Horse and Farm Assistant

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Experience the african wildlife on horseback
  • Rehabilitate abused and neglected horses in South Africa
  • Become part of the daily life on an african game farm and learn about wildlife and conservation

Highlights

  • Experience the african wildlife on horseback
  • Rehabilitate abused and neglected horses in South Africa
  • Become part of the daily life on an african game farm and learn about wildlife and conservation
  • Explore the surrounding areas such as Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Do you want to make a difference in the lives of neglected and abused rescue horses in the unique African bush? Then Khaya Hanci is the perfect spot for you!

    Are you looking for the unique African bush experience on a horse farm? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of neglected and abused rescue horses? You´ve got experience in working / rehabilitating horses from the ground and from the saddle? Do you want to be part of their rehabilitation ...

    About the program

    Are you looking for the unique African bush experience on a horse farm? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of neglected and abused rescue horses? You´ve got experience in working / rehabilitating horses from the ground and from the saddle? Do you want to be part of their rehabilitation process and in return experience South Africas Flora and Fauna from their backs on long relaxing trails? Do you want to do farm work on horseback and join our presence program on our neighboring farms? 

    Then Khaya Hanci is the perfect spot for you! 

    The Horse and Game Ranch was founded to give horses a safe home where they can regain their trust in humans. We are doing our best to work the horses in their individual time respecting their individual needs, which includes the natural need of living in a healthy herd environment on the open farm. 

    Volunteer work. For experienced riders our volunteer program offers the possibility to take part in the rehabilitation process of our horses. While some are already experienced and relaxed with human others are still traumatized and in training. Within your stay you will be working with all our horses and continue their rehabilitation – Volunteers enable us to fulfill and continue this important process. Each human interaction, no matter if its grooming, handling, ground work or riding will regain the horses trust in humans and help them to live the happy life they deserve. 

    Since Khaya Hanci is located on a game farm, each trail ride is a horseback safari! Whenever you are getting into the saddle and decide to leave the riding arena, you will most likely encounter our game, such as zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, hartebeest, ostriches, sable and more antelopes and our buffalo herd! Watch out for each and every bush, rock and tree – the adventure of your lifetime might be waiting for you – one that you will never forget! 

    We expect our volunteers to be friendly, motivated, hands-on and open-minded towards new adventures. There will surely be different opinions and working procedures coming together – and our experience has shown: team work makes a dream work! We are looking forward to welcoming you in our team. For your stay you will need to bring your own personal riding equipment. Since the owners are german we speak english and german on the farm. 

     


    Typical day

    Each morning starts with feeding the horses. Since they are free-running on the farm during the night, this sometimes means jumping on the back of a bakkie and start your day with a drive to look for them. Since the open farm is not just the home of the horses but also of all our game, you might ...

    Typical day

    Each morning starts with feeding the horses. Since they are free-running on the farm during the night, this sometimes means jumping on the back of a bakkie and start your day with a drive to look for them. Since the open farm is not just the home of the horses but also of all our game, you might already have your first sightings! As soon as the horses are fed, you will get back on the Bakkie and join our farmworkers on their daily morning routine. Depending on the season this will include providing food for animals on various spots on the farm, check fences and for animals. 

    Back on the farm and stable side you will enjoy a short break, have a coffee, before getting your horse day started.Each day includes a general check of all our horses. With some of them you will have more interactions, for example working in the round pen. There are poles and lunging equipment to enable a suitable training session for the individual horse. Lunging and Ground work help the horses to build up fitness, develop muscles and find balance in all gaits. It will also build a relationship and trust, which we believe will forever support the horses education. Especially with the background of our horses, which often included painful, frightening and negative human interaction, the interaction from the ground is a basic key to help them to regain their trust. 

     Our herd also include horses which are more experienced and much further in their rehabilitation process. We mainly use them on farm work, trail rides and as training partners for the youngsters. It will be part of your volunteer work to go on trail rides and look for the animals. As a game farm we also need to manage the animals and their habitat. With your trail rides you will be part of monitoring and documenting animal activity in the field. Where have you seen the buffalo herd last? Has the number changed? How are the wildebeest herding at the moment? When last did we spot the giraffes? Important questions when running a game farm and a great opportunity for our volunteers to experience the African farm life. Next to feeding tours, horse training and riding you will also join us on our game drives  and learn more about the flora and fauna. Watch the buffalos grazing in the field, giraffes browsing off some of the trees and listen to the sounds of the animals conversing. 

