Are you ready to see the world while following your passion for all things equestrian? Maybe you’re asking yourself, where can I volunteer with horses? We’ve put together a guide showing you the best places to volunteer with horses all over the world.
From working with a horse rescue program in Spain to volunteering with an equine therapy program in Argentina or a safari stable in the African bush, there are volunteer opportunities for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced equestrian, interested in a veterinary career, or just passionate about helping animals, we’ll show you where you can volunteer with horses and get started making your equine dreams come true.
Why volunteer with horses?
Here’s where—and why—to volunteer with horses.
There are so many reasons to try volunteering with horses! Not only will you have fun, but you’ll also gain valuable new skills, all while making a difference in the world:
- Learn new skills: Volunteering with horses can help you improve your equestrian skills, teach you about veterinary medicine, and more. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the equine world, learning real-life skills in various areas.
- Build your resume: No matter what your future career is, real-life volunteer experience will look great on your resume. It will show your future employer that you are adventurous, adaptable, and can learn new skills.
- Gain experience working with people from other cultures: Volunteering with horses abroad will allow you to work alongside people from different cultures. You’ll improve your communication skills and learn about another culture. This intercultural experience is invaluable for any of your career or educational goals.
- Make a difference: Volunteering with horses is a surefire way to make a difference. Your work will have a lasting impact on the horses and communities that you work with.
- Explore the world while doing something you love: Volunteering abroad with horses is a perfect way to see more of the world while following your passion for horses. You can do what you love while learning about new cultures, exploring new landscapes, and more.
Where can I volunteer with horses?
If you’re wondering where you can volunteer to work with horses, look no further. From the bush of Zimbabwe to the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, there are opportunities worldwide for equine volunteering. We’ve put together a list of the best countries to volunteer with horses so you can pick the right one for you!
1. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is home to some of the world’s most magnificent animals, including elephants, zebras, giraffes, and more. These amazing animals roam Zimbabwe’s beautiful tropical savanna, making it a popular safari destination. Volunteering with horses in Zimbabwe will allow you to explore this unique landscape in a way many never have the chance to: on horseback!
If you volunteer with horses in Zimbabwe, you might have opportunities to help with stable upkeep or horse grooming and training, and you may even get to assist with boundary patrol and snare sweeps that help ensure the safety of the country’s amazing wildlife. When you aren’t working, there will be plenty of opportunities to improve your equestrian skills and explore everything the Zimbabwean bush has to offer.
- Recommended program: Volunteer with Horses, Antelope Park
2. South Africa
Explore South Africa on horseback for unique insight into this amazing country.
South Africa is a dream destination for any equestrian enthusiast. The country offers many horse safaris to tourists exploring its beautiful landscapes, making it one of the best countries to volunteer with horses. With so many visitors coming to South Africa to experience the country on horseback, there are plenty of opportunities to work with horses.
If you volunteer with horses in South Africa, you might have the chance to feed and groom the safari horses and even to help with their training and veterinary care. You may also have the opportunity to work directly with safari guests, helping them prepare for rides and even joining them for their safari rides. South Africa is an excellent choice if you’re interested in a career in the equestrian tourism industry!
- Recommended program: Endurance Training Program in South Africa
3. Ecuador
Ecuador is home to the breathtaking Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest, filled with a wide array of wildlife and countless stunning views. Equestrian tourism is a popular way to experience these vast landscapes. Volunteering with horses in Ecuador will allow you to explore the country’s natural beauty, improve your Spanish language skills, and learn more about the inner workings of equestrian tourism.
Your days might be spent feeding, grooming, and providing basic veterinary care for a horse tour company. You may also have the chance to train horses or even act as a volunteer tour guide. Ecuador is the perfect choice for anyone wanting to experience the country’s natural beauty and robust equestrian tourism industry.
- Recommended program: Ride Andes Ecuador Volunteer Program
4. Spain
Gorgeous landscapes, rich equestrian culture…you can’t beat Spain as a volunteering destination.
Horses play an important role in Spanish culture. The country is home to the Andalusian horse, a breed once sold across Europe as strong and brave warrior horses. Today, while no longer used in battle, the breed is known worldwide for its intelligence, beauty, and loyalty. The Carthusian horse, a type of Andalusian horse, was declared a national treasure by the Spanish government’s state heritage department in 1990.
Volunteering with horses in Spain is a great way to learn more about this exceptional breed. While in Spain, try paying a visit to Yeguada de La Cartuja Hierro del Bocado, a working stud farm that works to preserve the bloodline of these prestigious horses. Volunteering with horses in Spain will give you the opportunity to learn about the revered Andalusian horses and explore Spain’s rich equestrian culture.
- Recommended program: Animal Welfare Volunteering in Tenerife, Spain
5. France
If you’re a horse enthusiast, why not visit the home of one of the world’s rarest horses? Once extinct in the wild, Przewalski horses were reintroduced to the wild in France in 1993. Since then, the population has grown, and some horses have even been relocated to central Asia to rebuild the population in their native habitat. These unique horses make France the perfect destination for anyone interested in horses and wildlife conservation.
Outside of your time volunteering, you’ll have the chance to explore France’s history, diverse landscapes, and delicious food. Volunteering with horses in France is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture, hone your French language skills, and possibly come face to face with a rare breed of wild horse!
- Recommended program: Volunteering in France: Przewalski Horse Conservation
6. Argentina
Featuring jagged peaks and beautiful alpine lakes, the Andes Mountains run along the western side of Argentina. The Criollo horse, native to Argentina, is a symbol of endurance and strength, a necessity for navigating these steep mountain slopes.
While volunteering with horses in Argentina, you’ll have the opportunity to improve your Spanish language skills, learn more about the country’s unique horses and equestrian culture, and explore the country on horseback. In your free time, immerse yourself in Argentina’s vibrant culture, explore Argentinian cuisine, and soak in the country’s natural beauty.
- Recommended program: Equine Therapy in Argentina with Projects Abroad
7. Portugal
You’ll quickly see why Portugal is one of the best places to volunteer with horses.
With a Mediterranean climate, Portugal is one of the best places to volunteer with horses year-round. Enjoy the sunny and mild weather while participating in various equestrian volunteering opportunities, from equine therapy to wildfire horse patrols.
Whether you’re interested in environmental protection or working with people with disabilities, you can find the perfect equine volunteer opportunity in Portugal. You’ll also have an immersive environment for practicing Portuguese! When you’re not volunteering, you’ll have time to explore Portugal’s unique culture, historic towns, and beautiful natural environment.
- Recommended program: Horse Patrols and Environmental Protection
8. Peru
Peru is made up of an incredibly diverse array of landscapes. From the Amazon Rainforest to the Andes Mountains, Peru has it all. Working with horses in Peru is a great way to get to know these landscapes on horseback, a more intimate way to explore.
If you choose to volunteer with horses in Peru, you’ll have the opportunity to see the country’s natural beauty, improve your Spanish language skills, and learn how horses play a role in Peruvian culture. In your free time, you can explore some of the amazing destinations Peru has to offer, such as Machu Picchu, the Amazon Rainforest, and more!
- Recommended program: Volunteer with Rescued Horses
Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with 5 equestrian volunteer programs abroad
Follow your passion for horses around the world and make a difference!
Volunteering with horses is the perfect way to see the world.
Now you have everything you need to decide where to volunteer with horses! No matter where you choose to go, your experience volunteering with horses will leave a lasting impact on you and the horses you work with. Now pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
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