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The Project
The therapeutic horse-riding project is based in Santa Elena, which is only 5km from the Brazilian border and in the middle of La Gran Sabana (The Great Plains/Savannah) in the Southeastern corner of Venezuela. It is a small town, with a population of about 12,000 inhabitants, including whole communities of indigenous people, which is somewhat unusual for Venezuela. The area is much visited by tourists thanks to its proximity to Angel Falls, Monte Roraima (the highest of Venezuela’s flat topped tepuis) and Canaima National Park.
Project Background
The project was set up as a way to get this invaluable therapy to children with special needs. Horse riding has been proven to improve balance and coordination in these children as well as muscle tone, making them fitter and therefore healthier. Horse riding does not only have a positive impact physically on the special needs children, it also has a positive mental effect. You will be able to watch the children gain in confidence, bond with the horses and most of all have loads of fun.
Please note there may be a reduced programme in the Venezuelan school holidays.
Volunteer Schedule
The project is available for you to volunteer from Monday to Saturday and it is your choice how many hours you want to volunteer each day. The horse therapy volunteering can be done for about 6 hours a day. Some volunteers choose to do just 1-2 hours a day, 3 days a week and use their free time to explore the area. Other volunteers choose to volunteer for 6 hours a day from Monday to Saturday! It is up to you, and at the beginning of your programme you can discuss this with your project coordinator and arrange your weekly schedule.
Project Requirements
No previous experience is required but participants need to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge and have a desire to work with children and horses! Some knowledge of the Spanish language would be advantageous.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health
Project Support
Throughout your stay in Santa Elena you will have the support and guidance of a team of project co-ordinators based in the town. They will provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
The project staff will be on hand throughout the day to ensure your comfort and safety. In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Orientation
On your first day of the programme you will have a full orientation with our onsite staff. The programme coordinator will provide training in order for volunteers to gain knowledge of the work they will be involved in, discuss project and volunteer expectations, and get an insight into Venezuelan culture. They will answer any additional questions you may have. Topics covered will include:
- An introduction to Venezuelan culture and values
- Your health and safety whilst in Venezuela
- Workplace ethics and essential information before starting your project
- Money and transportation in Venezuela
- An introduction to the area where you will be working
- Local food and practices
- Areas of Venezuela worth visiting in your free time
After this meeting the coordinator will arrange suitable times with the volunteer to visit the other projects, in order to better understand the overall goals, objectives, and strategies of the programme.
You will also have training from our staff horse therapist at the riding centre before starting all your duties, especially working with the children in classes.
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation at the project is in a cooperative living situation where you will live and share tasks with other volunteers and project staff. A personalised weekly work plan will distribute communal tasks amongst all volunteers. Living in this situation will enable you to get directly involved with the running and workings of the programme. You will become part of a ‘united’ family, enjoying both the external volunteer work and internal community within the beautiful grounds. There are gardens, terraces, kitchen facilities, a gym and pool, a craft and wood workshop, fireplaces etc. The emphasis is very much on making friends and sharing the experience with like-minded people.
You will be sharing facilities, although single rooms are available upon request. There is a weekly laundry service, and 3 meals a day are included, as well as snacks and refreshments.
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