Volunteering at a horse project in Spain

Location:
Your accommodation is located in a village in Andalusia. There is a bar where you can buy food and drinks or you can buy these things in the surrounding stores. The beach is an hour and a half's drive away. The village is surrounded by nature, so you can go for walks and hikes, recharge your batteries in the woods and rivers and relax. The walk to your place of work is 15 minutes. There's a natural pool near the horses that can be used during the day by a small number of people who treat it with care. As mentioned above, you can enjoy beautiful nature in Andalusia. But the region in southern Spain also has plenty to offer away from the hiking and forest trails. The traditional dance flamenco originates from this region, which is why you should definitely watch a performance and let yourself be carried away by the fiery temperament. Every year in February, Cadiz hosts a carnival that transforms the entire city into a colorful sea of dancing, singing and revelers. Then there are the impressive cave dwellings of Guadix, where people still live today.

A typical day:
After waking up, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the accommodation or pack a picnic to have later with the horses. After a peaceful 15-minute walk, you will arrive at the horses and start the day by feeding them. Then, you’ll take care of daily tasks like collecting manure and fetching water, which can take a few hours. Afterwards, activities continue with hoof and horse care, training the animals, gardening or building fences and structures. During the midday break, you can read or take a siesta. In the evening, back at the accommodation, there’s time to relax, cook, read, listen to music, use the internet, connect with other volunteers – or even head to the bar. You normally 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 in consultation with the team, even during the week.