2 - 52 weeks
from € 1.350
Spain

Volunteering in the horse project in Andalusia

  • In the middle of nature
  • contact with horses
  • Knowledge sharing

When it comes to keeping and handling horses properly, many horse owners still have a lot of catching up to do. For example, the horses are often tied up, hoof care is inadequate and medical care is scarce. That's why our organization in Andalusia is happy about animal-loving volunteers who learn how to treat horses with care in this project and then pass on the knowledge to protect the animals. In the project you will also take care of the horses yourself.

Location icon Andalusia
Minimum age icon from 16 years
Icon Duration 2 - 52 weeks / from €1.350
Departure days icon Wednesday, Sunday
Volunteering in the horse project in Andalusia
SDG 15 - Life on Land
life on land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Project ID : FA-SP312

As a volunteer
Spain

2 - 52 weeks / from €1.350
to the cost overview

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Volunteering with horses in Spain

What's the matter?

In Andalusia, keeping horses is often brutal and no longer up-to-date. Unfortunately, in many places the animals are kept in deplorable conditions. It's not uncommon for the poor creatures to be kept in small, windowless boxes that are cleaned only once a year and have no access to water all day. Dental care, deworming and hoof care are often not done at all, which results in serious long-term damage for the horses. The animals are also sometimes put on bridles with metal spikes, which leads to bleeding and scars.

It's time to break with long-established traditions and educate people on how to care for a horse wisely and kindly, treat it as a friend and companion and not just a tool. As a volunteer, you can help to protect the horses and force a massive rethink on the part of the owners.

Your location in Andalusia is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2010 and officially registered in 2016. It is committed to the protection and better, more species-appropriate and loving treatment and care of horses. The two founders, Chico and Clare, take care of seven horses and also horses from the area that are in need or not treated well.

The aim of this project is to significantly improve the situation for horses in Spain. In order to implement this, a number of measures are taken. For example, workshops, open days and projects like this one are offered in order to reach as many people in the world as possible, so that they can be shown what animal-loving and as natural horse husbandry as possible looks like, where the animal is doing well. The project sets a good example by training the horses barefoot and without bits.

The understanding of the needs of a happy, healthy, mentally and physically well-balanced animal should be promoted. Education and prevention work should be carried out in order to be able to protect the horses from bad treatment beforehand, so that they are not mistreated in the first place. People should develop a relationship with the animal and not just see it as a tool. Furthermore, the project area, on which the horses are located, is to be expanded and expanded so that they can move more freely and over longer distances. The feed quality and the type of feeding should also be optimized. A pool is also planned for the animals to cool off and get rid of the flies and to protect their skin.

Your tasks as a volunteer

In this horse project in Spain you will both study and work. During your volunteer work you will have the opportunity to understand the nature of horses. The overarching goal is always to make the animals happy. Your daily tasks include, among other things, feeding the horse twice with hay, cleaning the pastures of horse droppings and cleaning and refilling the water troughs. In summer insects need to be removed, in winter the horses need more care. You can also help erect fences and buildings or remove rubbish.

You can also take part in the training sessions with the animals. At first you will observe and learn, and then little by little you can get a little more involved in the training. You may even get your own project horse and set small goals to help you understand the horse and help it heal. One more important thing: All horses are in rehabilitation and cannot be ridden.

You can have breakfast when you wake up at the accommodation or you can take a picnic to the horses and eat right there. After a nice walk of 15 minutes you arrive at the animals and give them their food. This is followed by everyday tasks, such as picking up the droppings or fetching water, which take a few hours. Then comes hoof care, caring for the horses, training with them, but also things like gardening and building fences or buildings.

During the lunch break, for example, you can read or take a siesta. In the evenings in the accommodation you can rest, use the internet, read, cook, listen to music, meet the other volunteers or go to the bar. Typically you work 25 hours a week, 4-5 in the morning and then another 1-2 in the evening. As far as the days off are concerned, you are not fixed, but can choose them freely and flexibly during the week in consultation with the team.

Accommodation Catering

Volunteer Apartment in Andalusia

There are several apartments available for accommodation located in a village in Andalucia. Each of these apartments has a kitchen, a living room and a bathroom with a shower. Bed linen and towels are provided but please bring your own beach towel. Since the apartments are of different sizes, one volunteer, two, three or even more can sleep in one apartment. Most apartments have double beds, one per volunteer.

