Equine Therapy for Disabled Children in Cape Town

What is the Equine Therapy for Disabled Children in South Africa project all about?

Volunteer abroad on our specialised project and help to provide equine therapy for disabled children in Cape Town.  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.  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. This is a fantastic opportunity for children also to get close to horses, which have proven to be of great benefit to children with special needs.  What a great project to join to combine your love of horses while supporting vulnerable children  in the community.

Why choose this Equine Therapy in South Africa project?

This project is fortunate enough to have over 100 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.

Role of the Therapy volunteer

As a volunteer you will be paramount to the growing confidence of a number of disabled children by helping them to actively ride and experience the mobility sensations for themselves. Volunteers are needed to help assist with horse riding classes and are a really valued support. In some cases, 2 volunteers are needed per horse and rider as they need support while mounting, dismounting and riding. There are currently 15 working horses on site which are all carefully selected for their temperament, health and fitness and intensive training is required for each horse before they are ready to be ridden. These elements are all required if this project is to succeed in providing specialised therapy and to be successful at that. In many cases this will be a child’s first uninterrupted or unaffected relationship that they may have experienced in their life so the rider-horse relationship is incredibly important.

Aside from riding duties, you will also need to help in the care and grooming of horses, stables and the surrounding areas. This project can be physically strenuous – You must be ready to work hard and for those who do; you will be incredibly rewarded at the end.

What skills do I need to be an Equine Therapist Volunteer?

The ability to ride a horse will be an advantage; however you will be adequately trained upon arrival to the project. As mentioned above, there is a lot of physical work involved so volunteers do need to be physically fit. Committed volunteers are expected as this is a competitive project with few spaces and long hours, so hard working volunteers are desirable. Aside from this, volunteers should have a love for children and patience with disabilities. You will be asked to send your CV/ resume before being accepted onto this project.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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