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read testimonials of volunteers about this project
EQUINE REHABILITATION CENTRE
Whether you have had a lifelong passion for horses or have a budding interest you will benefit from spending time at this incredibly rewarding project. Riders of all levels are welcomed to join the project and it is guaranteed that by the time you leave you will have advanced by at least one skill level and will have lost your heart to each and every animal!
The aim of this project is to involve volunteers in the daily routine of a horse trainer. Most of the horses come from an abusive background and were brought in as rescue cases. They arrive at the project in poor condition and are often very nervous, wary of people and unfamiliar situations. However, with careful handling using Natural Horsemanship methods these horses gain confidence daily and form the most incredible bonds and relationships with the volunteers. It is simply amazing to experience the transformation from an aggressive, nervous horse to a confident, relaxed ride through lots of perseverance, patience and love!
The greatest challenge is to restore the horses' trust in humans and to help them become a productive and confidant horse again. The project currently has 10 horses in work and receives rescue cases on a regular basis. You can understand why the project leaders wouldn't mind a helping hand or two in helping to train, rehabilitate, feed, groom and care for the horses.
Apart from the daily grooming, care of the horses and the schooling of both horse and handler, you will gain an insight into veterinary practices in a bush situation and the aftercare that these practices require. The riding school at the project offers riding lessons for all levels of experience. You can help teach young pupils and will receive daily riding lessons to improve your own skills.
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There is a varied schedule at the project but the daily program is based around schooling both horse and rider, increasing confidence in both. You will be allocated horses to work with daily at a level to benefit both parties, as the horses themselves will be at different levels of experiences as well. Riders of all levels will be able to take part and benefit from the work that they put in and the bonds that are formed.
To top it all you will frequently be able to go on outrides into a nearby game reserve at the foot of the mountains and experience riding amongst animals such as rhino, giraffe, buffalo, zebra and eland. That is, if you can tear your eyes away from the stunning scenery! Being on horseback enables you to come much closer to the wildlife giving you an unrivalled adrenaline rush, much more enthralling than encountering these animals from the safety of a car! The trail rides are also open to the public and you will be asked to assist with preparing the horses and to ride as backstop on the trail.
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At the project you can expect to take part in the following:
- Daily contact with the horses by grooming, halter training, lunging etc
- Building relationships and bonds with the horse allocated to you, be it an abused, neglected, difficult or young horse
- Backing and schooling young horses
- Re-schooling of abused horses
- Re-schooling nervous horses for young riders
- Teaching young horses basic riding instructions
- Basic and advanced riding skills - for rider and horse!
- Teaching horses to jump
- Training in voice command
- Preparing new horses for trail rides. This includes taking new or inexperienced horses to the game reserve to get them used to the new smells and sounds and approaching rhino, giraffe and antelope to observe their reaction
- Preparing the horses for outrides and riding as backstop on the trail in the game reserve.
- Bush veterinary practices including, if possible, castration and aftercare
- Rebuilding confidences in both horse and rider
- Long hours and hard work, but an incredibly rewarding experience!
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Click here for information on the costs
Price includes:
- Accommodation
- 3 meals a day (self catering, ingredients provided)
- Tea, coffee, juice, fruit
- Riding Lessons
- Outrides
- All work on and with the horses
- Transport to and from the project
Not included in the price:
- Laundry, which will be done for a nominal fee
- Personal expenses such as toiletries, excursions, etc
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Clothing:
We recommend jodhpurs or trousers and T-shirts for during the day. A riding hard hat is strongly recommended. If you do not have one of your own to bring along, you can either buy or borrow one at the project.
Accommodation:
Spacious house. You might share a bedroom with a co-volunteer. shared bathroom facilities. kitchen and lounge with TV and verandah. Bedding is provided, but do bring a towel.
Group size: 1-4 students
Minimum stay: 2 Weeks
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verandah kitchen lounge bedroom
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