Equine Volunteer Programme
Experience life with our horses in the heart of the Okavango Delta
Programme Overview
Volunteers will be immersed in OHS life, with main duties revolving around the horses.
They need to be experienced riders, happy to school young horses who are learning the ropes.
Volunteers must be willing to lend a hand with the many tasks associated with keeping the herd in top health – this includes daily checks, helping the farrier or vet, and assisting with the treatment of any ongoing veterinary cases.
Unlike many programmes, we only accept one, occasionally two volunteers at a time, as we want our volunteers to feel like an integral part of our family run business.
As well as being expected to work hard, volunteers will have the opportunity to take horses on safari rides and experience the spectacular scenery and wildlife the Okavango Delta has to offer, as well as joining game drives and boat trips.
Horses give unparalleled access to the Delta, able to navigate narrow trails, splash through the many water courses, canter alongside herds of zebra and giraffe, or stand peacefully to observe.
What you can expect to gain from the programme
The programme offers unique and invaluable experience to those looking for careers in equine fields, veterinary, travel and tourism, hospitality, the safari industry, outdoor activities, or careers involving logistics and operations.
Volunteers will gain a myriad of transferrable skills; communication, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, team work, planning, working in remote areas, time management, cultural awareness.
A Typical Day
6am – Wake up, check the herd and assist with feeding and morning veterinary care.
7am – Breakfast.
8am – Get the horses ready for morning rides, then schooling at base camp or riding out in the bush, either with guests or separately with an experienced member of the equine team. As well as young horses, there are plenty of older horses who benefit from schooling sessions to keep them supple and responsive.
12pm – Help to wash down and check horses returning from the morning safari ride.
1pm – Lunch.
1-2pm – Midday rest – a good opportunity to have a siesta, journal or study our library of reference books on local flora and fauna.
2pm – Stable duties – this could include record keeping, tack checks and cleaning, stock checks, assisting with maintenance tasks.
4pm – Help to get horses ready for the PM ride. Again, volunteers may have the opportunity to join a safari ride, school a horse at base camp, or perhaps join a boat trip.
6pm – Assist with the horses returning from the PM ride and with bringing in the rest of the herd from grazing. Help the stable manager with any veterinary issues then with feeding and getting the horses settled for the night.
7pm – Hot showers at your accommodation then dinner. You may be asked to assist with hosting guests.
Fees & Application
What is included?
Transfers from Maun airport (volunteers will be met at the airport), meals (all delicious, fresh food made by our catering team), drinks with meals, private accommodation and riding.
In addition, a UK representative will be available to assist with advice on flight booking, packing and logistics.
What is not included?
Flights to Maun, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional drinks from the bar.
Fees
£980/week, with a 2 week minimum stay. Reduced to £910/week after 4 weeks. Maximum stay of 10 weeks.
These fees help us to cover the cost of volunteers meals, drinks (all food and drinks have to be transported into camp), accommodation, transfers and training. Without this contribution we sadly would not be able to run the programme.
Family Discount
We are pleased to be able to offer a discount to the families of volunteers who wish to join for a safari after the completion of a programme. We can offer a family a discount of 10% on their safari (not including transfers).
Application Process
Applicants will be required to fill in a short form and send a recent video of them riding. This will be followed by an interview, online or in person. References may be requested. Due to the nature of the programme, schooling young and sometimes smaller horses, we have a weight limit of 75kg.
