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Equestrian Volunteer Programs Abroad

Participating in an equestrian volunteer program abroad offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for horses with meaningful volunteer work. These programs allow you to gain hands-on experience in horse care, support equine therapy initiatives, and immerse yourself in different cultures. These programs include horse riding, training, and community outreach.
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39 Equestrian Volunteer Programs

AHS
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African Horse Safaris

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Endurance Training Programme in South Africa

Our exciting Endurance Training Programme based at Moolmanshoek, ...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide! Our programs focus on the welfare and conservation of various species, both wildlife and domestic animals. We offer volunteer opportunities and internships at wildlife rescue centers, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves and animal shelters. All of our programs are vetted and are in line with our ethical values - only ethical and supervised interactions are allowed. A few examples of our offers include working with rescued sloths in Costa Rica, rehabilitating vervet monkeys in Malawi, observing and collecting data on Africa's Big Five species and doing survey dives with whale sharks in Mozambique, just to name a few.

Kaya Responsible Travel

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Veterinarian Volunteering in South Africa

Volunteer at a premier game reserve that is home to the Big 5 and other majestic wildlife, including endangered species like cheetahs and white lions, as well as domestic animals like horses and sheep. This conservation project offers an incredible opportunity to witness animals in their natural habitats. As a volunteer, you’ll participate in vital day-to-day activities, which in turn broaden your knowledge of veterinary diagnosis and treatment. The reserve’s conservation work and habitat maintenance are essential in ensuring the safe coexistence of humans and wildlife. Contribute to their initiatives by assisting with primary and secondary (preventative) activities. Tasks depend largely on current needs during your stay. You could conduct general health checks, treat wounds and parasites during game capture, monitor lion kills found (which are rare!), and monitor behavioral characteristics among others. This program is available all year round. To be eligible, you need to possess an interest in wildlife and conservation. It is recommended that you bring your own laptop for documenting your learning. This is an ideal project for veterinary and animal science students.

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Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

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Costa Rica All-in-One Program

Join our Best Seller Program! Combine immersive Spanish lessons with Surf or Yoga classes and meaningful volunteer work at our home base in beautiful Santa Teresa—one of the top surf spots in the country. Make a real impact through purposeful volunteering, help with sea turtle conservation, assist in the nursery and hatchery, join night patrols, participate in beach cleanups, and more. Cap off your experience with an unforgettable week in the lush Monteverde Rainforest, where adventure and adrenaline await!

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Love Volunteers

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Volunteer Abroad & Make a REAL Difference - From US$175!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Volunteer World

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Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

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ALIORE, Worldwide Workshops

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Volunteer in a Green Tourism Project in South of France

Take part in the development of a green tourism project in the South of France while experiencing the French lifestyle. You live in hamlets, farmhouses and sites in the heart of breathtaking landscapes. You share the daily life of a host family and in exchange for accommodation and meals, you give a hand for a minimum of 20 hours per week (maximum 30). Through your daily work and interactions with your host-family and the local community, you’ll have the opportunity to practise your French and meet new people. You’ll also learn a lot about yourself, as you take on the challenge of living and working in a completely new environment. Participative Tourism is based on the concepts of respect and authenticity; It enables the exchange and sharing between the guests and the local population. The local projects aim to provide a tourism that respects the environment. Tourists stay in the wilderness and enjoy the rich nature of this region through ecological activities such as hiking, trekking with donkeys, horse-riding.

Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program

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Experience Veterinary Medicine in Italy's Top Rescues

The Doctors in Italy Pre-Vet Fellowship Program is a unique experience to appreciate the breadth of opportunities that a degree in Veterinary Medicine can offer while immersed in Italian culture and stunning natural landscapes. By shadowing veterinary professionals specializing in different disciplines, you will learn about animal welfare and behavior, basic clinical examination skills, animal nutrition, zoonotic diseases, the importance of human-animal interactions, and many other topics. You’ll spend time with cats, dogs, cows, sheep, horses, boars, rabbits, a spunky llama, and several other animals. From daily care and feeding to special needs, hand rearing, and veterinary checks ─ be in the midst of the action. You will assist veterinarians in clinical settings and during fieldwork in animal sanctuaries and wildlife rescue centers. You will be exposed to various species such as equids, large and small ruminants, wild and domestic pigs, rabbits, llamas, wildlife, birds, dogs, cats, and exotic animals—learning how to approach and care for them.

