Horse Safari Work Experience, Karongwe

  South Africa

Hoedspruit

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: 01 Mar to 31 May 2009, 01 Apr to 30 Jun 2009, 01 Jul to 30 Sep 2009, 01 Aug to 30 Sep 2009, 01 Dec 2009 to 31 Jan 2010, 01 Feb to 31 Mar 2010, 01 Mar to 30 Apr 2010, 01 Apr to 31 May 2010, 01 May to 30 Jun 2010, 01 Jun to 31 Aug 2010...

Description: This South African horse safari work experience programme is designed for anyone who is passionate about horses. For 12 weeks, participants joining this horse safari trip will gain fantastic equine work experience as they canter across the open plains of South Africa and work with some beautiful horses. Whether you want to work with horses as part of your gap year, fancy exploring South Africa on a career break with a difference or just want to have a remarkable equine adventure that takes you to see some of the most remarkable wildlife from horseback, this Yomps Horse Safari Work Experience in South Africa is for you!

The programme is designed for dedicated and very experienced riders of the classical English style, who would relish the chance to become a member of the exclusive 'Wait a Little' horse safari operation, as a backup groom and guide for their horse safaris. Working alongside seasoned professionals with years of experience under their belts, you will join the team and contribute towards the day to day running of the horse safari operation.

This Yomps Horse Safari Work Experience programme gives you the opportunity to discover and practice a multitude of skills associated with managing a herd of horses used on safaris in Africa. This includes activities such as riding; general stable management; feeding, schooling and grooming the horses; and interacting with your team members as well as the 'Wait a Little' guests. It will take approximately two weeks to train you as a back up rider and the 'Wait a Little' team will assist you with any questions.

Participants ride as a trusted backup rider when taking groups of up to six people out into the reserve. You will be extremely safe, as you ride with our knowledgeable guide, roaming through the African lowveld and learning about the 'bush' and the animals that live in it. Situated on Karongwe Game Reserve a vast expanse of over 8,500 hectares of pure African lowveld, this Yomps volunteering experience is for anybody who wants an equine work adventure with a difference. As you ride on horseback, you may see lions, hippo, elephants, cheetah, rhino's, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and perhaps even one of the many illusive leopards of Karongwe!

Available to applicants from experienced equine environments, the Horse Safari Work Experience will provide you with new skills, knowledge and a valued equine experience.

Highlights: Experience a new aspect to equine work and management in a totally new and wild environment. Based deep in the heart of the South African lowveld, in a 'Big Five' game reserve, participants will be a back-up rider on horse safaris and help to manage a herd of 40 stunning safari horses, to gain a new perspective on horse work whilst creating the memories of a lifetime!

Qualifications:
* Participants must be experienced and excellent riders
* You should have an open, friendly nature and a natural affinity for people to help to make your stay and theirs more memorable
* Only English style or classical riders will be accepted
* Our weight limit for students is 80kgs
* You are expected to be generally fit, as well as riding fit, as days can be long
* A minimum of eight years continued riding is required and we would expect you to be riding every day for six months prior to arrival in preparation for your stay with us; your riding ability is of the utmost importance and will be tested before you are allowed to accompany any safari
* We will prevent you from riding as backup if we do not feel that your abilities are sufficient, though obviously we are very reluctant to take this position
* 'Wait a Little' is multinational and the ability to speak other European languages is useful, although not essential for this horse safari work experience
* Volunteers must be prepared to work hard and as part of a team
* You must be able to put the clients needs before your own
* You must maintain a positive attitude

Cost in US$: 3,135

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 20 - 50

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Year Founded: 2006