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Great 4.41rating (19)
🔥 In High Demand

Horse Welfare Assistant

location
1 - 4 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 host more than 40 horses at our Centre.
  • Learn everything about the free life of rescued horses and the ethological management of equines!

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 host more than 40 horses at our Centre.
  • Learn everything about the free life of rescued horses and the ethological management of equines!
  • Live an immersive experience in contact with horses in the Tuscan countryside, with other volunteers from all over the world!
  • Visit Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, Certaldo, Volterra and 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
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteers work all together at the Rescue Centre, contribute to the care of the horses every day and learn about these beautiful free animals!

    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 vaccine is recommended. 

    Volunteers stay in the same apartment at the Rescue Centre, 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.

    Arrival and departure days are on Saturdays.




    Typical day

    Our volunteers arrive on Saturday. The first day is dedicated to visiting the Horse Rescue Centre, getting to know the Centre and the house rules, meeting the staff, and getting acquainted with the other volunteers. On the first day, we also go grocery shopping at the supermarket in ...

    Typical day

    Our volunteers arrive on Saturday. The first day is dedicated to visiting the Horse Rescue Centre, getting to know the Centre and the house rules, meeting the staff, and getting acquainted with the other volunteers. On the first day, we also go grocery shopping at the supermarket in Castelfiorentino. Sunday is the first day of volunteering!

    Volunteers can choose to work a single shift per day: in the morning from 8 to 10 am or from 9 to 11 am, depending on the season (our staff works longer hours: from 6 to 10 am or from 7 to 11 am).

    If desired, it is possible to participate in the entire routine, both morning and evening, that can be from 3 to 5 PM or from 6 to 8 PM. 

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

    Every volunteer is responsible for preparing their own meals and can wake up and go to bed whenever they choose (while respecting the other volunteers). 

    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 apartment where volunteers stay is located at the Rescue Centre, which 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 is 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 Certaldo, where you can admire the ancient walls and the incredible panoramic views; or the elegant San Gimignano, with its famous UNESCO World Heritage towers. 

    Additionally, the cities of ...

    Free-time activities

    Tuscany offers stunning landscapes and picturesque villages, perfect for day trips, such as the nearby Certaldo, where you can admire the ancient 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 Centre is located in the countryside, and public transport is very limited.



    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

    The fee includes:
    • food (not the preparation)
    • accommodation
    • transport from Castelfiorentino train station to Rescue Centre (if possible)
    • welcome kit (with the official Italian Horse Protection t-shirt and the personal membership card)
    • certificate of participation

    At the time of booking confirmation you can request the service of transport from the Castelfiorentino train station (arrival must be communicated in advance). 


    Accommodation

    IHP provides accommodation for volunteers at the Rescue Center headquarters. 

    The apartment is shared with other volunteers. Depending on the number of volunteers, the room can be single occupancy or shared with another volunteer.
    At your disposal: 
    • In the bedroom: blankets and pillows, bedside table, wardrobe, lamp. 
    • In the common areas: equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower, washing machine, drying rack, hairdryer, first aid kit, garden with relaxation area. 
    On request, we can provide sheets and towels. You are requested to keep the common spaces and the bedroom clean and tidy, to clean the kitchen and the kitchenware after each use. You are asked to respect night rest hours. Within the boundaries of the Centre, smoking is not permitted for safety reasons. The introduction of other owned animals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. A wi-fi connection is available in the apartment.

    Food & Beverages

    Each volunteer can buy the food he or she prefers, observing a few small rules for prices. According to our principles, the food purchased should be plant-based (no meat, fish, eggs, milk and cheese derived from animals). We would appreciate it if no food of animal origin were brought into our Centre. Meals are prepared by the volunteers themselves when they wish.

    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.

    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, with arrival and departure on Saturdays.

    The nearest airports are in Florence and Pisa. 
    The closest train station is Castelfiorentino. 
    We can pick up volunteers arriving by train at the Castelfiorentino station: we need to know the arrival time in advance.
    The transfer service is free, but we prefer arrivals to be between 10 AM. and 5 PM. 

    For arrivals outside these times (earlier or later), we will need to make alternative arrangements. 

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

    Program Fees

    $490 per week 1 - 4 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 4 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

    Volunteer photos

    2024
    If you love horses and want to see how they should truly live and thrive--this is the place for you! Be prepared to have your heart stolen ...
    Martha Soriano

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    Carmen Iasenza

    Horse Welfare Assistant

    2022
    In April 2022 I had the opportunity to have a two-week volunteer experience with Sonny, the president of Italian Horse Protection. It was my ...
    Stefania Bevilacqua

    Horse Welfare Assistant

    2022
    I had been dreaming of my experience at Italian Horse Protection for so long that I was afraid it would never come again. But for the ...
    2020
    2020 was a particular year in my life. The year of choices, challenges and dedication to realize my dreams, with high stress levels and fear ...

    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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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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