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Great 4.41rating (19)
You don't have to pay anything yet
  • Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand

Volunteering at Rescue Center for abused horses

location
1 - 10 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.

Highlights

  • Become part of our team at the exclusive IHP Horse Rescue Centre!
  • Horse management, meal preparation, stable cleaning and assisting vets, every day! We care for about 40 horses, almost all of which were seized due to abuse.
  • Even if you have no experience, you'll learn how to interact properly with horses, natural horsemanship, and the basics of ethology.

Highlights

  • Become part of our team at the exclusive IHP Horse Rescue Centre!
  • Horse management, meal preparation, stable cleaning and assisting vets, every day! We care for about 40 horses, almost all of which were seized due to abuse.
  • Even if you have no experience, you'll learn how to interact properly with horses, natural horsemanship, and the basics of ethology.
  • Live an immersive experience in contact with the horses in the Tuscan countryside, with other volunteers from all over the world!
  • Visit Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, Volterra, San Gimignano, Certaldo and much more: explore Tuscany in your free time, the perfect location for Italy lovers.
    • 🔥 In High Demand
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Assistance with daily horse care and feeding tasks, with the opportunity to learn about natural horse management and equine ethology

    Our Volunteer Program takes place at the IHP Rescue Centre in Tuscany, where we host about 40 horses, most of which are under legal custody because they have been mistreated and are therefore under legal custody.🏇🏻🐴

    Volunteers are very important to us as they become part of our team and help ...

    About the program

    Our Volunteer Program takes place at the IHP Rescue Centre in Tuscany, where we host about 40 horses, most of which are under legal custody because they have been mistreated and are therefore under legal custody.🏇🏻🐴

    Volunteers are very important to us as they become part of our team and help us with the daily activities related to animal care: 

    • preparation of feed for elderly horses and horses with special nutrition:
    • preparation of hay for horses with asthma; 
    • daily monitoring of our guests (state of health, general condition)
    • cleaning of the infirmary stalls and other spaces; 
    • assistance with any checks and treatment by our veterinary managers.
    The work is voluntary and takes place mostly outdoors, in a group with other people who may come from various countries. We don't require volunteers to have prior experience with horses: our staff will teach everything about horses management and their ethology.
    The Centre is located on the side of a hill, so there will be a lot of walking, including on sloping terrain. We work outdoors, so it can get very hot or very cold. Sometimes we work in the rain. The tetanus vaccination is recommended (not mandatory).

    Volunteers stay in the same apartment at the Rescue Centre: two double rooms and a triple room, with a shared kitchen and bathroom. 
    We ask that volunteers have a passion for horses, care about animal rights, and enjoy a natural lifestyle and working with animals.

    Volunteers are welcome year-round, with a minimum stay of one week.

    Typical day

    The first day is dedicated to visiting the Rescue Centre, meeting our staff and the other volunteers.

    Volunteers can choose to work for the entire routine: 4 hours in the morning (starting from 6 a.m. or from 7 a.m., depending on the time of the year) and 2 hours in the evening (starting from 3 p.m. ..

    Typical day

    The first day is dedicated to visiting the Rescue Centre, meeting our staff and the other volunteers.

    Volunteers can choose to work for the entire routine: 4 hours in the morning (starting from 6 a.m. or from 7 a.m., depending on the time of the year) and 2 hours in the evening (starting from 3 p.m. or from 6 p.m., depending on the time of the year). Or they can work in the morning only.

    Important! Schedules may vary slightly depending on the season, weather, and emergencies: volunteers will be notified of any changes.

    During free time, volunteers can decide whether to spend time with the horses at the Rescue Centre or explore the countryside and cities of Tuscany. We can provide tourist advice for visiting cities such as Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano, Volterra, Certaldo, San Miniato and other places.

    Very important: the IHP Rescue Centre is in the countryside, 5 km from Montaione and 13 km from Castelfiorentino, where the nearest railway station is located. This means that, without a car, it's almost impossible to get around to explore the area (in this case, we recommend renting a car).

    Free-time activities

    Tuscany offers stunning landscapes and picturesque villages, perfect for day trips, such as the nearby Volterra and Certaldo, where you can admire the ancient medieval walls and the incredible panoramic views; or the elegant San Gimignano, with its famous UNESCO World Heritage towers. 

    Additionally, ...

    Free-time activities

    Tuscany offers stunning landscapes and picturesque villages, perfect for day trips, such as the nearby Volterra and Certaldo, where you can admire the ancient medieval walls and the incredible panoramic views; or the elegant San Gimignano, with its famous UNESCO World Heritage towers. 

    Additionally, the cities of Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca are all about an hour's drive from the Rescue Centre. Upon arrival, we will provide advice and ideas on how to best organize your sightseeing trips.

    Important: to move around independently, a car is necessary. The Rescue Centre is located in the countryside, public transport is very limited and we don't provide transportation services.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or Italian (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    We are looking for highly enthusiastic volunteers: volunteering with animals is a challenging experience, both physically and mentally, but also very rewarding. We ask our volunteers to have a team spirit and a desire to learn and embrace this adventure.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    We have insurance coverage for our volunteers. Upon your arrival, you will receive your IHP membership card, and upon your departure, a certificate of participation. 

    We do not provide lodging, meals, or transportation. When you submit your application, we will send you the contact information for some of our partner accommodations where you can make reservations.
    These accommodations offer double and triple rooms and the following amenities: 
    • free Wi-Fi connection, swimming pool, outdoor spaces.
    • in the bedrooms: bed linen, blankets, pillows, bedside table, wardrobe, lamps. 
    • in the common areas: equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower, washing machine, drying rack, hairdryer, first aid kit.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Pisa International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Accommodation

    Please arrange your own accommodation.

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Pisa International Airport (PSA) in Pisa. We assist you to find cheap flights to Italy. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Italy provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Italy you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Italy. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers are welcome year-round.

    The nearest airports are Florence and Pisa. 
    The closest train station is Castelfiorentino. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $6 per week 1 - 10 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 10 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.41
    ・
    19 reviews

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    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Italy > Montaione

    Meet your project coordinator

    Sonny
    19
    reviews
    4.41
    Great
    2009
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English, Italian
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