The accommodations are made of stone, so bring warm clothes for indoors if you're here in winter. Heaters and firewood are available. WiFi is also available, although the signal is strongest in the bar. A member of the team will go shopping for everyone. You cook either alone or together with the other volunteers. Groceries for three vegetarian or vegan meals and fruit will be provided. Snacks, medication and drinks have to be paid out of pocket and can either be purchased in the village bar or put on the shopping list. Shared washrooms are also available. The cleaning of the apartment is done by volunteers on a rotating basis.

At the horses there is a natural pool that can be used by few and respectful during the day. In the summer, when it is very hot, the lunch break is longer and then quiet activities such as reading are better. Clare and Chico have many books related to their work, such as horse husbandry and training. Reading and learning from these during the break will go a long way in enhancing your experience.

Your job is a pleasant fifteen minute walk from the village. As you approach the facility, you can already hear the horses whinnying after their breakfast.

Location

Andalusia

During your work in the project you live in a village in Andalusia where you are surrounded by a lot of nature. So here you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes! The forests, mountains and rivers invite you to take walks and relax. When you've had enough of the quiet, you can immerse yourself in the sociable life of the village. For example, in the village there is a bar where locals meet. Here you can get to know the local residents, spend time with the other volunteers or buy snacks, drinks and more.

The site is in southern Spain. The region of Andalusia is known, among other things, for its mountainous landscape and for the architecture shaped by the Moorish rule. Not far from your village are the white villages and the city of Ronda. It takes about 1,5 hours by car to get to the beach. 

So if you like being in nature, enjoy the peace and of course horses, this place is perfect for your volunteering!

Banner_Leisure_Andalusia

Your free time in Andalusia

After your work in the project you can spend your free time with the other volunteers. Together you have the opportunity to explore restaurants and bars in the area, visit various festivals or use the local swimming pool during the summer months. The rivers, forests and mountains of the Andalusian hinterland, on the other hand, invite you to go on long hikes through the untouched nature. 

You can reach the Mediterranean coast in about an hour and a half. With its steep cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches, it is without a doubt an absolute highlight of the region. Also worth seeing are the famous "pueblos blancos" - picturesque little mountain villages, all in white, which have graced the slopes of the southern Spanish province for centuries. Andalusian culture is also an attraction in itself. Fiery flamenco interludes and Moorish-influenced craftsmanship have always been an integral part of the regional character.

Finally, you should definitely plan a trip to the cities of Andalusia. How about a visit to Cadiz, for example? The oldest city in Western Europe is bursting with architectural masterpieces. You will also find some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Spain here. Seville, on the other hand, scores with one of the largest surviving old towns in the world, magnificent city palaces and its famous cathedral. Only the “Alhambra” in Granada is even more impressive. The 1000-year-old building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of intricate details and is probably the most brilliant example of Islamic architecture in Europe.

On-site procedure

Arrival in Andalusia

Arrival in Andalusia

Before your arrival in Malaga there will already be a short exchange via WhatsApp with Clare or Chico from the local team about where to meet you. After your landing at the airport, you can be picked up by Chico or a member of the team if you wish.

Please note that there may be extra costs for the private transfer: 120 € from the airport to the accommodation. If you also want to book a return trip for the outward journey, the service costs a total of €200.

After you have met, you will drive together to the accommodation. Driving there takes about 90-120 minutes. Alternatively, you can also travel to the project on your own using public transport.

When you arrive at your destination, you will first be shown the accommodation and introduced to the team. There will be a short introduction and of course you can ask questions at any time. There is also the opportunity to get to know the horses beforehand.

Orientation program in Andalusia

Orientation program in Andalusia

The detailed orientation program takes place the next day and is divided into two parts. The first is about the village where your accommodation is located and the second part is about your place of work. You will be explained what is important in the village, you will receive details about your accommodation, you will find out where the doctor and the pharmacy are located and you will receive an information folder. It also explains where you can go shopping, where the buses go, at which meeting point you meet to get to the place of work, what the working hours are and what you should take to work and what clothes you should wear while you are there.

Horse project in Andalusia

Your first day in the project

With the horses you will be shown where to get water and you will be explained about break times and rules as well as how to behave in the presence of the horses. You will also get a first aid kit. On the first day at work, Chico, Clare or an experienced volunteer will take you to the horses.

