General Info
This programme is the ideal combination of conservation work, living in the great outdoors and learning all about African ecology. If horses are your passion, you’ll be able to expand your knowledge and put your skills to good use, dividing your time between learning about conservation and caring for the horses.
Equine Care and Activities
The bulk of your time will be spent looking after the horses and getting to grips with equine theory. There will also be plenty of time for horse riding in the African bush, watching out for game and birds; no matter what your level you’ll be matched to a horse suitable for you.
The equestrian programme consists of:
• Levels of classification and evolution
• Confirmation and physiology
• Tack and equipment
• Grooming and Hoof care
• Stable yard routine and maintenance
• Basic veterinary skills and dentition
• Riding skills
• Introduction to show jumping, gymkhana games and creative exercises
• Breeds and markings
• Body language
• Equine nutrition
• Out rides on the farm
You’ll be spending the rest of your time getting hands-on with conservation projects in the bush and at the reserve. You’ll become an expert on life in the outdoors and staying safe as you work through the conservation course, which includes topics on ecosystems and animal behaviour, wildlife identification, tracks and signs, anti-soil erosion control, sleep-outs in the bush, walks and game drives, weapon handling and fence patrolling.
In your free time there will be plenty of cultural activities on offer from drumming sessions to abseiling and caving.
Programme Activities
Identification of mammals, birds, insects and plants
Tracking
Fence patrolling
Anti-poaching initiatives
Soil erosion control
Survival in the bush
Navigation by stars and different star constellations
Weapon handling
Sleep- outs in the bush
Walks and game drives
It is pure magic to ride a horse across the plains of Africa with wild game all around you!
What’s Included in the Programme
Airport transfer to and from Hoedspruit Airport
Orientation on arrival
All accommodation during your stay
Full support and assistance throughout your time in South Africa
Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
24 hour support number and contact for emergencies
Benefits:
From £869 for 2 weeks. Includes: accommodation, some food, transfers, support and back up in-country and 24/7 emergency contact numbers. Before you leave full comprehensive information is provided through an Online Accounts and our expert travel advisers are always available to give help and advice.
Requirements:
There are no specific qualifications or requirements needed to take part on this trip. We do however require that all travellers have a sense responsibility for other travellers, project staff and local community and most importantly... a sense of fun and adventure!
