Volunteer/Training Program
Volunteer/Training Program
Welcome to De Adelaar Ranch Volunteer and Training Program
Have you always wanted to work side-by-side with horses? Does the idea of grooming and feeding a horse bring a smile on your face? Would you like to wonder around in the African bush on horseback? Do you love horses and riding? Are you looking for the best program in horse training with horses in one of the most beautiful landscapes of South Africa? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then De Adelaar Ranch would be the perfect place for you to volunteer and learn.
De Adelaar Ranch hosts a unique volunteer program and horse training courses that allows participants to work in close contact with the SA Boerperd. The SA Boerperd is a true South African horse breed.
On the ranch we work in closed contact with our stallions and brood mares in the breeding season that starts in October and ends in January. Our expected mares are foaling at the same time.
You will learn how to assist our trained staff in the care of this amazing horses.
– feeding, cleaning, maintaining the stables, breeding and learning.
You will live in our beautiful chalets right on the ranch.
If you love horses or starting a career in horses, this program is the best you can find in South Africa!
To be part of this program please contact us.
076 683 9866
066 201 3378
COST:
570$ per week
We are a Team of people that love horses.
Our TEAM include –
Volunteer Coordinators, Training Facilitators, Head Groom, Grooms, Stable Manager, Chef, Cleaners and General Workers.
Applicant Requirements
No previous experience is required however you need to be fit and healthy and at least 18 years of age. You should be able to speak and understand English to get around. You must not fear getting down and dirty and must obviously be extremely passionate about horses. Hard work is a guarantee, but the rewarding experience you will have with us is also guaranteed!
- Location: Gauteng, South Africa
- Start dates: Next Coarse starts in January 2024.
- Minimum duration: 6 months (Include Module 1 & 2) International Certificate on Stable and Yard Skills
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Language skills required: English.
- Accommodation: Chalet on the horse ranch
- Volunteering possible: Yes
- Expected qualification volunteers: Horse riding skills are of advantage, but not a requirement.
- We expect:
Professional work, the “right” attitude
- Certificates and Letter of attendance at the end of your journey
- Nearest Airport: Johannesburg (JNB), OR THAMBO are internationally well connected.
- Own traveling cost to Johannesburg, OR THAMBO Airport and back.
Plane Tickets,
Visa,
Traveling Insurance ect.
Your Role
Your daily tasks and schooling start Monday to Friday (8:00- 17:00). You will generally work five days per week and have the option of weekends off.
Your daily schedule could be:
Watch the sun rise above the valley as you start your day…
- Breakfast: 7:00am to 8:00am
8:00am Start your day.
Mornings start with assistance in the feeding and checking of horses and getting them from the stables to paddocks. You will help to gear up for a training session; attending to tack, premises, paddocks, and trail maintenance; initially observing and possibly participating in any specialised treatment, therapy or attention needed by and given to the herd – physiotherapy, veterinarian, or farrier visits; grooming; lunging and training of individual horses.
- Break for lunch: between 12:00am to 14:00pm
Continue with Training, farm tasks, excursions, or activities. Every afternoon concludes with returning the horses to their specific stalls within the stables and their evening feeding.
Training for horses depend on the weather situation, the daily schedule can change, and tasks can vary. Your daily hours will therefore be variable – you will be busy 5 to 7 days a week but will get plenty of time to rest, relax and explore the area. Please bear in mind that, depending on your experience level, it might take a few days until you can work with your own horses that will be allocated to you during your time with us, training and or showing. Your help at the ranch is however needed from your very first day!
Students/Volunteers will be working together with the owners, and a volunteer coordinator who is living on the grounds of the ranch.
- 18:00pm Possible Sundowners
Supper: 19:00pm
Your roles and responsibilities:
- Participating in all general activities, including the hands-on ‘behind-the- scenes’ routines.
- Assisting facilitator as and when required.
- Learning about the operation, safety, and information on the area to be able to competently participate as an student/volunteer.
- Horse feeding, cleaning, de-ticking, grooming.
- Checking of horses before and after their rides.
- Paddock cleaning.
- Assisting in building trust with rescued horses.
- Learning to compete in all disciplines, including western ridding, western dressage, ranch riding.
Besides the daily work on the ranch, you will accompany and assist in training, which are scheduled almost every day (they might only be cancelled in case of adverse weather conditions) where you can learn a lot about the fascinating nature of Bushveld.
Small maintenance and repair work at the ranch
You will do everything that all regular staff do, including, for example, horse-manure ‘pick-up patrol’. This is important as it demonstrates that the volunteer/student is viewed as a fully-fledged member of the team and thus contributes to the team effort and spirit.
Aside from this, there is a practical reason for collecting the horse-droppings; not only is the fly presence reduced but the droppings are a source of valuable nutrition for down-the-line composting for use in vegetable and flower gardens.
There might be the chance to train and ride new and young horses.
Afternoon training classes once a week with a scheduled test to obtain a Certificate.
In your free time, you might like to participate in activities, such as mountain biking & hiking, swimming, astronomy evenings, day tours. Your hosts offer a excursion, included in your costs, such as visiting Sun City or Dinokeng Nature Reserve. Any further excursions are possible of course, but on your own expense.
You should bring: Suitable clothing for riding, including leggings, shoes, and a warm jacket Personal item, such as toiletries and sunscreen.
Your own riding hat if you have one, otherwise one will be provided.
You should be physically fit enough for this job and open to new experiences. You should love horses and nature. Ideally you already have experience in riding and with horses, but this is not necessary.
The accommodation is set in African Bush but about 25 minutes from the nearest city – Pretoria.
You are accommodated in fully equipped chalet, with bedding & towels provided, own bathroom for private use. Volunteers/students have full use of their own kitchen area, own bar fridge – with their own braai area.
A large group entertainment area called the Bush Lapa with pool, a bar facility plus an outdoor braai (BBQ) area are provided. Friday is officially declared as “Braai day” with local residents visiting for sundowners and a braai to mark the end of the week with the team.
Three daily meals are provided. Both vegetarian & vegan options, as well as any special dietary requirements, are available.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the rooms.
Transport from the Johannesburg, OR THAMBO Airport and back.
Transport to nearest town at least ones a week and back.
A dream coming true for horse- and horse-riding enthusiasts!
BOOK NOW OR INQUIRE!
