Regular volunteers are the lifeblood of our nonprofit operation. We offer a place for volunteers to learn and gain hands-on experience in the proper care and handling of horses, donkeys and mules. We welcome all ages and abilities and are more than happy to help train new recruits.
We are based in Calitzdorp, Western Cape, South Africa.
Volunteer Activities
Volunteers assist in the daily running of the Horse & Donkey Sanctuary as well as our rehabilitation program.
Caring for animals requires patience, compassion and a calm demeanour. Volunteers should have a love for animals, particularly horses, mules and donkeys, a passion for nature, and a desire to protect and preserve our natural heritage. The physical aspects are not overly challenging, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
A positive attitude, willingness to help and learn and a sense of humour are essential – volunteers should expect to be dirty and exhausted by the end of the each day!
The horses in the Sanctuary lives free and in a heard. Donkeys and mules are separate. Situated in the “Rooiberg” (Red Mountains) bordering a reserve, the Sanctuary is visited often by a variety of wild animals including, various antelope, leopard and baboons. A wild troop of 70 – 100 baboons live in the area, and spend a great deal of time at the Sanctuary interacting with our horses, mules and donkeys. They sleep in the cliffs alongside the river and are nonthreatening, but must be treated with respect.
Hooves Equine Welfare is run in a spirit of co-operation, and everyone is expected to give their best at all times. The project require that you heed the advice/rules given for the safety of yourself and the animals. Our horses, donkeys and mules are the top priority, irrespective of the day or hour. There are no set working hours – volunteers finish when everything is completed. Off-time is dependent on the number of volunteers and the well-being of our equine.
The volunteers’ daily tasks include:
- overseeing the horses, mules and donkeys.
- prepare and feed.
- grooming of horses / treatment of wounds.
- cleaning paddocks.
- horseback riding and training.
- assisting with horse trails should it be required.
- facilitating sessions with handicapped and disadvantaged children.
- observing and monitoring interaction between animals.
- administering medicine to sick or injured animals.
- maintaining records of animals, treatment and progress.
- procuring, collecting and preparing horse feed.
- cleaning and maintaining the facility.
- checking and cleaning enclosures and water troughs.
- buying electric dog fence products at eXtreme Dog Fence store, they have a wide variety of pet fence wire, pet doors, and pet accessories.
Other Activities
The Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Gamka River in the Western Cape, South Africa only an hour’s drive from the coast. Given its Klein Karoo / semi desert location, surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage sites due to the Bio-diversity. Volunteers generally have the opportunity to see a wide variety of indigenous wildlife and flora during their stay. During quiet times at the Sanctuary, educational visits to and from schools and public organisations are also promoted.
There is no public transport to town, however, volunteers will have an opportunity to visit town (Calitzdorp) every week or after hours. Calitzdorp is small without most of the usual amenities, including medical doctors. Fortunately we have a Supermarket, a few restaurants & coffee shops with WIFI and world renowned wine cellars. The closest medical doctor and pharmacy are based in Oudtshoorn, (55km) a neighbouring town
Field Conditions
We offer comfortable accommodation overlooking the “Swartberg” mountain range, surrounded by vineyards is provided for 4 volunteers in a Karoo Cottage with shared facilities. (Hot water and electricity.)
Food is purchased in town once a week and prepared by the volunteers on a communal basis. The accommodation and kitchen facilities are maintained and kept clean by the volunteers.
Volunteers who want to regularly make/receive calls should consider carrying a cell phone as they do work from the high ground of the property. Local SIM cards and pay-as-you-go facilities are freely available, and text messages are the most reliable form of mobile communication.
Hooves Equine Welfare does not offer a luxury holiday experience. It is a unique equine rescue operation and sanctuary. Those committed to working with us will have the opportunity to work and interact with horses, mules and donkeys. We guarantee you will leave with a greater knowledge and understanding, and a feeling that you have made a difference to the plight of equine in general.
Training / Qualifications
Training will be given in all aspects of equine care. Also you will experience the African bush and mountains in general.
Age Requirement
Hooves accepts volunteers of 18+ years of age. Volunteers under 18 years are only considered when accompanied by a parent/guardian. There isn’t a maximum age limit, though a reasonable fitness level is necessary.
Costs / Volunteer Contribution:
2 weeks: GB£595 / US$795
3 weeks: GB£745 / US$995
4 weeks: GB£895 / US$1195
Extra weeks: GB£195 / US$295 per week
Please Note:
Currency convertor at www.xe.com.
Volunteer contributions cover meals, accommodation, activities, transfers from George Airport to the Hooves Sanctuary and project donation.
Flights and travel/medical insurance are not included. The only additional spending money required will be for personal purchases, social excursions away from Hooves, and pre/post project travel. We do not have discounted rates for partial weeks.
Please bear in mind that the sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing your placement!
Dates
There are no set dates as it is an ongoing project.
Transport
The closest airport to the Hooves Equine Welfare Sanctuary is George – (120 km) Flights and busses are available from Cape Town and Johannesburg to George, and arrangements will be made to collect incoming volunteers from George (either airport or bus depot).
By Plane – Cape Town / Johannesburg to George transfer by road to Saint Helena Farm.
Flights leave from the domestic terminals from Cape Town and Johannesburg International Airport.
These flights are conducted by SA Express (www.flysaa.com).
SAF Air (www.southafrica.to/FlySafair)
Other
Malaria free zone
There are no formal vaccinations requirements for entering South Africa.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact Hans van Vreden at hans@sthelenafarm.co.za