    You are not a “Horse person”? Khaya Hanci gives you the unique opportunity to interact with horses and learn about leadership, body language and basic understanding of the horses needs. Your days on the farm will focus on farm work such as checking fences, attending to water troughs, monitoring animals, managing alien plants on the farm and helping with the general maintenance work. Next to activities on our farm, our volunteers also participate in the presence program on our neighbouring farms, including a Big 5 Wildlife Sanctuary. For at least once a week you will be joining the manager and be part of wildlife and conservation work on a BIG 5 reserve. Next to buffalos and animals you already know from our farm, you will get the unique experience of what it means to manage a herd of elephants, various lions and monitor the activities of leopards and more animals. 

    Unfortunately every day will come to an end, but luckily the bush camp offers you the perfect way to end a day in the bush. Light a fire, have a braai (Barbeque), sit back, watch the sun go down and the stars coming out! 

    Combining all those impressions we are sure that you will get the unique African experience which we love so much!


    Free-time activities

    Within your stay we highly recommend you to go and explore our beautiful surroundings. The world-famous Kruger National Park is only an hour drive and awaits you with the full african wildlife experience. Depending on what you prefer you can drive and experience it yourself or book a guided tour and ...

    Free-time activities

    Within your stay we highly recommend you to go and explore our beautiful surroundings. The world-famous Kruger National Park is only an hour drive and awaits you with the full african wildlife experience. Depending on what you prefer you can drive and experience it yourself or book a guided tour and become a guest on a game drive. Heading towards the other direction the Northern Drakensberg are waiting for you to come and explore. The so called Panorama Route is one of our favorite places to be. No matter if you are a nature enthusiasts, enjoy history and culture or adrenalin junkie – or even all in one: The Panorama route will easily cover all of your desires. Fascinating hiking trails (for all fitness levels), natural water pools, waterfalls, former gold digging villages, museums, shops and last but not least, the Blyde River Canyon, third largest canyon in the world are there for you to explore! 


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 07:00 - 16:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Khaya Hanci Horse and Game

    Airport pickup, accommodation and food & non-alcoholic drinks are included in the fees. 
    Groceries (for all dietary requirements) are provided for you to prepare your own breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

    Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport

    We provide Airport Pick up and Drop Off from Hoedspruit Airport on mondays and thursday every week. 

    Accommodation

    As our volunteer you will, for now, until the volunteer house is available, be accommodated in our scenic bush camp. This remote camp is based on a hill and includes chalets, which host 2 volunteers. Each chalet has its own bathroom, you will share your chalet with one other volunteer (2 single beds). The Lapa and kitchen are separated and will be shared with all volunteers. The well-equipped kitchen, braai area and lapa are for volunteers use only. Overlooking the farm and facing the northern Drakensberg at the horizon you will be preparing your own meals and let the days end. 

    Laundry and Cleaning service is provided twice a week. 

    Food & Beverages

    We take our volunteers to town for their grocery shopping. You will find all kinds of shops and stores to prepare your own meals in the bush camp. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are included in our rate. Anything else can be purchased on your own costs. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    On your arrival day we will pick you up in Hoedspruit and take you to the shop in our area for your grocery shopping. Knowing that the African experience is one that you may have never experienced before, we value time for you to settle in. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 2,410€
    6 weeks 3,615€
    7 weeks 4,217€
    8 weeks 4,819€
    9 weeks 5,422€
    10 weeks 6,024€
    11 weeks 6,627€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 7,229€
    Average fees 602€/week

    Program fees

    602€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Khaya Hanci Horse and Game during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Khaya Hanci Horse and Game

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (15 reviews)

    Agency

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Ulrike

    About the project

    Khaya Hanci means "Home of the horses". We offer abused and neglected horses a natural and horse-friendly home in which they can regain their trust in human as a friend.

    Meet your organization

    Are you looking for the unique African bush experience on a horse farm? 

    Do you want to make a difference in the lives of neglected and abused rescue horses? You´ve got experience in working / rehabilitating horses from the ground and from the saddle? Do you want to be part of their rehabilitation process and in return experience South Africas Flora and Fauna from their backs on long relaxing trails? Do you want to do farm work on horseback and join our presence program on our neighboring farms? 

    Then Khaya Hanci is the perfect spot for you! 

    We have been living in South Africa for several years now and our passion for horses is not leaving us behind. The circumstances of too many horses in South Africa was a calling for us to contribute towards the horses well-being. 


    We had to realize, that both, the private and business sector within horses creates a lot of neglected, abused and misunterstood horses. The animals are used for various purposes and are intended to generate profits. Whether in commercial tournament sports or in tourism. The financial success has an immense influence on the keeping of the animals. If the animals no longer generate this success, alternatives must be found.

    • We observe something similar in the private sector: Especially in Limpopo, where living on a farm is common. Many families then buy horses as an entertainment for the children. At the same time, most farmers do not have an understanding of horsemanship or any other knowledge about a horses needs. At the end of the day, this often leads to misunderstandings, conflict between human and horse and ends in abuse. This endless number of horses living on farms is then no longer of interest in the owners eyes. They either end up on slaughter trucks or we find them tied up in stables,  roaming free on farms, mostly in bad conditions. 

