Equine Therapy for Disabled Children in Cape Town

  • The Project

    Volunteer abroad on our specialized project and help to provide equine therapy to disabled children in South Africa. This incredibly unique and highly sought after project, works to aid children with very little mobility by giving them the chance to experience freedom in their limbs through horseback riding. With the assistance of volunteers and trained instructors, disabled children can have access to free therapy sessions, helping them to develop their motor skills while increasing their confidence and strength.

  • Why the project needs you

    This project is fortunate enough to have over 180 volunteers who serve in various capacities: instructors, physiotherapists, helpers with pupils and horses, as well as members of management and fundraising committees. By getting involved, you can add to the success of this initiative while learning about a wonderful and creative form of therapy in a very beautiful setting. The community involvement and co-operation on a wider scale is a very distinctive element of the projects make-up and both pupils and volunteers will benefit from the communication and friendships which develop.

    Project Location

    Our Equine Therapy placement is based in the beautiful Constantia Valley, where it has been stationed since 1983. Being based here, the project benefits from a large community of volunteers who live in the surrounding suburbs. Attendees of the free sessions include children from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds and the safety and beauty of the projects location provide a real impetus for not only the children’s attendance, but also for their overall wellbeing.

    The Constantia Valley boasts a vibrant array of hills, forests, vineyards and stately historical homes and is based just outside of the city centre. The valley lies in the shadow of Constantia Mountain and is an invigorating mix of old and new. A unique project in an incredible setting; what more could you want from South Africa?

  • Project Facts

    • Duration: 8 - 26 weeks
    • Costs: £1749 ($3061) for 8 weeks, £155 ($271) for every additional week
    • Requirements: Age 18+
    • Location: Cape Town, South Africa
    • Project Activities: Assist disabled children on horseback, clean and groom horses, assist in riding classes, muck out stables
    • Working Hours: Monday to Friday 08.00-12.30 and 14.00-18.00
    • Project Availability: Projects begin every Monday.
    • Project closed during schools holidays: 24 June to 17 July; 29 September to 9 October; FULLY CLOSED 9 December to 11 January 2012. During all school holidays (except Christmas where everything is closed) volunteers can get involved in care for the horses and PR support with sponsorship and admin activities however there will be no hands on equine therapy during this time.

  • What is included

    • Accommodation: Basic shared cabin on location
    • Food: Self catered – food budget given to volunteers on a weekly basis
    • Airport Pick up and drop off
    • Training: Pre-departure pack
    • 3 night Cape Town orientation and project induction provided
    • Support: 24 hour support
    • Monthly social for all volunteers to get together
    • Excursions: Staff on site can help to arrange extra excursions for your weekends (at extra cost to you)
    • SIM Card
    • Cape Peninsula tour
    • Half day sandboarding trip
    • Special offer - Free 3 day Garden route safari trip (worth £260) included for all 2011 bookings!

  • What is not included

    • Flights
    • Insurance
    • Visas

Related Projects

Other Projects in South Africa