Horse Safari in South Africa

  South Africa

Hoedspruit

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year (except December)

Description: As a Horse Safari and Conservation volunteer you will spend about half of your time assisting with the care and welfare of the horses, which are used for horse safaris on the property. Not only will you be working with the horses on an intimate level but you will also get to enjoy close encounters viewing wild animals from horseback. Riding lessons and fun horse riding exercises are given on a regular basis. The surrounding game reserves have the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, though there are no permanent predators on the reserve where you will be staying so safety is not a problem. Here you can enjoy the pleasure of horse riding whilst experiencing real nature at its most beautiful.

The rest of your time will be spent on lectures, working in the African bush and on projects within a private reserve in South Africa. The emphasis of the conservation course part of the program is on getting in touch with Mother Nature by taking part in our nature activities and conservation courses - the knowledge you will gain will make you 'bush wise' concerning African wildlife and nature. The Conservation Education program will teach you not only about the better known aspects of African wildlife, but also about the small things that make the African bush truly amazing. You will spend time as a group working through the conservation course manuals and then put your knowledge into practice.

Highlights: Whether you are an experienced horse rider, a novice or simply have a passion for horses and horse riding you will benefit greatly from the knowledge that you gain on our Horse Safari and Conservation program. Horse safaris in the African Bush are wonderful and ever changing, from quietly walking through the bush on the look out for African wild animals and birds, to trots and canters.

For those who would like to learn about life in the African Bush and the beautiful wildlife that permeates this wonderful landscape then this element of the programme really is for you. It provides crucial survival skills where you can truly get closer to nature, as your knowledge grows of your surroundings you will be more conscious of the repercussions of mistreating the environment which, is home to the beauty that you will witness when you are in the bush.

A selection of horse breeds at the Off Beat yard includes: Appaloosa, Thoroughbred, Arab, Friesian and the well-known South African Boerperd.

The Horse Safari and Conservation Project includes:

* Stable yard routine and maintenance (no, this does not mean you will be mucking out stables every day!)
* Natural Horsemanship techniques
* Hoof care - external and internal structures
* Basic veterinary skills
* Herd behaviour and body language
* Grooming and interactive bonding with horses
* Use and care of tack and equipment
* Physiology and pathology
* Dentition
* Different horse breeds and identification markings
* Equine nutrition and digestive system
* Basic preparations for show jumping and gymkhana games in the dressage arena
* Horse riding skills - you don't have to be experienced, we will teach you all there is to know!
* Identification of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and plants
* Identification of animal tracks and signs of the wild
* Anti soil erosion work
* Sleep-outs under the star-studded African sky
* Wilderness trails and game drives in the African bush
* Basic weapon handling (Optional)
* Game farm fence patrolling either on foot or on horseback
* African wildlife/game Capture
* Arts and crafts
* Local African Tribal customs and language
* Drumming sessions - beat to the rhythm of the local African music
* African Wildlife related DVDs are shown regularly to consolidate the lectures

Qualifications: - Minimum age 18
- No special riding skills are necessary: everyone from novices to skilled riders accepted
- Must possess a willingness to learn and a love of nature and wildlife
- Have a good sense of humour
- Be respectful of foreign cultures and willing to adapt
- International volunteers are welcome

Cost in US$: From 600 GBP

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Twin Group - Work and Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement: To provide the highest quality and the best value services to students, clients, suppliers, agents and partners in the worldwide delivery of language courses, travel, training and employment services.

Year Founded: 1993