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Good 4.18rating (74)
  • Life On Land

Horse Caretakers for Social Change

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Witness the unique connection between kids and horses, in the stunning setting of a Lisbon park.
  • Meet other like-minded volunteers from all over the world.
  • Dive into the heart of the action, getting up close and personal with the horses.

Highlights

  • Witness the unique connection between kids and horses, in the stunning setting of a Lisbon park.
  • Meet other like-minded volunteers from all over the world.
  • Dive into the heart of the action, getting up close and personal with the horses.
  • Have fun in beautiful Lisbon.
  • Discover the wonders of the Portuguese Capital.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Join our program and help kids connect with horses in a beautiful park in Lisbon!

    The Horse Caretakers Program in Lisbon promotes inclusivity and community connection by providing free horseback riding lessons to underprivileged children and affordable access for others. Through hands-on horse care and facility support, volunteers help the project's staff create opportunities for ...

    About the program

    The Horse Caretakers Program in Lisbon promotes inclusivity and community connection by providing free horseback riding lessons to underprivileged children and affordable access for others. Through hands-on horse care and facility support, volunteers help the project's staff create opportunities for children to build confidence, develop life skills, and connect with nature, fostering positive social change.

    Make an Impact: Provide children with access to horseback riding and support a community-focused nonprofit.

    Gain Experience: Develop skills in horse care, facility maintenance, and lesson support.

    Cultural Immersion: Experience life in Lisbon while making a positive difference in the community.

    What to Expect:

    Hands-On Horse Care: Groom, feed, and saddle horses.
    Facility Maintenance: Help maintain the facility by cleaning beds and paddocks, gardening, and fixing structures like fences.
    Lesson Assistance: Support staff during weekly horseback riding lessons.

    Typical day

    A Typical day would be:

    After the initial orientation, you will have a morning or afternoon shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. Please note that start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are participating in. A typical morning schedule is ...

    Typical day

    A Typical day would be:

    After the initial orientation, you will have a morning or afternoon shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. Please note that start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are participating in. A typical morning schedule is as follows:

    08:00 | Breakfast begins at Impact Beach House, available until 10 am
    10:15 | Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project (if morning shift)                                                                     
    13:00 |  Lunch is served at the accommodation or take-away if you want to go somewhere else                                
    14:30 | Enjoy your free afternoon as you wish or to attend Portuguese languages lessons 
    19:00 | Dinner at the volunteers' accommodation with the other volunteers. After dinner, you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish

    Please note that the actual schedule can change according to the shifts volunteers participate in.

    Free-time activities

    Explore Lisbon, a city of contrasts, where historic charm meets modern vibrancy, offering endless adventures from mountains to beaches!

    Enjoy climbing in Arrábida, festivals all around the summer, diving in Peniche, Hiking in Monsanto, visit some of the best museums in Europe in Lisbon and Porto, ...

    Free-time activities

    Explore Lisbon, a city of contrasts, where historic charm meets modern vibrancy, offering endless adventures from mountains to beaches!

    Enjoy climbing in Arrábida, festivals all around the summer, diving in Peniche, Hiking in Monsanto, visit some of the best museums in Europe in Lisbon and Porto, join for a Horse ride at the beach (like in the movies!), visit the fantastic zoo in the Capital, join a great variety of sports at your choice, enjoy swimming and water sports at the pool or at the beach (warning: the water is cold) and participate in yoga classes in relaxing places.

    We are here to make your leisure time in Lisbon truly unforgettable – a journey of discovery, excitement, relaxation and sustainable and responsible traveling awaits!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 13:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What’s included?


    • Pick up at the international airport in Lisbon & transfer to the accommodation - on Sunday 

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on our face! :)

    If you arrive prior to the Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    • Accommodation at a dormitory at an impactful hostel (female dormitory, or mixed dormitory)
    • Three meals a day every day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
    • Shared use of a common room, outdoor area, garden, and free WIFI
    • Orientation event on arrival (including an introduction to Portugal and culture, volunteer experience, an overview of programs, practical information, safety guidelines)
    • SIM card
    • Guided city tour
    • The best tips to discover the city!
    • Allocation and coordination of a work placement in an impactful non-profit project
    • Introduction on the first day of volunteering
    • Ongoing support throughout the stay
    • 24h/7 emergency support
    • Limited coverage civil liability insurance.

    Airport Pickup at Lisbon Portela Airport

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect :)

    Accommodation

    Impact Beach House is a Hostel by the beach in Estoril, dedicated to Climate Action with a special focus on Ocean Conservation and Circular Economy.
    All the decoration of IBH is second hand or upcycled. Each object has its own story and is another step forward in our sustainability journey.

    Important notes about the accommodation:

    • Estoril is a beach town, a 30 min train ride from Lisbon city centre!

    • The hostel is a 5 min walk from the train station

    • It has dormitory-style rooms accommodating from 6-14 participants (single gender) and private rooms (available for upgrades upon request. 

    • Bathrooms are shared

    • Wi-fi is freely available in the hostel (and of course in many cafe's and restaurants)

    • There are big common areas to relax and meet other people from all over the world!

    Our dream is to inspire all travellers to embark on this sustainability journey with us and become "Changemakers"!


    Food & Beverages

    • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included on the program fees. 

      • Lunch and Dinner will include local staples such as fish and chicken, as well as rice, pasta, vegetables and salad.

      • The meals are prepared daily by professional cooks who use fresh local ingredients to offer volunteers the best of typical Portuguese dishes

      Portuguese food is delicious and during your time, you will be sure to receive some incredible treats.

      • Volunteers will have access to a shared kitchen that they can use to cook!
      • Breakfast is self-served at the accommodation and generally includes tea, coffee, bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt and fruit

    Internet Access

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

    Add-ons & Experiences
    Surf Lessons
    Learn from the best with a 90-minute lesson at Carcavelos or Guincho.
    $42 / per day

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) in Lisbon. We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal. 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 Portugal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    This program starts every Sunday.

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

    Program Fees

    $948 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 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
    4.2
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I ended up staying in the program for a week. I loved working with the cats and the people there, who were all really sweet. The program ...
    •
    2024
    I recommend this experience to absolutely anyone, it was the best of my life. The first week my placement was in a Skatepark in Cascais, so ...
    Alba Gala Torrero

    Child & Youth Supporter

    •
    2024
    Stayed 2 weeks in October 2024. Warm welcomed by a dynamic and enthusiastic team. Clear and detailed information provided. Good location, ...
    Eliane BURLAC

    Child & Youth Supporter

    •
    2024
    This stay in Barcelona was amazing. To be able to discover a city and to work at the same time is a great thing for me. I worked in a cat ...

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Portugal > Estoril

    Meet your project coordinator

    Cristiana
    74
    reviews
    4.18
    Good
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

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    Contact Cristiana
      Good response rate
    Portuguese, Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details