Connect-123 Internship Programs

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Human Rights Internships

Make a meaningful impact while gaining international experience with Connect-123’s Human Rights internship program. With placements available in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney, you’ll have the chance to contribute to organizations working on some of today’s most pressing human rights challenges. Our network includes watchdog groups, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, lobby groups, and think tanks. Depending on your placement, you may help develop educational workshops for immigrants, conduct peer education training, monitor and evaluate community-based initiatives, research political or gender rights issues, or contribute to reports on human trafficking, child labor, and other critical topics. Each internship is tailored to your background and interests, giving you the opportunity to build practical skills, expand your global network, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing global internship begins on your schedule.

GoBeyond Student Travel

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GoBeyond - Galapagos/Ecuador - Service & Adventure Programs

Travel to Ecuador and explore the Galapagos Island with GoBeyond. Our Islands, Andes, and Amazon trip aims to conserve and preserve both the land and seas of these beautiful islands that has turned into a global hub of Eco-tourism. Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands is one of the most biologically significant places on Earth - and it's all at your fingertips! This incredible voyage will find you snorkeling with sea lions, getting up close and personal with the famed Galapagos tortoise, and gazing across the Andean landscape atop a horse while earning up to 100 community service hours by restoring critical forest habitat, addressing the rise of invasive species, and maintaining local trails used daily by the Andean community.

Globalteer

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Volunteer with Rescued Horses

Volunteer with horses and experience the rich Peruvian culture while staying in the incredible city of Cusco. Work alongside a dedicated team at a beautiful ranch in the heart of the Andean Mountains. Horses at the sanctuary have been rescued from being overworked in bad conditions or the fate of being slaughtered for meat. There are currently 8 horses and 1 donkey at the Peru Horse Sanctuary. Each of the rescued horses has its own sad history of mistreatment, abuse, and overwork. Some have been forced to work in terrible conditions, even while injured. Others have been generally mistreated as the Peruvian Andes Highlander species is considered an unfavorable breed as they are not as 'attractive' as other equestrian breeds. Volunteers work with local Peruvian staff, helping prepare food and feeding the horses. Additionally, they assist with washing and grooming the horses and cleaning the shelters and paddocks. They also help with other general tasks and animals at the shelter.

Volunteering Journeys

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Teach English Abroad with Volunteering Journeys

Inspire, Educate & Empower Communities Across the World Are you passionate about education and cross-cultural exchange? Do you dream of making a positive impact while traveling the world? With Volunteering Journeys’ English Teaching Programs Abroad, you can inspire young minds, build confidence, and open opportunities for children and adults across Peru, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Maldives. Whether you’re a student on a gap year, a certified teacher, or simply a fluent English speaker looking to make a difference, teaching abroad is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to global education while immersing yourself in fascinating cultures. In many developing regions, English proficiency opens the door to education, employment, and better economic opportunities. However, limited resources and teacher shortages often leave students without access to quality English education. By joining Volunteering Journeys’ teaching programs, you’ll help bridge this gap. You’ll work in local schools, community centers, or after-school programs — improving English literacy, conversational confidence, and cultural awareness.

Projects Abroad

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Projects Abroad in Argentina

Argentina is an amazing place to volunteer or intern abroad. Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, the second largest country in South America and a place of extremes. You'll be amazed by the breathtaking scenery and great diversity in its landscapes. Theres much to explore, ranging from its extensive Atlantic coastline through to glaciers, Andean mountains, and the vast Pampas. Our projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including those on a college summer break, gap year, career break, or volunteer vacation. Volunteers have the opportunity to join us in Argentina on our projects in Childcare, Equine therapy, Teaching, Medicine, Dentistry, Human Rights, Sports, Journalism, and Veterinary Medicine & Animal Care. Volunteers who wish to take Spanish have the opportunity to take one-on-one Spanish language lessons with Projects Abroad staff. This can be done exclusively or alongside a volunteer project. Teen volunteers ages 16-19 have the opportunity to join one of our High School Specials. These volunteer projects run over the course of either 2 or 4 weeks and have set dates. All trip include wee

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Mondify

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Healing Hearts: Animal Therapy for Kids’ Rehabilitation

Imagine combining your love for animals with the chance to change lives. In Córdoba, Argentina, our Canine and Equine Therapy Volunteer Program gives you that opportunity. You’ll work alongside dedicated therapists using dogs and horses to help children and adults improve mobility, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. What makes this program unique is its dual focus: some days you’ll support canine therapy sessions, where trained dogs bring comfort, confidence, and joy. Other days, you’ll assist at an equine therapy center, helping patients during therapeutic riding sessions. The experience is powerful, inspiring, and unforgettable. This program is ideal for those studying psychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or veterinary medicine, as well as for individuals passionate about giving back to animals. No experience is required, just an open heart and the willingness to learn. You’ll help during therapy sessions, care for the animals, and discover how animal-assisted therapy transforms lives. Based just outside Córdoba city, both centers welcome people of all ages facing physical disabilities, mental health challenges, and developmental disorders.

