Requirements for Volunteers

You should be at least 18 years old but not older than 55. Additionally, you should be physically fit and weigh no more than 70 kilograms for the well-being of the horses.

Moreover, teamwork is essential, and you should be ready to pitch in with all tasks. As volunteers, you must have good and extensive riding experience. All other essential skills and responsibilities for the program will be taught during your stay. Additionally, a basic level of English is required, as well as a degree of independence.

The following activities can be expected during your stay at Kaapsehoop Horse Trails:

– Horse-related work
– Riding
– Preparing horses for rides
– Groundwork with the horses
– Daily tasks (see ‘Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities’)
– Assistance in combating non-native vegetation
– Assistance with cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:

– Horse care
– Daily grooming of stallions
– Feeding horses twice daily (7:00 am and 3:30 pm)
– Checking the horses’ drinking water twice daily
– Examining horses for injuries, etc.
– Applying anti-tick spray to horses every Friday (or as directed)
– Hanging saddle pads after each ride
– Rinsing bits (do not leave bridles in water) and properly hanging bridles
– Cleaning and greasing saddle and bridle equipment every Wednesday
– Daily manure removal in and around paddocks
– Daily sweeping and cleaning of the saddle and feed rooms, as well as the outdoor area with water
– Cleaning grooming tools
– Weekly cleaning of riding helmets
– Keeping everything off the ground (no helmets, brushes, blankets, etc.)
– Neither saddles nor bridles should be left outside
– Properly hanging halters
– Checking the chicken project: feeding twice daily, providing water, cleaning
– Cleaning all bathrooms on weekends (check toilet paper, etc.)
– Keeping the bar area clean (washing all glasses, plates, etc.)

Expectations for Volunteers:

– Assisting with cooking
– Assisting with dishwashing
– Keeping the volunteer house and main house clean

During Horseback Rides:

– Horses should be saddled at least 15 minutes before guests arrive
– Helmets should be worn for personal safety
– One or more volunteers typically stay on the farm and continue with the tasks mentioned above
– One or more volunteers accompany the guide on trail rides
– Assisting guests with dismounting and tying their horses

During Guest Rides:

– Keeping the group together
– All riders should stay in a line, not side by side
– Providing tips on riding (heels down, loosen reins, etc.)

Horses

Our horses are skillfully bred hybrids, a mix of Shire Horses and Thoroughbreds, commonly known as Cross-Bred horses. In South Africa, it’s a prevailing practice to blend these robust horses with Thoroughbreds, creating hybrids that embody the best of both breeds and excel as trail horses.

Furthermore, Kaapsehoop Farm takes pride in its modest Arabian breeding program, boasting ownership of one stallion and six mares.

Saddles

Our horses are saddled with either English or trail saddles for an optimal riding experience.