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Volunteer video
  • Life On Land

Force-free Equine Sanctuary Assistant

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 14 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Force-free horse training: Learn gentle but scientific techniques for horse communication, building trust, including positive reinforcement methods.
  • Ethical horse training: Discover responsible practices that prioritise the horse's well-being, emphasising humane and respectful approaches.
  • Horse needs first: Focus on understanding and meeting the horse's physical and emotional requirements for a happy, healthy partnership.

Highlights

  • Force-free horse training: Learn gentle but scientific techniques for horse communication, building trust, including positive reinforcement methods.
  • Ethical horse training: Discover responsible practices that prioritise the horse's well-being, emphasising humane and respectful approaches.
  • Horse needs first: Focus on understanding and meeting the horse's physical and emotional requirements for a happy, healthy partnership.
  • Non-riding interactions: Explore diverse bonding activities, from grooming to ground exercises, strengthening the horse-human connection.
  • Time and Space for growth: Transformative horse companionship fosters empathy, communication, and self-awareness, enabling meaningful personal development.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 14+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join our team as a Force-Free Equine Assistant. Learn compassionate horsemanship and animal care while making a real impact on the lives of our rescued herd. 🐴✨


    Programme Details


    This programme is designed for dedicated animal lovers who want to dive deep into the world of compassionate horsemanship. Unlike a general help exchange, the Equine Programme (EP) is an educative experience focusing on the welfare, psychology, and force-free training of our rescued ...

    About the program


    Programme Details


    This programme is designed for dedicated animal lovers who want to dive deep into the world of compassionate horsemanship. Unlike a general help exchange, the Equine Programme (EP) is an educative experience focusing on the welfare, psychology, and force-free training of our rescued herd. We are a small association committed to self-sufficiency and harmonious coexistence with nature and animals.


    A Cultural & Language Exchange


    You will be living in a friendly, traditional mountain village of just 150 people. Even if you don’t speak any Spanish, you will be welcomed with open arms. We are an English-Spanish family, and you are invited to join us and experience a fusion of cultures and languages. While our day-to-day operations at the sanctuary are conducted in English, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice Spanish with the locals at the village bar or in the streets.


    Please Note Before Applying:


    • Horse Interaction & Safety: We ask all volunteers to refrain from touching the horses until they receive specific guidance and training. This is crucial for the horses' rehabilitation and your safety.


    • Non-Riding Sanctuary: We are a strictly non-riding sanctuary. Our horses are valued, sentient beings; we focus entirely on ground-based interaction and bond-building.


    • Meat-Free Ethos: To respect our mission, our shared living and kitchen spaces are strictly vegetarian/vegan. We do not allow meat or fish to be cooked in shared areas.


    • Independence: Volunteers must be comfortable with independent living and cooking. While we provide a safe environment, we do not take on a parental or supervisory role.


    • Physicality: Work is physically demanding. Caring for horses involves manual labour in a mountain environment, including field cleaning and moving hay.


    • Inclusivity: We welcome people from all backgrounds. If you have specific needs, please let us know before booking so we can discuss accommodations.


    • Accommodation: Our rooms are typically mixed-gender. Private rooms are available for a supplemental payment.


    What You Will Be Doing

    In this well-rounded programme, learning and hands-on work seamlessly blend together. You will be warmly welcomed into our horse training sessions, embarking on a journey of discovery. Starting with a foundation of safe handling skills, you will progress through a carefully crafted curriculum to master the art of scientific behaviour change and effective, two-way communication.

    We offer guided training sessions designed to help horses recover from trauma and actively participate in their own welfare needs—such as medical handling, grooming, or desensitisation—all while attentively considering the horse's emotional well-being. Our ultimate goal is to create a harmonious partnership where horses choose to join us rather than feeling coerced.

    Living Sustainably

    Beyond individual family life, we aim to live as sustainably as possible. We provide a healthy, vegetarian grocery list each week. We avoid processed foods and products containing palm oil. No smoking is permitted on the project site due to fire risk, and we use a natural compost toilet system on the land to protect our environment.

    The Sanctuary Mission

    Time and Space Equine Education Sanctuary is a registered association. Our goal is to work with nature to fulfil human and horse needs, using innovative designs to meld together beauty, practicality, and sustainability. Your participation helps us prove that a force-free future for horses is possible.



    Typical day


    The Morning Rhythm

    Your day begins with a beautiful 15-minute walk from the village to the finca (project site). As the sun rises over the mountains, you will hear the horses calling for breakfast. You can eat before you leave or bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy during a break in the fresh mountain ...

