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Excellent 4.80rating (192)
  • Life On Land

Horse Ranch Caretaker

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Icelandic ranching, gaining firsthand experience of the country's rich culture and nature.
  • Improve your horsemanship skills and enjoy exhilarating horse riding adventures throughout your stay.
  • Meet like minded-people while volunteering!

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Icelandic ranching, gaining firsthand experience of the country's rich culture and nature.
  • Improve your horsemanship skills and enjoy exhilarating horse riding adventures throughout your stay.
  • Meet like minded-people while volunteering!
  • Develop valuable farming skills through hands-on experiences and guidance.
  • Embrace an amazing opportunity to visit and explore the breathtaking beauty of rural Iceland while living like a local. .
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Are you looking for a project that takes you away for your everyday life? Travel to Iceland and take part in our amazing Horse Ranch in the stunning Icelandic nature!

    Our Iceland Horse Ranch program was designed for the horse and nature lover at heart looking to spend some time on a ranch or farm away from all the bright lights and big cities. This program is for people looking to learn something new and about the community where they’ll be placed. It also ...

    About the program

    Our Iceland Horse Ranch program was designed for the horse and nature lover at heart looking to spend some time on a ranch or farm away from all the bright lights and big cities. This program is for people looking to learn something new and about the community where they’ll be placed. It also enhances your skills and knowledge about horse care and ranching in general. 

    This experience gives participants a chance to become involved with family activities or hang out with other volunteers. You will have all access to all facilities of the farm, i.e. riding their horses, driving the tractor and so much more! The program is not only about horse riding, it also entails a cultural exchange where candidates get a real inside feel of the local culture, mentality, etc.

    Quite a few horse ranches are part of this program each with their own charms and locations. Depending on your preference there are ranches where the focus is more about being part of the family as the only volunteer (often sleeping in the main ranch house) where the family also takes the participant along with them when they visit neighbors, do their grocery shopping or when they go to events and community festivals. The other ranches with a bit larger set ups you will instead be part of a team of volunteers living in a separate cabin or trailer on the ranching grounds where you will be spending more team and do more activities with the other international volunteers. 

    This program is available for a minimum duration stay of 4 weeks with a maximum duration of 12 weeks. Join now and be surrounded by nature, go on trail rides, take care of horses and travel to stunning Iceland!

    Typical day

    Days can start early but varies by the time of year but in general start around 7 - 8 AM. 

    As a volunteer at the ranch you will have some of the following responsibilities:
    • Feeding and grooming of the animals
    • Exercising horses
    • Cleaning barn and stables
    • Gardening
    • Some farm maintenance like checking and ...

    Typical day

    Days can start early but varies by the time of year but in general start around 7 - 8 AM. 

    As a volunteer at the ranch you will have some of the following responsibilities:
    • Feeding and grooming of the animals
    • Exercising horses
    • Cleaning barn and stables
    • Gardening
    • Some farm maintenance like checking and repairing fences
    • Light household chores
    • You will learn a great deal about horses and farming in general.
    This experience gives participants the chance to become involved with family activities of a horse ranch. Participants can utilize all facilities of the farm, i.e. riding their horses, driving the tractor etc. 

    The program is not only about the horses; it is a cultural exchange program where candidates get a real inside of the local culture, mentality etc. 

    Daily chores: Feeding and watering the animals cleaning of kennels & stables. Grooming during the spring and summer, walks during the spring and summer, maintenance of the stables (straw, fixing houses, cleaning up). There are additional daily duties which change with the seasons. Wood must be put on the fire first thing in the morning and last thing at night during the colder months.

    Free-time activities

    Iceland is a an amazing and popular travel destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers. There are almost endless options. When you are looking to take a brake from exploring Iceland by horse back you can consider awesome activities like dog sledding, whale watching, Off roading, driving the ...

    Free-time activities

    Iceland is a an amazing and popular travel destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers. There are almost endless options. When you are looking to take a brake from exploring Iceland by horse back you can consider awesome activities like dog sledding, whale watching, Off roading, driving the golden triangle, visiting Reykjavik, relaxing a natural hot springs and so much more!

    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 (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    CV, Letter of motivation, Application Form, 2 pictures and Liability Waiver and Volunteer Policy forms (provided during application process)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Outgoing, Initiative, Flexible, At least intermediate level English speaking and understanding.

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Placement
    • Iceland Horse Ranch
    • Accommodation
    • Private room in house or trailer
    • Meals
    • 3 meals a day included
    • Airport pick  up and transfer back to the airport
    • Mail-holding service
    • You can use FRONTEERINGS office as a reliable address to have your mail delivered
    • Ongoing service
    • If there are any problems with your volunteer project we are always there to help you and mediate between yourself and the organization.
    • Tours
    • Through FRONTEERING you have the possibility to book tours in Iceland after you have finished your volunteer project.
    • 24/7 Emergency contact
    If there are any problems during you stay in Vancouver you can reach us 24/7 to assist you.

    Airport Pickup at Reykjavik International Airport

    We will pick you up from the airport and transport you to the ranch. At the end of your program we will transfer your back to the airport from the ranch.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will have a private bedroom situated in the ranch or in a trailer at the ranch with linen and towels, (please make sure that your room is cleaned before you leave) together with (usually) a shared bathroom.  You are responsible to clean and tidy your own room.

    Food & Beverages

    Dinner and most of the time breakfast is eaten with the family or other volunteers. You may have to prepare your own breakfast and lunch and dinner in other case you will be able to cook with the family or with other volunteers. Specific catering for vegetarians/vegans only available on request. Meals are wholesome and nutritious. 

    If you require additional food outside of the meal times, you will need to provide this yourself. You will be required to wash and dry dishes. On the ranch they love to experience different foods, so if you would like to cook or bake, this would be just wonderful. There is a limited amount of snacks, soda drinks and fresh fruit provided. 
    You are more than welcome to travel with the family to town, if you need to do your own personal shopping.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Reykjavik International Airport (RKV) in Reykjavik. We assist you to find cheap flights to Iceland. 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 Iceland provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    This program can be started all year round and any day of the week. 

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

    Program Fees

    $370 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 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
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2026
    Loved my time at the project in Iceland! Food was great, host family was super nice and the horses were just amazing! Riding in the snow and ...
    •
    2026
    I always love horses and my dream is to ride horses in snow and see the northern lights. When I find this program in Iceland I am so excited ...
    Mathis Beranger

    Horse Ranch Caretaker

    •
    2025
    I was one of the first participants to join this program but as I have already taken part in their horse ranch Canada program I was not ...
    Wilma Beitel

    Horse Ranch Caretaker

    •
    2026
    I traveled to the ranch in January and had a really good time. I do recommend to take some lessons back home if you have not ridden for a ...
    Klara Schreier

    Horse & Ranch Caretaker

    •
    2026
    My experience at Seacliff stables was second to none. Everyone was warm and welcoming, making me feel at ease right away. Working with the ...
    Tyler Caldwell

    Horse & Ranch Caretaker

    Location

    Europe > Nordics > Iceland > Reykjavik

    Meet your project coordinator

    Patrick
    192
    reviews
    4.80
    Excellent
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: German, Dutch, English
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    Contact Patrick
      Very high response rate
    German, Dutch, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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