World Unite!

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Volunteer at a Horse Ranch on the Beach in South Africa

Do you love horses? Then, volunteering at a Horse Ranch on the beach at one of South Africa's most beautiful landscapes is your dream placement! Tasks at the ranch include feeding, grooming, and caring for the horses, riding the horses, preparing rides, saddling and removing saddles, welcoming guests, and cleaning the equipment. The stables and paddock are also cleaned, plastic waste is removed from the beach and riding trails, minor repairs are made, and young and new horses are possibly trained. Before coming to the ranch, many of these horses were rescued from being mistreated by their previous owners. Their new owners at the ranch have over 30 years of practical experience in providing riding lessons, natural horse training, and rehabilitation for abused horses. Horseback riding tours with small groups of tourists are done daily, except when bad weather occurs. You can join tours along the beaches, dune forests, and typical fynbos landscapes of the Western Cape. You can learn a lot about the fascinating nature of the Western Cape. If you're lucky, you'll even spot Southern Right Whales while riding on the beach or swimming with the horses on warm days!

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Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Zimbabwe 2025

Volunteer Encounter

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Volunteer with Horses, Antelope Park

Our Horse Volunteering project is dedicated to the sustainable development of Antelope Park. As a volunteer, you’ll gain a unique experience by assisting in the daily management of an authentic African stable. This is your opportunity to discover the African bush from horseback as well. You’ll be involved with all aspects of the stables, from the daily maintenance of stables grounds to ensuring our horses are fit and healthy. Your opportunities span from taking that epic photo with an incredible giraffe whilst exploring the bush to experiencing the beauty of an African sunrise, all the while developing your show-jumping skills on the cross-country course and swimming on horseback. Antelope Park stables offer horse safaris, horse swims, polocrosse lessons, schooling lessons and training, sunrise and sunset rides, show-jumping, and carriage safaris. The reserve is proud to have two world-class fields and a practice field. They welcome everyone, from beginner to advanced riders, there is something on offer for all! All you need is a passion for horses and a desire to see the very best of Africa.

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Volunteer International Adventures

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Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation at an Equine Sanctuary

If you love equines, both horses and ponies, then the Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation project is the perfect volunteer project for you! Assist a dedicated team of horse rescuers with their work in an equine sanctuary in South Africa, from daily care and socialization to treatment and occasional rescues that take place across the country. Although experience is a huge plus, it is not a necessity and you will learn a lot about basic horse care while helping out on this project. Your role and the work/activities you are given while on the Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation project may vary and depend on certain factors, such as what is required at the time, weather, rescues, and others. You could take on these tasks: Feeding Grooming Cleaning tack and equipment Walking, socializing, and hacking Maintenance General farm work Volunteers with riding experience and who weigh under 70 kg may ride some of the safe horses on hacks and trails.

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Wild Bhiza

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A Unique Horse & Local Community Experience in Zimbabwe

Wild Bhiza offers more than just horseback riding. We provide the gateway to a unique experience by immersing participants in the communal lands and African culture. While we encounter a minor challenge with communication barriers, particularly with some local villagers, such as children, we believe that community engagement can effectively address prevalent social issues in our region. We aim to impact local communities and our volunteers significantly. Thus, we encourage international participants to engage with children and adults through reading and assisting at local schools to foster meaningful connections. Additionally, we promote animal welfare by collaborating with the local animal welfare center. Duties include assisting with essential horse care tasks, such as filling hay nets, grooming, and exercising horses. Volunteers also participate in community outreach initiatives like litter sweeps and educational programs like reading sessions with children.

Our Generation Voluntary Organisation

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Awesome Volunteering Opportunities in Ghana with OGVO

Volunteer abroad in Ghana with Our Generation Voluntary Organisation. Our non-profit, non-governmental African organization offers meaningful, exciting, and affordable developmental volunteer programs. These include working with orphans, teaching children in primary and junior high schools, coaching football to children, wildlife work, medical and nursing placements, dental elective, environmental conservation, micro-finance, journalism, and many more. We currently have volunteer, internship, and culture/language immersion programs in many locations around Ghana. Our programs are among the most affordable in the industry, and we work hard to maintain low fees. Adult participants can apply independently. Participants from 15 to 17 years old are welcome to apply, but we need to receive consent from their parents via email or telephone before we can offer them placement on one of our programs. We have hosted many teenage high school students in the past. All our programs require a good/basic level of English language, although you do not need to be a native English speaker.

