Volunteering with horses

Published: May 7, 2012 Last updated: May 8, 2012 by Nicky Hoseck

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Gap year opportunities

For many people, one of the most cost-efficient way of travelling and experiencing new cultures is through gap year and volunteer programmes. Volunteering with horses is a wonderful way to gain new experiences and develop your equestrian skills.

All over the world, there are opportunities available for people interested in volunteering with horses – ranging from helping in rescue and rehabilitation centre to assisting professional horse-riders with the day-to-day care of their animals.

Some equine rescue and rehabilitation centres require people with previous experience and the confidence to handle previously mistreated or abused animals, while other opportunities, such as those at riding stables or other equestrian establishments, may be more suited to volunteers without any prior experience of working with horses.

Within an African context, there are opportunities for experienced riders to assist with trails and safari rides. These types of positions offer some of the most exciting opportunities for those interested in volunteering with horses. Not only do participants get to ride regularly, they also get to experience wildlife from horseback and learn about keeping horses healthy in a challenging and often remote environment.

When considering the best destination to pursue volunteering with horses, it’s advisable to speak to volunteers that have been there before. Not everyone in the horse world is legitimate and some will exploit volunteers by expecting them to do unpleasant chores with little reward at the end. On the other hand, there are some amazing experiences out there and people who have experience of volunteering with horses often discover a lot about themselves during the process as well.

For those who have a genuine love of horses and want a taste of adventure, volunteering with horses can provide a unique opportunity to discover a new country, develop equestrian skills, make new friends and experience new challenges on horseback.