| Nearest Airport: | Windhoek |
| Dates Available: | February-December |
| Length of Project: | 2-12 weeks |
| Main Activities: |
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| Style of Riding: | English |
| Number of horses: | 10 (minimum) |
| Rates: | N$ 300.00 pp per night |
Namibia is a land of ever changing, awesome and dramatic landscapes and the greatest way to observe it all is from the back of a horse.
This assignment offers an exceptional opportunity to work with horses in one of the most spectacular and diverse locations in the world. The chance to live an outdoor life with horses, exploring the deserts, mountains and savannahs, and experiencing Africa astride your horse has to be an unforgettable lifetime experience.
Our mission for you is to live and work as part of our small trail riding team, to be fully involved in all aspects of the horses’ daily routines and exercise programmes and also to receive training in the accompaniment and back up of the horse-trails. This company offers half day, full day and overnight trail rides for tourism as well as horse riding instruction for the local resident population. We also work closely with the local branch of the SPCA to recover and rehabilitate abused animals. We pride ourselves on the quality and professionalism of our product and invite you to join us in the continuing success of our enterprise.
In addition, for those volunteers visiting for a longer time, and looking for a broader experience, there are opportunities to travel further north and south throughout Namibia to different horse operations which offer activities such as Long Distance Desert Trails and Endurance Riding. After receiving training at our base operation, Equitrails will arrange your transfer to another outfit where you will experience a different aspect of Namibian diversity and hospitality.
This is an exclusive opportunity offering places to only a maximum of three volunteers at any one time.
Due to the level of responsibility required, this program will best suit those who have previous experience of equine management and training.
Accomodation is provided in a fully equipped, self-contained and secure cottage situated close to the main house. Located in beautiful African bush, but close to other friendly (horsey!) residences, you can be as private or social as you wish to be. The house is very comfortable with a living room, dining room, and delicious home cooking. You will have your own room and privacy. There are also DSTV, DVD, stereo and internet facilities at your disposal.
Activities you will be involved in at Equitrails include:
- Daily routines of horse care and management.
- Exercising to keep the horses fit for the trail rides.
- Schooling and training of horses in the arena and out on the trails.
- Rehabilitation and training of mistreated local horses.
- Back up support for the client trails.
- Handling of young stock.
- Endurance ride training and possible chances to compete in this discipline.
- Care and management of riding and trails equipment.
- Chances to train for, and compete in, local dressage and show jumping competitions.
For those studying at an Equestrian College and needing practical work experience, then this project is particularly suitable. An assessment and written report can be given at the end of your stay.
Experience and Riding Ability Required
Due to the varied extent of riding from schooling and exercising to riding in game areas, you need to be an experienced rider in the classical English style.
It would be an advantage to have at least five years continuous riding experience plus being riding fit which means having ridden daily for at least six months prior. Our days are long but rewarding and many hours are spent in the saddle. You need to be generally fit and there is an 80kg weight limit for students.
To be a back up rider on safari is an extremely responsible position and we reserve the right to assess your ability once you are here as to whether it is possible for you to ride in this position. A detailed resume of your previous equine experience and ability is a requirement along with photographs of yourself astride a horse.
A current First Aid certificate and full driving license are also necessary.
Depending on your experience and skills it is possible that you can be involved in other projects around the country, the opportunities available are:
| Training for and competing in endurance races (Seasonal, Mar-Oct); |  |
| Being involved in a large cat conservation project; |  |
| Taking part in long distance trails across the Namib Desert (Seasonal, Feb-Oct); |  |
| Accompanying trials around Sossesvlei, the largest sand dunes in the world. |  |
| Rates are charged on a nightly basis and include: | What it doesn’t include: | |
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