will stay onsite (the house is a hundred meters from the stables) and follow a program tailored to your preferences. Various activities take place throughout the day and night, and you are welcome to join in wherever you like, as well as relax whenever you feel.

You will be allocated a horse for the duration of your stay, and depending on your ability and the availability of other horses, you may get to ride more.

Coaching is provided by Jason Philips, who has competed internationally and jumped at 1.55m level, as well as Penny Crockart, who has been training top riders for more than 50 years.

You will also get to ride alongside current international athletes such as Amy Hay, who was a bronze medallist at the 2022 Youth Equestrian Games in Germany, and is currently campaigning at 1.55m level in South Africa. Your riding schedule and progress will be overseen by Charley-Ann Barford, who has an FEI Level Three qualification, as well as an abundance of international coaching experience.

If you’re interested in veterinary and horse care, you will have the opportunity to shadow world-renowned vets and nutritionists like Dr Duncan Prinsloo and Rissa Parker.

The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital is five kilometers away, and opportunities can be arranged here as well.