    Typical day


    The Morning Rhythm

    Your day begins with a beautiful 15-minute walk from the village to the finca (project site). As the sun rises over the mountains, you will hear the horses calling for breakfast. You can eat before you leave or bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy during a break in the fresh mountain air.


    Daily Work & Training Focus

    Generally, work is carried out in the mornings (up to 25 hours per week) so your afternoons remain uninterrupted. For volunteers on the Force-Free Equine Assistant Programme, the morning is dedicated to the care and study of the herd:


    • Essential Equine Care: You will start the day by feeding the herd, providing hay, and ensuring all water troughs are clean and filled.


    • Sanctuary Hygiene: A significant part of the daily routine involves cleaning manure from the fields and shelters to maintain a healthy environment for the horses.


    • Infrastructure & Maintenance: You will help with the upkeep of the equine facilities, which includes repairing fencing, cleaning rugs, and maintaining feeding mangers and stable areas.


    • Force-Free Training Sessions: Once the essential care is complete, we move into guided educational sessions. You will participate in training that focuses on safe handling, positive reinforcement for behaviour change, and consent protocols for trauma recovery.


    • Welfare Procedures: You will learn to assist with "low-stress" husbandry, such as grooming or medical applications, always prioritising the horse's emotional state.


    • Optional Involvement: If time permits and you are interested, you are welcome to get involved in other areas of the sanctuary, such as the organic gardens, social media projects, or caring for the smaller rescue animals.


    Afternoons & Free Time


    Summer: Work starts very early (daybreak) to avoid the heat, which can reach 45°C. Afternoons are for essential siestas, a dip in our "alberca" (natural pool), or the village swimming pool.


    Winter: Work starts a little later. Afternoons are perfect for hiking, reading our library of equine specialist books, or socialising in the village.


    Evenings: You can rest, use the Wi-Fi at the accommodation, pick up a lost hobby, or head to the local bar to practice Spanish with the villagers. You will be responsible for preparing your own meals using the vegetarian groceries provided.


    Seasonal Preparation

    • Spring & Autumn: Ideal temperatures for outdoor work and training.

    • Summer: High temperatures require early starts and long afternoon breaks.

    • Winter: Can be wet and cold; you must be prepared with warm layers and waterproofs. A full packing list will be provided upon booking.

    This should perfectly distinguish the two programmes. You can now use your Shared Programme Info for the remaining sections of both listings. Do you have everything you need to start the Volunteer World upload, or shall we look at the "Requirements" or "Fees" sections?


    Free-time activities

    Your stay here will provide you with memories and skills you will never forget! Atajate is mostly a very quiet village, but all the surrounding villages host festivals and parties at certain times of the year. Highlights include:

    • The big festival ad water fight in Atajate in August.

    • A German beer ...

    Free-time activities

    Your stay here will provide you with memories and skills you will never forget! Atajate is mostly a very quiet village, but all the surrounding villages host festivals and parties at certain times of the year. Highlights include:

    • The big festival ad water fight in Atajate in August.

    • A German beer festival in Jimera de Libar in October.

    • Mushroom festivals in November.

    • Music, horse festivals, and foam parties in summer.


    The beautiful local 'white villages' (pueblos blancos) are well worth a visit, varying in size from 2,000 down to fewer than 200 inhabitants.


    Important Note on Fiesta Weekends

    Please note that the weekend around the 15th of August is when Atajate holds its three-day, all-night fiesta. This will mean more noise and crowds than usual, including late at night, very close to the accommodation. It's great fun if you want to join in! There is another large festival over the last weekend in November.


    Towns and Culture

    As well as the villages, there are towns to visit:

    • Ronda is approximately 25km away and is on a main coast-to-city train route. It boasts a spectacular viaduct (Puente Nuevo) as well as many other historic sites and a variety of shops. After exploring these, the huge variety of cafés and bars will offer a welcome refreshment.

    • We can arrange trips on your days off to visit cities including Málaga and Sevilla (at an extra cost).


    Nature and The Outdoors

    If you prefer a break from civilisation, you will be in your element here. The surrounding mountains, forests, and river are beautiful, peaceful, and watched over by soaring eagles. Close by, there are natural sites to visit such as the Canyon of the Vultures.


    You can also find:

    • Guided walks to vast caves with ancient cave paintings.

    • A Palo-Christiano church tucked away off the beaten track.

    • An Arab tower hidden in the countryside with barely a tourist in sight.


    The beach is approximately 1.5 hours' drive away. Beach and activity trips can be arranged at an extra cost on your days off.


