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Excellent 4.80rating (192)

Horse & Ranch Caretaker

location
2 - 10 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • A chance to improve your horsemanship skills while doing some horse riding throughout your stay!
  • Enjoy the amazing views and scenery of some of Scotland's best countryside on horseback.
  • A change to improve your English.

Highlights

  • A chance to improve your horsemanship skills while doing some horse riding throughout your stay!
  • Enjoy the amazing views and scenery of some of Scotland's best countryside on horseback.
  • A change to improve your English.
  • Riding over and by hills, mountains, beaches and cliffs!
  • A chance to develop your farming/ Ranch skills.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Come to enjoy country side charm volunteering at a ranch and taking care horses and assist with trail rides in the hills and beaches of beautiful Scotland!

    This experience gives participants the opportunity to become part of the day-to-day life of a family-run horse ranch in Scotland. Volunteers can make use of all the ranch facilities and are fully involved in daily routines. The program is not just about working with horses; it’s also a cultural ...

    About the program

    This experience gives participants the opportunity to become part of the day-to-day life of a family-run horse ranch in Scotland. Volunteers can make use of all the ranch facilities and are fully involved in daily routines. The program is not just about working with horses; it’s also a cultural exchange, offering a genuine insight into Scottish life, traditions, and mentality. The focus of most of our ranches in Scotland is trail riding which gives excellent opportunities to our volunteers to explore Scotland by horseback.

    Daily tasks vary depending on the season but generally include grooming and tacking up horses, clipping and plaiting, mucking out stables, feeding, and overall horse care and yard maintenance. Participants may also help with riding, exercising, and schooling horses under supervision, as well as preparing horses for clients (for experienced riders only).

    You will be volunteering alongside other international volunteers and local staff being part of a great team of individuals. We expect volunteers to try to fit in while keeping a flexible and openminded attitude. Most of all we expect you to learn and have a great time while assisting with this great cause.


    The area is a welcoming seaside town on Scotland’s east coast, where sandy beaches, coastal paths, and open farmland meet wide skies and the sea. Life here feels relaxed but lively, with small cafés, local shops, and easy access to nature. Walks along the coast offer views of seabirds, cliffs, and the iconic Bass Rock, while the surrounding countryside feels calm and spacious.

    Just outside town the ranch sits within this coastal landscape, offering a close connection to both horses and nature. The family-run stables are known for their well-cared-for horses and friendly atmosphere, with riding routes that explore fields, trails, and sometimes even the beach. For volunteers, it’s a place where daily horse care blends naturally with the rhythms of coastal life, creating a grounding and memorable experience.


    Typical day

    On average your day will start at 7 - 8 AM and end around 4 PM with plenty of breaks in between on average volunteer 5 - 6 days a week. Your typical day will vary depending on the time of year as well as the location of your ranch. However on average ranch life starts quite early with taking care of ...

    Typical day

    On average your day will start at 7 - 8 AM and end around 4 PM with plenty of breaks in between on average volunteer 5 - 6 days a week. Your typical day will vary depending on the time of year as well as the location of your ranch. However on average ranch life starts quite early with taking care of the horses starting with feeding, cleaning the stables, letting the horses out to the pastures, etc. Keep in mind that on a ranch the work never stops as animals always still need to be cared for. 


    Free-time activities

    We currently have several ranches available in beautiful Scotland surrounded by stunning Scottish Country side, perfect for exploring on horse back. It is also great for day trips to the beach, Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands and more!

    Free-time activities

    We currently have several ranches available in beautiful Scotland surrounded by stunning Scottish Country side, perfect for exploring on horse back. It is also great for day trips to the beach, Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands and 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.

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV, Letter of motivation, Application Form, 2 pictures and

    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 and Friday from 08:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What's Included

     

    ·       Placement
    Horse Ranch Scotland.

    ·       Accommodation

    Depending on where you’re placed accommodation is within the family home, Usually a private room with bathroom or Volunteer station ( Farm house)

    ·       Meals

    Volunteers will be provided with 3 meals a day.

    ·      Pick up from the nearest bus or train station

    Depending on where you’re placed, you’ll need to take taxi, bus or train to the ranch. You will be picked up from there.

    ·       Riding

    Dependent on riding assessment, length of stay and other activities planned during the week. Volunteer will be accompanied by another experienced riders.

    ·       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 Scotland after you have finished your volunteer project.

    ·       24/7 Emergency contact

    If there are any problems during you stay in Scotland, you can reach us at any time to assist you


    What's not included: 
    Flights, airport transfer and Insurance

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will have a private bedroom situated in the ranch or in a cabin/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

    3 meals a day included. Volunteers are asked to help prepare meals. The project tries to accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions.  Volunteers are advised to notify us of such restrictions for meal and grocery planning.

    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 Edinburgh Airport

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

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Edinburgh Airport (EDI) in Edinburgh. We assist you to find cheap flights to United Kingdom. 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 United Kingdom provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    $448 per week 2 - 10 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 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
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    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

    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

    2025
    My name is Anelie and I’m 18 years old from Germany. I am quite shy and this was my first volunteering experience, so I wanted to try ...
    2025
    wanted something hands-on and real, and this place delivered. The work was proper ranch work, nothing fancy, just get stuck in and do it ...

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Patrick
    192
    reviews
    4.80
    Excellent
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

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

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details