You can first watch the employees at work and then gradually help them with their daily routine. You will also get theoretical basics about horse husbandry and training. Over time you will learn new things and also do training sessions with the horses yourself. Head back to the accommodation for lunch where you can rest. In the evening you return to the horses to feed them and do night shifts.

Pricing

  • base fee
    € 1.350, -
    2 weeks of participation
  • extension week
    € 320, - / week
    up to 50 weeks respectively

included
Services

Before departure

  • Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
  • Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
  • Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
  • Non-binding flight advice
  • Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
  • RGV t-shirt

On site

  • Orientation program with the team on site
  • Support and guidance from the on-site team
  • RGV 24h emergency number
  • Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities
  • Accommodation in Volunteer Apartment
  • Meals: Provision of food for cooking

After return

  • Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
  • Reflection course on your experiences abroad
  • Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion
useful additional services

not included
Services

  • Round trip
  • Private expenses on site
  • Excursions with microlight flights
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Visa and Vaccinations
  • All nights outside your agreed accommodation
  • Public transport and extra transfers
  • Airport transfer on the day of arrival and departure

Individual Recommended additional offers
& must-haves

Picture must-haves

Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?

With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.

Flight booking icon
" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.
Flight offers with maximum flexibility

Would you like to receive a cheap flight offer for your stay abroad that is perfectly tailored to you? After you have successfully registered, you can have a non-binding offer created.

The excellent rates for volunteers, students and young people are a great advantage. Arrival times and flight time changes can also be sent directly to RGV upon request, so that our RGV teams in the destination countries are always informed about your arrival times.

These special tariffs give you special added value:

  • maximum flexibility for rebookings and cancellations
  • generous baggage allowance
  • Additional discounts on one-way flights: The new volunteer tariffs include attractive discounts to reduce your financial burden on one-way flights (e.g. for stopovers, project or country combinations).
Insurance icon
" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.
The 4 in 1 insurance cover for volunteers and internships abroad

You can easily book the long-term travel protection of ERGO Reiseversicherung after you have registered. You will receive the links to this automatically after a successful registration.

The following building blocks are included:

  • Health Insurance
  • Comfort protection: accident, liability and interruption insurance
  • Travel insurance

Andalusia Team
site

Your local contacts are Clare and Chico, an English-Spanish family. Chico is Spanish and takes care of the gardens and building projects. Clare, in turn, oversees the training sessions with the horses.

Over 30 years of experience in horse racing, natural horsemanship, teaching and the positive strengthening of animals make them experts and the perfect contacts for you if you have any questions. Clare and Chico have two small children, a rescue dog, seven horses and a few cats.

Volunteers talk about their experiences Joint commitment - big impact!

Testimonials

Volunteer work in the horse project in Spain

Our time at the horse rescue center offered us many great experiences. We had the opportunity to learn about a completely different side of horse behavior and communication.
Testimonials

Volunteer with horses

I was at Clare and Chico's horse project for six weeks in the summer of 2021. Originally I was only going to stay for four weeks, but I had such a great time and learned so much that after four weeks I just couldn't leave!
Testimonials

Volunteer project with horses in Spain

I was a volunteer for a year and couldn't have spent my gap year and the Corona lockdown better than in this place.

More testimonials
Browse our magazine

RGV FAQ
to the project

What are the project fees used for?

Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.

Do I need a visa?

As an EU citizen and from Switzerland, you do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you have to apply for a residence permit in the first month at the location.

What language skills do I need for the project in Spain?

English and Spanish are spoken in the project. A good knowledge of English is definitely required, knowledge of Spanish is very helpful on site. If you do not have any knowledge of Spanish, you will have to take a language course on site.

What are the requirements for the horse project?

There are no special requirements for participation. If you already have experience in handling horses, that is of course an advantage, but not absolutely necessary.

Empathy, motivation, good basic fitness and a heart for animals are important.

What do I need to bring with me for the project?

Bring clothes that can get dirty and break. Also work gloves, sturdy boots for working and walking, warm clothes for the evenings in the summer months, waterproof and long rubber boots for the winter.

General FAQ about volunteer work

Ready to volunteer in Spain? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!

Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.

You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.

Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.

Register now

RGV Your way
to the volunteer

1
Choose your volunteer project and register online.

2
We will review your application and confirm your participation.

3
Prepare for your assignment online or in our preparatory seminar in Munich.

4
Here we go! During your volunteer work, we will support you at any time with our on-site team.

Gallery Impressions &
Impressions

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