    Transport:

    • Car: You can hire a car from Málaga airport

    • Bus: There is a bus leaving every weekday morning from Atajate to Ronda, returning mid-afternoon. From Ronda, there are regular buses to all major cities and many smaller villages.

    • Local Taxi: It may also be possible to hire a driver locally as a taxi service, consult your host.

    We will send you a full PDF of recommended outings upon booking.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 14 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 14 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

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

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Previous experience with horses or farm work is not required, but a hardworking attitude and willingness to learn are essential. We are flexible and enjoy seeing people develop new skills. If you are an experienced horse person, you will know that one never stops learning; the horse is the ultimate teacher, and our herd has plenty to share! We welcome anyone with a compassionate heart and a strong work ethic who is ready to immerse themselves in sanctuary life.

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    💳 Program Fees & Donations

    ​As we are a registered association, your fee is a contribution/donation used directly to sustain our project. While we use the term "fee" to stay consistent with the platform, your contribution is what allows our mission to continue.

    ​Flexible Stays: Start and finish days are flexible; you are not restricted to full-week bookings.

    ​How your donation is used:

    • ​Feeding and veterinary care for our animals.
    • ​Maintenance and improvements to animal habitats.
    • ​Insurance, program support, and mission objectives.


    ​✅ Included in the Programme

    • ​Accommodation & Food: Basic housing and groceries for three healthy vegetarian/vegan meals per day.

    • ​Support & Orientation: A comprehensive digital welcome pack and ongoing support via phone, email, or WhatsApp.

    • Education & Training: Hands-on practical training with huge learning potential. You will have access to our library of specialist books and printed resources.

    • Professional Growth: Educational materials to take home and a Certificate of Internship upon completion.

    • ​Home Comforts: Bedding and house towels (please bring your own beach/pool towel).

    • ​Connectivity: Access to limited Wi-Fi in the communal house.


    ​❌ Not Included

    • ​Flights and personal transport.

    • ​Personal travel/accident insurance (highly recommended).

    • ​Leisure activities, days out, and meals/drinks at local bars.

    • ​Arrival: Transport to the project is not covered. We can help you plan your public transport route, or we can arrange an airport transfer for a fee (payable locally).

    Accommodation

    ​🏠 Your Home in Atajate

    ​When you join us, you aren't just a volunteer; you’re part of village life! Your host, Clare, and her family live on the project site, a scenic 15-minute walk from the volunteer housing in the charming village of Atajate. Our three-story house is a social, communal hub designed for connection. Sleeping arrangements are assigned based on occupancy to ensure everyone has a comfortable stay.


    1. Standard Shared Housing (Included)

    • ​Main Dormitory (Ground Floor): A large, comfortable room with two bunk beds and movable privacy dividers. This is our primary mixed-gender space.

    • ​Communal Spaces: Full access to a spacious lower-floor living area, dining room, and sunny patio—perfect for winding down after a day on the project.

    • ​Off-site Placement: If the main house is full, we partner with a lovely local hostel just a minute’s walk away. You remain a full member of the community and are always welcome to use the main house kitchen and living areas.


    2. Private Room Options (Upgrade Available)

    For those who want the house vibe but prefer a guaranteed private retreat.

    • ​The Double Ensuite: Perched on the top floor of the main house, this room features its own private bathroom, balcony, and patio.

    • The Guarantee: You may swap to this room during your stay if it is available, but the only way to ensure it is yours for your entire stay is to pay a supplementary donation.

    • ​Alternative Privacy: If the house is full, we can look into external local rooms with private bathrooms (subject to availability).

    3. External Self-Contained Units

    If you prefer total independence, we can facilitate a stay in a private apartment nearby. These range from simple studios to apartments with open fires and kitchens. We’ll email the current seasonal options and pricing once you register interest.


    📋 Detailed House Guide


    ​Kitchen & Meals

    The ground-floor kitchen is fully equipped with a ceramic hob, microwave, oven, fridge, and washing machine.

    🌱 Note: To maintain a mindful environment, our shared kitchen is a meat-free space. We kindly ask that you only prepare vegetarian or vegan meals while using the communal facilities.


    ​Comfort & Essentials

    • Bedding & Towels: We provide fresh linens, quilts, and color-allocated towels.

    • ​What to Pack: Please bring a beach or pool towel for summer and your own personal toiletries.

    • ​Bathroom Extras: We keep bathrooms stocked with toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

    • Winter Warmth: The house stays cozy with a pellet stove (pellets provided) and warm duvets.

