Healing Through Horses South Africa
Supporting disadvantaged children through animal therapy

This is your chance to join forces with a non-profit organization offering the wonderful service of free horse riding (and instruction) for people with a wide variety of disabilities. Set in a beautiful mountainside valley of vineyards in Cape Town, this location is a real treat for the children who come to ride.

Throughout the year Age: 18+ From £1200 Contact Us Apply Now!

Many children are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. This is a free service, allowing those with limited resources to have access to this very necessary therapy. The horses are carefully chosen and only those with a calm, gentle temperament are selected. The program was carefully designed by people skilled in horsemanship, occupational therapy and physiotherapy and with a thorough understanding of disabilities. The classes vary, and include use of games, music, co-ordination exercises and trail rides.

Each child develops a special friendship with his or her individual horse and for many this relationship stimulates confidence and the ability to trust. By riding, disabled people can exercise muscles they don't usually get a chance to use. There is often fear and apprehension for a disabled child riding for the first time, but soon the horse wins the child's trust, and the children's determination to ride is admirable.

Interested in a safari as well? Please click here for more information! (PDF 173 KB)

Location

The Cape Town Branch of Healing Through Horses has been operating from its leased premises in the beautiful Constantia Valley since 1983. The center is located in an up market residential area, approximately 5 minutes drive from Constantia Village.  Based on the southern side of the city, this is an ideal location to explore the Cape Point Peninsula. To the north of the city is Table Mountain, and Robben Island, and to the east are the famous Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Project Life

Volunteers’ duties are wide and varied. Working hours are Monday to Friday as follows:

• Morning: 08:00 - 12:00
• Lunch Break: 12:00 – 14:00
• Afternoon: 14:00 – 18:00
  

All volunteers have the opportunity to work with the horses and to assist during classes, and you may have the chance to train the horses if you have the necessary experience. There are various other duties including working in the stables, maintenance, fundraising activities and administration.

Accommodation and Food

Shared accommodation is provided at the centre. Volunteers receive a food allowance and centre staff arrange for shopping trips into Cape Town where you can purchase your provisions. Self-catering facilities are available on site for your use.

Your accommodation starts from the first Monday of your programme. If you arrive earlier, please book alternative accommodation. Click here to book.

Dates and Duration

• Healing Through Horses South Africa volunteers can join the programme on the 1st Monday of each of the following months:
  • February
  • March
  • May
  • June
  • August
  • September
  • October
• The minimum duration is 8 weeks. It may also be possible to extend your stay by special request.

Tours

An interesting sightseeing or activity tour of the Cape Town region is included in your programme. You could cycle down Table Mountain, go tasting in the winelands, watch whales, seals and penguins or explore a township community. Read about the tours here and then make your choice on the online application form.

Flights and Transportation

• Flights are not included
• An arrival transfer is included if you arrive on the Monday that your programme starts.
• If you arrive earlier, we can arrange an airport transfer and hostel accommodation until your programme starts (transfer £15, single room £15 per night).
• Accommodation is provided on site, within walking distance of the horses.
• If you wish explore the local area, you will be required to make use of public transport where available.

Safety and Insurance

• All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised Charities, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
• 24 hour support is provided by our local partner.
• Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements, please click here for full details.

Eligibility and Skills Required

• Minimum age 18 yrs
• You need to be reasonably fit and possess a genuine love for people and horses. You should be compassionate, patient and have the ability to motivate others into giving their best, even when the work is hard. There will be times when you will need to work without supervision, so self-motivation is a must. Horse riding experience is highly beneficial as is experience in working with the disabled and/or with children, but it is not essential as the friendly local staff will be there for guidance. If you enjoy being outdoors, have empathy with those living with disability, love horses and enjoy being on the go, then this is the volunteering project for you!

Contributions

• Please be aware that in addition to covering accommodation costs, your contribution is vital to support the on going efforts of the project.
• Minimum duration is 8 weeks and costs £1200