Horse Rehabilitation - South Africa - Volunteer reviews

Click here to go to the South Africa Horse Rehabilitation page

Laura – 2012

“This was the most amazing experience of my life!! I would recommend this project to everyone!! I am 23 and I went on the project on my own. You instantly become part of the family and not once did I feel lonely!! If you love horses and other animals this is definitely the project for you!

I enjoyed every minute of the placement and I wouldn’t change a thing!! I will definitely be going back

Typical day: Work starts at around 7am, the first job is to feed all the horses on the farm and then load the trailer up if there is a beach ride. You then go over to the trail horses and tack up brush and ride. Back home for lunch and then work with the youngsters and the old horses!! Every day is different and George, Penny & Asha make everyday fun.

Most rewarding part of the project: Every day is rewarding as you feel like you are making a difference!

Most challenging part of the project: Wrestling pigs!!

What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Just do it!! You won't regret it for a second.

Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? It is such a rewarding experience you see the culture from a whole different perspective!

Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? PoD were brilliant at organising everything and really easy to contact!! Erin was friendly and sorted out some problems I had with my flights!! A fab company! Yes, I would recommend them.

Thanks for all your help in organising my trip I had the most amazing time!! You were really approachable and helpful throughout.”

Katie – 2011

“I arrived in South Africa for three weeks in October 2011, on my own, having never been in the country before. However, I needn't have worried about that. I was made to feel welcome as soon as I arrived. My placement was lots of fun and I got to meet some amazing people, but it’s also hard work however, if this project is something you are really interested in and care about, then the hard work is worth it. I was made to feel part of the family, but as well as that, the girls I went to stay with also tried to include as many "touristy" activities as I was interested in. Horse riding on an almost deserted beach on a sunny day in South Africa is definitely an experience worth doing!!!

Typical day: Get up at 6:30am. Day starts at 7am. Mix horse feed, feed horses. Catch and groom horses if there is a ride and then ride for rest of morning (10am - 12:30). The afternoon usually is usually spent grooming horses, dipping horses with tics, 1:1 work with rehab horses or mixing feed. 4pm feed horses again. Working day finishes around 5pm. At night usually socialising with family and friends or heading down to Buccaneers for few drinks!!! Other days we would spend time swimming, doing elephant interaction or taking a trip to Arena to meet Abbey the giraffe!

Most rewarding part of the project: Working with the horses on the farm that are either going through rehab process or are youngsters.

Most challenging part of the project: Collecting pigs food!!!!!

What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? It’s a lot of hard work but also very rewarding. If you are looking for a volunteering experience where you expect to spend your days at the beach and just riding horses whenever you want then this is not for you. The girls on the farm work very hard and try their hardest to provide a fun experience. However, they are also running a business to help fund the rehab horses so you need to work hard and get on with jobs you may not always want to do. All their hard work is for the benefit of the horses though!!

Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? It’s an eye opening and life changing experience. It shows you how other people live and opens your eyes to the hard work these girls undertake on a daily basis as they have a passion for all animals.

Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? PoD staff were helpful and quick to make arrangements for a placement!”

Lucy – 2011

“I had the most amazing time; it was better than I could of ever imagined. The most welcoming family who made me feel at home as soon as I walked through the door. All the animals are gorgeous, I'm surprised they didn't check my suitcase when I left! I wanted to take nearly all of them home. The location is beautiful and the beach is the most amazing beach I've ever seen. I absolutely loved riding across the beach and through the waves on wonderful horses with some of the best personalities. I would recommend this project to everyone who has a love for animals as it's not just horses who can find a loving home, anything on four legs is welcome and is cared for, when I was there we rescued a dog called Mudley and he was looking so much better by the time I left after he arrived looking like a skeleton. I absolutely loved my time there so much that I didn't want to leave and I hope with all my heart that I can go back again and again to a place that feels like a home in a different world to me.

Typical day: Waking up to a couple of cups of tea around the table is a must for the morning, help yourself to breakfast before getting the horses feed ready and loaded up to feed all the hungry mouths. Load up all the tack for the ride and then the horses all get fed. The horses on the ride all get a good groom before being tacked up and going for the trail. Then there's a hug and a pat before they go and roll and cover themselves in mud so you can have fun grooming them again the next day. Then it's lunch time, help yourself to whatever, first come first serve on last nights leftovers which was usually delicious. After lunch there are youngsters to school and oldies to groom as well as food to mix, so always something to keep you busy. The trucks then loaded up again and any rugs if it's cold and the horses are all fed again and blanketed to keep them warm. Then it's back home to feed all the dogs and cats before getting dinner for yourself which Georgie usually cooks and is amazing. Then you might all sit down for a game of Rummyo and get beaten by Penny every time, but is always great fun.

The part I found most rewarding was seeing Mudley the dog transform from this skeleton who could barely stand up to the dog rolling around in the sun on the day I left.