    • Smoking: No smoking is allowed anywhere inside the shared accommodation.

    Food & Beverages


    🥗 ​Communal Eating & Groceries

    We provide healthy vegetarian and vegan groceries for three meals a day. While volunteers prepare their own meals, we love the social aspect of food! In the warmer months, we often invite each other to share international dishes to get a taste of everyone’s home culture.

    • ​Where to Cook: You can prepare food in the volunteer house kitchen or use our on-site outdoor kitchen, where we often enjoy lunch together as a group when the weather is nice.

    • Dining Out: If you fancy a break from cooking, there are local bars in the village where you can enjoy a meal at your own expense.


    ​The Weekly Shop & Sustainability

    Since there is no shop in the village, we coordinate a weekly supermarket run.

    • The List: We provide an extensive, predetermined list for you to tick off what you need.

    • ​Special Requests: If you need items not on our list, we are happy to pick them up for you at your own expense. Please keep in mind that some international brands may be unavailable or more expensive in Spain.

    • Our Ethics: To stay as sustainable as possible, our list focuses on seasonal produce and excludes processed foods, fish, meat, or products containing palm oil.

    Internet Access

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

    Add-ons & Experiences

    Cooking Lessons
    Traditional Spanish Cooking Lessons with Chico. To make dishes such as Gazpacho, Tortilla, Paella (meat free) and Croquetas.
    $31 / once
    River Tour - Jimera Full-Day Freedom: Seamless Round-Trip

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    River Tours - Effortless Hiker's Return: Jimera One-Way Transport

    Perfect for hikers who enjoy the breath-taking two-hour (mostly) downhill walk with stunning views to the river but want the reward of a comfortable, ...

    $15 / once
    River Tours - Guadiaro River - Jimera Secrets Unlocked: Guided Splash & Ride


    Elevate your adventure! Book a guided river walk with an expert host. Unlock local secrets and discover the best water spots. This includes a guided ...
    $77 / once

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Malaga Airport

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

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Malaga Airport (AGP) in Malaga. We assist you to find cheap flights to Spain. 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 Spain provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Start Dates

    The programme is available all year round with flexible start dates and duration. Days off are also flexible—you choose which day or days and how many. While your hosts will also take flexible days off, we will endeavour to either leave a suitable volunteer in charge or coordinate our days off together.

    ✈️ Our closest airport is Málaga (Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, AGP).


    🚌 Public Transport

    If you wish to use public transport, please note the following connections:

    1. Málaga Airport to Málaga City: Take the short, regular-running small bus or train from the airport to Málaga Maria Zambrano Station.
    2. Málaga to Ronda: Take a bus or train to Ronda.
    3. Ronda to Atajate: Catch the connecting bus to Atajate, which typically departs around 4:15 pm on weekdays.

    The total journey from Málaga to Atajate will cost under €20 by public transport.

    Weekend/Late Arrival: If you miss the last bus or arrive on a weekend, we can collect you for €25 if we are available. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Ronda.

    ⌛ Recommended Flight Times: We recommend that your arrival flight lands in the morning or early afternoon if you plan to use the bus, and that your departure flight is not before midday. If your flight times do not fit the public transport schedule, you should plan another form of arrival or stay overnight in Málaga.


    🛞 Arrival by Car

    If you are arriving with your own car or hiring a car from Málaga airport, navigate to the village of Atajate (postcode 29494). Please contact us beforehand for the accommodation address.


    🚗 Pickup from the Airport (Recommended)

    For convenience and economy, we recommend arranging a private pickup.

    Service:
    One-Way Collection 
    Cost (Cash Only):
    €120
    Details:
    Door-to-door service from the airport to the accommodation.

    Service:
    Return Journey
    Cost (Cash Only):
    €80
    Details:
    Door-to-door service from the accommodation back to the airport.

    🚕 Service:
    Commercial taxi company 
    Cost:
    €160+
    Details:
    Pre-booked or unbooked taxi from the airport.

    Important Note: This collection service is highly popular and is subject to availability. The journey will be provided by someone connected to the association or a trusted local. We ask that you pay the driver directly in cash upon arrival, separate from your programme donation.


    🕑 Journey Time

    The drive from Málaga airport to Atajate takes approximately two hours. It is usually possible to stop in Ronda (30 minutes from Atajate) on your way if you need an ATM or anything from a shop—please just ask the driver.

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

    Program Fees

    $550 per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 14 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 50 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
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    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

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    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Spain > Atajate

    Meet your project coordinator

    Emma
    27
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    4.77
    Brilliant
    2016
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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