Exploring Africa is on most people’s Bucket List – this project
goes far and beyond just exploring Africa. Our Horse
Management and Stables Project allows you an opportunity to
not only experience Africa but to contribute towards Her future
and just when you thought it couldn’t
get any better, it is all done on Horseback.
The Project is run within a private nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The primary aim of the project is to create a
collaboration between conservation and horses, allowing you
to aid in the protection and preservation of the vulnerable
ecosystems under pressure from mankind and natural effects
all this whilst in the comfort of a saddle.
Not only do you play a crucial role in the conservation efforts
of our organisation, but you are introduced into a very different
equestrian environment, than you are probably familiar with
and are given the opportunity to learn from the team as they
show you what it takes to run a Stable yard with all the
challenges of nature and be exposed to a wide variety of
exciting activities, some that you may never have done, others
are common but, we have added a slight African twist just to
make it that little more interesting.
YOUR PROJECT, YOUR PURPOSE
This is the Ultimate Adventure for any Equestrian with a passion to make a difference. The project is tailored to suite
a rider of any level, with exciting activities on offer no matter what your riding abilities. Managed by a qualified
Equine Dentist/Farrier with years of experience in the Equestrian environment you are able to learn about all this
whilst on project amongst our knowledgeable staff.
Each of the Conservation activities that you partake in contributes to the overall conservation management within
the park itself which then syphons into the greater conservation of Zimbabwe and then to Africa as a whole. By
helping protect and manage the current ecosystems of the park, you aid in keeping one of the few remaining wild
sanctuaries safe. Not only does the Equestrian project aid in conservation, but it also has its own community
outreach project, allowing you to contribute to the care of the Horses from the Police Mounted Unit as well as the
animals surrendered to the local S.P.C.A.
Along with all the conservation and community work that you will be playing an important role in, there is still always
a lot of time to have fun. The Stables project offers some of the most incredible activities allowing you to experience
nature at her best; be that a canter through the park at golden hour through herds of plains-game, an adrenaline
filled game of polo-crosse with an interesting crowd of spectators grazing whilst you play, or a cool down after a long
day with a horse swim, there is always something exciting happening.
You will receive an introduction into the busy but exciting stable life during your first week. You will be guided step by step through your weekly schedule, introduced to the over 25 horses and shown the ropes.
There is no typical day in stables. Every day presents new challenges or duties to be completed. We ask you to be flexible and go with the flow whilst you are on the project. Your days will be long and sometimes tiring, but always very rewarding. We are big believers of 'learning on the job' and that is exactly what you will be doing. You will gain invaluable experience in stable management, with our stables team supporting you along the way. The longer you spend on the project with us, the more responsibilities and duties you will be trusted with. From leading a guest ride, to teaching a lesson to a beginner, you will become an important member of the team.
With a range of horse breeds at the stables we welcome riders of all abilities with a passion for horses. Beginners are guided into riding with regular lessons in the school and slow rides out in the bush. For those with more experience on horseback and wanting to push themselves, we offer more advanced rides such as fast horse safaris and opportunities to compete in external riding competitions, such as monthly show-jumping shows.
The project is run within a private nature reserve in Zimbabwe; Antelope Park.
Volunteers will spend their days and nights in an authentic African thatched lodge, surrounded by nature and wildlife. Rooms are either a twin or quad room with fellow volunteers or interns. Accommodation upgrades are available if you wish to have a more ‘exclusive’ volunteer experience.
Volunteers are responsible for their flights, visas and any vaccinations their GP recommends. Volunteers are expected to be committed to the program and are expected to bide by our reasonable code of conduct.
In return volunteers can expect a first class team on-ground at Antelope Park to help all volunteers get the maximum out of their experience with us. On arrival all volunteers are given an in-depth induction on all aspects of their project and are given an introduction to other areas. There are daily meetings in the Volunteer Lounge to discuss the next days activities and to resolve any issues that may have arisen during the day.
Volunteers do not have to bring any specific equipment but if they are joining the Horse Management Project it is recommended that they bring their own riding kit - jodhpurs, riding boots, riding helmets.
Whether you are on a gap year, career break, school holiday or just looking for something extraordinary to do, why not become part of the stable steam at Antelope Park.
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