Guide to Working with Horses

Volunteer with Horses

You can apply for volunteer jobs with horses all around the world, popular places to help include Australia, the UK, London, Scotland, USA (Los Angeles, Florida, Washington and San Diego), Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Australia, Jamaica, Caribbean and South Africa. These positions are perfect for anyone who wants to volunteer abroad and make a difference to the lives of horses.

 

Tasks

Depending on the sanctuary you role can vary, you could be helping:

  • Grooming 
  • Cleaning Stalls 
  • Feeding
  • Exercising 
  • Training 
  • Building Fences
  • Transporting Horses 
  • Veterinary Care 
  • Dental Care
  • Physical Rehab Education
  • Public Relations 
  • Administration 
  • Photography
  • Advertising 
  • Writers 
  • Media
  • Web Design 
  • Social Media 
  • Videography
  • Event Coordinators

 

Equine & Conservation Volunteer Work with Horses

Volunteer with Horses in South Africa

A great opportunity to ride horses and learn about wildlife! Equine and conservation courses will make you an outdoor expert and you’ll get to help care for these majestic creatures. This programme is the ideal combination of conservation work, living in the great outdoors and learning all about ecology. If horses are your passion, you’ll be able to expand your knowledge and put your skills to good use, dividing your time between learning about conservation and caring for the horses.

The bulk of your time will be spent looking after the horses and getting to grips with equine theory. There will also be plenty of time for horse riding in the African bush, watching out for game and birds; no matter what your level you’ll be matched to a horse suitable for you.

The equestrian programme consists of:

  • Levels of classification and evolution
  • Confirmation and physiology
  • Tack and equipment
  • Grooming and Hoof care
  • Stable yard routine and maintenance
  • Basic veterinary skills and dentition
  • Riding skills
  • Introduction to show jumping, gymkhana games and creative exercises
  • Breeds and markings
  • Body language
  • Equine nutrition
  • Out rides on the farm

You’ll be spending the rest of your time getting hands-on with conservation projects in the bush and at the reserve. You’ll become an expert on life in the outdoors and staying safe as you work through the conservation course, which includes topics on ecosystems and animal behaviour, wildlife identification, tracks and signs, anti-soil erosion control, sleep-outs in the bush, walks and game drives, weapon handling and fence patrolling. In your free time there will be plenty of cultural activities on offer from drumming sessions to abseiling and caving.

Program Activities:

  • Identification of mammals, birds, insects and plants
  • Tracking
  • Fence patrolling
  • Anti-poaching initiatives
  • Soil erosion control
  • Survival in the bush
  • Navigation by stars and different star constellations
  • Weapon handling
  • Sleep- outs in the bush
  • Walks and game drives

It is pure magic to ride a horse across the plains of a destination like Africa with wild game all around you!

 

What’s Included in Most Work Packages

  • Transport
  • Orientation on arrival
  • All accommodation during your stay
  • Full support and assistance throughout your time overseas
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
  • 24 hour support number and contact for emergencies

 

View our featured travel and volunteer opportunities with horses or search all of our animal volunteering projects.