The most challenging part of my stay was leaving, I enjoyed my time there so much I never wanted to come home and having to leave was definitely the worst part of my trip.

What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? To go. The experience is amazing and I promise that once you get there you won't want to go home. It's not only the horses you look after but whilst I was there I got to go to the game reserve down in Addo and down to Bloukrans to do the 216m Bungy with Penny from the project as well as meet giraffe on the side of the road and feed elephants, it's an all round great experience!

Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? I think going to a different country gives you a flavour of what life is like in different cultures. You can get a feel for the place and the people and you'll never get bored because there's always something new to see.

Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? I chose PoD because they were very helpful, they gave a lot of information and helped me with any questions I may have had. They helped me get in contact with the place it self so I could speak to them before I arrived. I would really recommend PoD because they are a really reliable and will stay in contact with you throughout your project. I think the project is run very smoothly. Everything was great and more people should go on this placement.”

Katie – 2011

“It was a fantastic experience, worth every penny! The project was brilliant, working with the horses was such good fun and really interesting and fulfilling! There was lots of things to do so being bored was not an option! Georgie and the family were lovely and welcoming, making me feel like one of the family. Nothing was too much bother and they were so helpful at making the trip as good as possible. The location is beautiful and the people are really friendly and welcoming and the beach is stunning! It’s not just horses they rescue, the day before I left they rescued a dog in a terrible state hoping to be able to nurse him back to health. They really put the animals first, even though they have so many!

Typical day: The day starts around 7 and food is mixed and then both the horses on the farm and near the beach are fed. If there is a ride on the beach we would go across and prepare the horses for the ride and then participate on the ride. After lunch the youngsters needed working and as many as the horses on the farm needed bringing in for grooming, and some TLC as well as some being ridden. In the afternoon all the horses need feeding again. In the evenings dinner was a fantastic home cooked meal and we could chill watching TV or whatever we fancied.

What did you find most rewarding? I found everything rewarding! Getting horses out who hadn’t been ridden in ages and working with Bubbles, a youngster, watching her progress knowing she will be a fantastic trail horse.

What did you find most challenging? Leaving!!!!!!

What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Have some money set aside because you are going to want to extend!!! Try and do as much as possible.

Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? It’s a brilliant chance to experience other countries and cultures while having people who can show you round and tell you things. It’s a fantastic experience that is so rewarding.

Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? I chose POD because the website was informative and explained everything you needed to do to organise the trip and I would definitely recommend POD for others to organise their trip.”

Alice – 2011

“If you love horses, don't mind a bit of hard work and want a family atmosphere then this is the project for you. Any level of horse-rider can enjoy this experience and will be suited to at least one horse at the farm. This is the sort of project where you will get out what you put in; I was given a 3 year old called Bubbles to work with and it was so rewarding to watch her develop. The beach rides aren't too bad either! I was also lucky enough to have an elephant interaction on my last day where I fed and stroked them; it was amazing!

Typical day: After breakfast the first thing you do is feed the horses. If there is a beach ride on that day then you get the trail horses ready and go out and ride with them, and if there isn't one on then you work with horses on the farm whether it be your project horse or any of the other horses that need a little TLC. The horses are fed again in the evening and after that you may have a braai (barbecue) or play games with the family.

What did you find most rewarding? Working with the young horse Bubbles and seeing her develop.

What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Don't bring nice clothes with you because they will get dirty. If you only like horses but hate dogs, geese, chickens, cats, sheep or pigs then this may not be for you as there are animals all over the farm.

Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? It is an extremely rewarding experience and if you love horses but want a change of scenery then this is perfect.

Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? I would definitely recommend PoD to others because the communication (with Erin) was excellent and very reassuring. Also when it says that 75% of my money goes to the project I'm working for, it is the truth.”

Hannah – 2011

“How’s it going at the project? I firstly have to say thank you for your help on getting me to what I think is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Georgie, Penny and Ash have been so welcoming and helpful, they are also a right laugh! The work the guys do here is incredible, not only with the horses but the various other animals also, (a baby lamb was born on my second morning-so cute!) they work so hard for all the animals and the project is amazing I will be encouraging more people to come over and help out! The horses are gorgeous and so loved, I have been given a project of working with Bubbles so I hope I can be of some use.

A fantastic experience, so much so I changed my flight and stayed longer! The most remarkable experience of my life! The fact I extended my stay and still felt it wasn't long enough says it all. The work done at the Rehabilitation centre is truly fantastic and when you see it first hand and get to contribute also, it is truly life-changing. Georgie, Penny and Asha became my surrogate family during my time on the project, plus 40 gorgeous horses, 5 donkeys, 8 dogs, numerous cats, sheep, geese, chickens, peacocks and a very chatty parrot (most of whom have been saved in some way by the magic of the centre!) An experienced horseperson (which believe me, I'm not), a total novice, or anywhere in between, I would 100% encourage anyone who is even slightly thinking of this to go ahead and do it, because when you watch the light slowly appear in the eyes of a horse who arrived with no light or spirit left in them, there is nothing more rewarding.