Msafiri Tours

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Volunteer in Uganda – Make a Difference

Volunteer in Uganda – Make a Real Difference Join Msafiri Tours for a life-changing volunteer experience in Uganda. Contribute your time and energy to schools, rural communities, and impactful projects nationwide. Opportunities Include: -Teaching & Education: Support local schools, tutor children, or assist with English, arts, or STEM programs. -Community Development: Help with women’s empowerment, sports, farming projects, and local entrepreneurship. -Environmental Conservation: Participate in tree planting, wildlife conservation, and sustainable farming. -Healthcare & Well-being: Assist in medical camps, health education, and wellness programs (ideal for professionals and students). Why Volunteer With Us: -Live and work alongside local communities for an authentic cultural experience. -Gain hands-on experience in projects that make a real impact. -Explore Uganda’s natural wonders, including Jinja, the adventure capital. -Flexible programs: short-term (1–2 weeks) or longer-term. Who Can Volunteer: Anyone 18 years or older with a passion for service and cultural exchange. Youths aged 16 and above may join with a guardian. Families, groups, and solo travelers are welcome.

A Guide to Equestrian Volunteer Work Abroad

Prepare to Study Equestrian Volunteer Programs Abroad

Understand the benefits

Engaging in an equestrian volunteer program abroad offers numerous advantages:

  • Skill development. Enhance your horse care, training, and riding skills such as feeding, grooming, mucking out, and helping with foal care during the breeding season.
  • Cultural exposure. Learn about equestrian traditions and practices around the world.
  • Professional growth. Gain experience that can benefit your future career in equine management or veterinary sciences.
  • Networking opportunities. Build connections with other equestrian enthusiasts and professionals from around the world.

Things to Know

  • Accommodation. Often includes on-site housing like dorms or shared lodges. In rural areas, expect basic facilities; inquire about amenities and included meals.
  • Budgeting. Consider costs for program fees, travel, and daily expenses. Factor in equipment like riding boots or gloves if not provided.
  • Visa Requirements. Requirements depend on your destination and the program length. Check ahead for any necessary visas and their processing times.
  • Health & Safety. Ensure you have travel insurance covering equestrian activities. Check if vaccinations or additional health preparations are needed.
  • Physical Fitness. Programs can be physically demanding, so be prepared for long hours and active outdoor work.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Equestrian Volunteering involves caring for horses and engaging with people. This includes care and rehabilitation for abused or neglected horses, offering equine-assisted therapy to individuals facing physical, emotional, or developmental challenges, and participating in educational programs to raise awareness on horse care and welfare. Each role contributes to the well-being of horses and humans, fostering trust, health, and understanding.

Yes! Volunteers gain valuable experience in horse care, handling, and behavior. Interacting with horses can be therapeutic and promote personal growth. Additionally, volunteering with horses allows you to meet like-minded individuals and build a supportive community. While challenging at times, the rewards of witnessing the positive impact of your efforts on horses and people make the experience truly worthwhile.

Challenges may include physically demanding tasks, exposure to unpredictable animal behavior, and working in varying weather conditions. However, the rewards are immense, including witnessing the transformation of rescued horses and the positive impact of equine-assisted therapy on individuals. Building relationships with horses and learning about their care are invaluable experiences, leading to a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.

Equine volunteer tasks vary depending on the organization and specific program. Common responsibilities include feeding and watering horses, cleaning stalls and paddocks, grooming and tacking up horses, leading horses for riding or therapy sessions, and providing basic veterinary care. Volunteers may also assist with record-keeping, fundraising, and educational programs.

Top destinations for equestrian volunteering include South Africa, which focuses on horse rescue and rehabilitation, as well as equine-assisted therapy. Israel offers similar programs catering to both children and adults with disabilities. Argentina provides an opportunity to work with horses in a traditional gaucho setting and engage in equine therapy. These countries offer diverse experiences for horse lovers looking to volunteer abroad.

Latest Program Reviews

An amazing time!

October 30, 2025by: Olivia Honnila - United StatesProgram: Experience Veterinary Medicine in Italy's Top Rescues
10

During my trip to Perugia, I learned so much about Italy’s culture, a bit of the language, and met people that I still talk to today, two and a half years later. My experience revolved around rescues and refuges, and being able to see all the different species in Italy, and our vet who showed us how to examine them, was so inspiring! It made me want to switch my focus to exotic animals rather than small animals. It was an amazing experience, and one that I will remember forever!

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