Hanchi Conservation Project

  South Africa

Hoedspruit,  Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: year Round

Description: Hanchi, meaning 'Horse' in the local Shangaan language, is a unique programme aimed at all levels of rider. Set in a private Game Reserve not far from Kruger National Park, Hanchi gives students the opportunity to experience the beautiful African bushveld from the unique viewpoint of being on the back of a horse. One of the most ecologically friendly way in which a human can traverse the bush is on horseback and the speed at which a horse walks is perfect for looking for tracks of both animals and man. The sensitivity of horses also make them ideal partners when taking part in activities such as game counts as they alert the rider to the presence of game which would often otherwise be overlooked.
Horses in the Bushveld

Students will spend the majority of their time with the horses, getting fully involved in their care and maintenance, including;

* Maintenance of horse tack
* Grooming
* Bedding, feeding and watering of the horses
* Dipping for ticks.
* Stable yard routine and maintenance.
* Exercising and continual training of the horses.
* Horse Back trails

In addition, theoretical aspects of equine biology will be covered in informal lectures and discussions.

* Basic Equine Nutrition
* Hoof Care
* Equine Physiology and Pathology
* Basic veterinary skills
* Social Interaction with the Game
* Herd Behaviour

Highlights: Apart from the program directly related to the horses, students will be involved in many other conservation projects, involving the other Game on the reserve and the local community:

* Doing regular fence patrols, to insure the integrity of the fence line and to check for possible human movements (poachers) into or out of the reserve.
* Bush rides that systematically encompass the whole reserve with the purpose of ascertaining game movements and densities.
* Road clearance of over hanging trees.
* Soil erosion control.
* Alien plant identification and control.
* Students will also be part of the local nature education program, that is run at the rural schools.
* An introduction into the identification of animals, birds, insects & plants. Tracking skills and First Aid in the bush.
* Sleep outs in the African Bush - building shelters, food preparation, navigation by stars

Qualifications: No qualification or previous experience are necessary, just an interest and passion for horses and wildlife conservation.

Cost in US$: 3500

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Most of our volunteers have either finished college and want some international work experience before starting their career, or are taking a break from their career. Many are interested in wildlife conservation, but most have no previous experience or qualifications.

Age Range: 17-70

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

African Conservation Experience's Mission Statement: African Conservation Experience organizes work placements for volunteers of all ages on wildlife conservation projects in Southern Africa. We work only with projects that we assess as having a real and beneficial contribution to conservation efforts. Volunteers get very much involved with the work, rather than sitting back and observing, and provide a valuable resource to the projects. We pride ourselves on the quiality, integrity and frendliness of the service that we provide. We ensure that volunteers understand fully what is expected of them and place particular concern on volunteers' security and safety.

Year Founded: 1999