Typical Day: No two days at the farm are the same! However, a typical day would consist of getting up and having brekky before heading to the feed room to mix feed for the horses at the rehab centre and the working horses and then feeding everyone, making sure they all have water and checking the horses over. If there is a ride going out then volunteers will help get the working horses ready and go along for the most amazing trail ride of their lives. If there is no ride then volunteers can work with their project horses on the farm, work with youngsters, groom oldies, cut bush in the fields, clean tack if it is raining (with a nice cup of cocoa/tea/coffee!) the choice of things to do is endless, but each and every single task is so much fun!

What did you find most rewarding? Probably the most rewarding was being the first volunteer to get on my project horse, Bubbles.

What did you find most challenging? Leaving

What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Do it! This placement will change your life, I cannot wait to return.

Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? Being taken out of your comfort zone of home magnifies your experience

Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? PoD was recommended to me by people who had volunteered in Thailand on a teaching placement with PoD. I will definitely recommend you to others. I would like to say that Erin did a fantastic job from the minute a booked the project in terms of information and getting me in contact with the project etc, I flew out to South Africa with no worries whatsoever, I recieved emails when out there to check I was enjoying etc, and this care continues well after landing! Thank you”

Irene – 2011

“How’s it going at the project? I am having a lovely and great time here at the project! The
people here, especially Georgie and her family are so nice!!!!

I enjoyed the two weeks a lot, especially the work with the horses, the rides and being part of the team was great.

Typical Day: Mornings: Getting up early, getting the feed ready, feed all horses, get the horses ready for the ride, Afternoon: varies: grooming horses, work with a special horse, fetch feed, go to the beach .... Evenings: staying at the farm, having dinner together, playing games or watch TV

What did you find most rewarding? The life on the farm and how they are living for those horses!

What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? There is no night life

Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? Get to know to the different cultures and habits"

Mackinley – 2010

"There is nothing that can compare to this experience. Whether you consider yourself an experienced horseperson or a novice, the amazing people at this project will help you find the perfect horses to suit your ability. This was my first experience volunteering abroad, and I could not have asked for more. I travelled with a friend who, when we arrived to the project, was very new to being around horses. We were both able to enjoy our time there so much. The whole extended animal-human family is lovely and truly went so beyond the call of duty to make us feel at home. It was a wonderful experience from the first day to the last.

Typical Day: In the morning, we woke up to be ready to feed at 7, but most of the time that meant hanging out for a bit first and then mixing feed around 7:15. After feed was mixed, there was always time to discuss what the day would be and make a plan. If there was a ride going out, the morning usually involved loading up all the tack and driving over to get the beach horses ready for the ride. Some days we went on the ride, some days we didn't. If we weren't riding, mornings would usually involve grooming and taking care of the horses on the farm. Then we would work with our project horses doing whatever needed to be done with them. After lunch, we would continue working with the farm horses. Most days, there was something specific that needed to get done during the day, such as moving horses from one field to another. In that case, we would do that whenever we could. After afternoon feed was mixed some time between 3 and 5, we would feed all the horses both on the farm and at the beach and then the work part of the day would be over. We would get ready for dinner, and then sit around the table and eat and talk.

Most rewarding part of the project: I found the whole experience so rewarding, but it was particularly rewarding for me to develop bonds with many of the individual horses. Getting to know these animals and having them feel comfortable around me was incredibly rewarding. It was wonderful to develop connections with the horses, especially knowing what they had been through in the past.

Most challenging part of the project: I found the first couple of days challenging with the jet lag and getting used to being in an environment so different from my own. Everyone was very helpful and understanding, so it was never a big issue.

What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Beyond wearing more sunscreen then you could ever imagine needing, I would say prepare to be self-motivated at times and just take initiative to do things. Don't be afraid to groom a horse or clean up if you feel like you have nothing to do.

I think others should volunteer abroad to truly get a sense of the world that exists outside of the environment they normally spend their time in. When you are traveling as a tourist, you never truly get to immerse yourself in the culture and life of the place you are visiting. When you volunteer abroad, you are not only making a difference to the project that you are working at, but you are also helping yourself in so many ways by experiencing life from another perspective.

Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? From the moment we arrived at the PoD web site, everything was clear and easy. When we had questions, we always got responses extremely promptly. I would highly recommend PoD to anyone considering volunteering abroad. PoD stuck with us through our entire time in Africa and was always there to help if we had questions about anything. Erin rocks!"

Emma - 2010

"If you are at all considering this project, I must wholeheartedly say, please go ahead and do it - you will not regret it!! I spent two months with Georgie, Penny and Asha and their extended horse family in early 2010 and it was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life."

Click here to go to the South Africa Horse Rehabilitation page

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