    Once the horses arrive at Khaya Hanci we immediately provide a stress-free environment. Many of our 4-legged friends spend the first few months with the herd, enjoy 24 hours of freedom and get used to their new home. We then gradually build up contact with people, individually adapted to the horse.

    An example from working with Hanuta.

    According to the information that reached us, Hanuta was already being used as a riding horse, but had hardly been touched for some time. The pre-owner told us he can not be touched and refuses contact with human. This person wanted to ride horses and lost interest in Hanuta, showing the described behaviour. 

    Shortly before he and another horse came to us, we also received the news that they had not been fed properly for days. Apparently the person in charge did not fulfill their duty. So that's how Hanuta arrived at the farm underweight. Together with his buddy Mars (thoroughbred), he was allowed to graze in peace, gather strength and slowly approaching the herd. For him, the first contact with us humans consisted of treats and without any requirements.

    It quickly became clear how anxious Hanuta is when dealing with people and how much insecurity is evident in his behavior. Thanks to his curiosity, he soon made progress and we were able to take the next steps. Touches on the head caused him great concern. Putting on a halter seemed almost impossible. But with patience and  repetition, he was finally able to relax more and more with us human. Today, after 12 months, Hanuta appears as a curious, human-oriented horse, which faces new challenges and has learned to accept humans as trustworthy partners by his side. We are all very excited about the next steps.

    We have found exactly the right spot for our work on our 450-hectare farm in Limpopo. Here we have the opportunity to take in horses and to offer them enough space for a horses needs. We believe that horses are in best condition when allowed to live in a herd.

    Our herd consists of about 17 horses. If necessary, we have the opportunity to temporarily form small herds. On our farm, the horses have access to an endless amounts of grass, wide areas, shady places under trees and enough water at any time. For the rehabilitation training we work in the round pen and on the riding arena. For other interactions, we have a cleaning and washing area available, as well as the carefully designed tack room with individual equipment for each horse.

    Our vision is to be able to offer individual horses rehabilitation in which they can rediscover their trust in people and live a stress-free and species-appropriate life. Each horse decides for itself on the extent and speed of that process. While some of them develop into true reliable partners in the field, we only work with others from the ground. The focus is always on the horse and its needs. In order to continue pursuing our vision, we need the support of motivated volunteers who want to combine the African bush and the passion for horses. If you share the passion for the well-being of horses and the African savannah, you will surely experience the time of your life. A calm and friendly manner is an advantage for everyone. If volunteers want to be integrated into horse rehabilitation, prior knowledge is required.

    15 reviews · rating4.9

    spela tomsic rating5

    2024 at Horse and Farm Assistant

    My stay on Khaya Hanci was trully unforgetable and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. For anyone who loves horses and animals this is simply paradise. Ulrike and Jurgen are such good hosts, who take care that you immedietaly feel welcomed and comfortable. They also care that we ...
    Lucia Edel rating5

    2024 at Horse and Farm Assistant

    Ich war für drei Monate auf der Farm und es war viel zu kurz! Die Erfahrungen, Menschen und Tiere sind dass was Khaya Hanci so besonders machen. Es war eine einzigartige Zeit mit vielen besonderen Erlebnissen und Momenten, die ich nie wieder im Leben vergessen werde! Uli und Jürgen sind ganz ...
    Maria Granitzer rating4.4

    2024 at Horse and Farm Assistant

    It has been an amazing time at Khaya Hanci and I really miss being in that african paradise. The nature was fascinating and my favourite thing was going on horseback safari and spotting the different african animals which are on this farm. For sure, I really enjoyed the safari with the jeeps too and ...
    Claudia Vermeer rating5

    2023 at Horse and Farm Assistant

    My time at Khaya Hanci Horse and Game Farm was absolutely amazing and I would have loved to stay longer. Every day was a new adventure and I learned so much about life on a game farm and about making horses happy. The owners are the most hospitable people one can imagine. Besides sharing their ...
    Kathrina rating5

    2022 at Horse and Farm Assistant

    I have volunteered at Khaya Hanci for the second time and I would always come back to this truly amazing place. It feels like it is not just "Home of the Horses" but a place where dogs, game and people found a place to live together peacefully. During this time I've learned so much about horses, ...
    Clarissa Du Plessis rating5

    2022 at Horse and Farm Assistant

    Khaya hanci is a fantastic place for horses and for you as volunteer to gain knowledge. During the 6 months that I've been there it became my second home. I learned so much from the Khaya Hanci they have a magnificent way of working with rescue animals like the horses. The people there is extremely ...

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