Horse Sanctuary Student

Highlights

• Look at horses from a new perspective
• Have fun and push yourself through new comfort zones
• Give love and attention to those who appreciate it the most
• Take both the time and space you need with these gentle horses
• Grow as a human in whichever aspet you choose

About Us

We are an English-Spanish family, and you are invited to join us and take part in a fusion of at least two languages and cultures. Clare and partner Chico have a wide variety of experience and skills between them. Chico the native Spanish speaker runs the gardens and building projects. He also enjoys the horses and is relatively recently self- and horse-taught. Clare runs the horsemanship classes and has been around horses for over 30 years and worked in racing, showing, teaching, and now natural horsemanship. They have both learnt so much from their herd of horses and love to share their stories. Hopefully you will come and create your own.

We live in a village of 150 people in the mountains. It is friendly and intimate. Even if you don't speak any Spanish, you will be welcomed as if you do.

Work is often physically hard and although we welcome people from all experiences a hard-working attitude fits best here. Please let us know before booking if you have specific needs or disabilities so we can discuss the possibilities. You will be joining a family with animals and children. It is essential that you like these as they all join in every area of our lives!

Volunteers vary in number, age and background all through the year. Our youngest has been 14 years old and our oldest in their 60's. Sometimes we just have one, and at other times a group of ten or more! If you are particularly interested in joining us when we have a few others, please check beforehand. If you are more focused on your horsemanship than your socialisation then we have plenty of quiet times too. Younger volunteers are welcome with parents or guardians.

First thing in the morning we either drive or take a pretty 15 minute walk from the village to the horses. You can breakfast early before we leave, or take a break during work for a picnic breakfast (you prepare this yourself). We are flexible! Usually when walking, on our approach we will hear the horses calling for their breakfast as they hear us arriving.

First we feed the horses and do the usual day-to-day chores such as waters and poo-picking. Then we will then start training and working with the horses and other jobs we may have on the agenda. There is grooming, hoof care, exercising, gardening and farm maintenance/building... 

There are other commitments that we take part in locally such as training other horses or looking after sick or mistreated animals away from our premises. So when students are ready they usually take on some of the working responsibilities themselves allowing us to do this essential work in the community. Students are also invited to join to observe our work on occasions.

We have a similar routine on the afternoon. In the evening at home we can rest, use the internet, read, socialise, go to the bar, listen to music, cook.... .

In summer we go home from the horses for lunch and a siesta, or stay and have a picnic and maybe a dip in the 'alberca'. We have a recent edition of an on-site outdoor kitchen so options are flexible! There is a pool in the village in summer. In winter we may stay all day, but start a little later and finish earlier. 

Spring and autumn are generally the most pleasant months to work in, but if you are visiting during the summer months be aware that temperatures can reach 45 degrees, and work needs to be started very early at day-break (or before) and continued in the evening, finishing and eating late. We fit into the Spanish way of life by taking siestas in the afternoon, which is necessary with the hours and temperatures. 

It can be very wet in the winter, but also sunny at midday! Temperatures can drop quite dramatically and as in most countries spring and autumn can be variable. You must be prepared with warm layers and waterproofs. There will be a packing list sent to you after booking.

The program is available all year round any start date, and any number of days, but please be prepared for weather! We can advise on suitable clothing closer to the time.

You would arrange your own transport to Atajate and there are reliable buses and trains which can bring you from the airport in Malaga. We are happy to help you plan this and we will send more information after booking. 

If you are looking at flights now, please note if you are planning on using public transport, it is better to book your arrival flight for the morning or early afternoon, as public transport options are limited or non existent later in the day, and your return flight should not be earlier than 12pm to allow for time to arrive in the airport. Other options would be to stay in Malaga a night, hire a car, or to arrange a taxi service if your flights are out of public transport times. I can send timetables after booking, and it is actually very easy.

Buses are under 20€, a taxi company charges 130€, and we have people locally who would collect for 90€.

Your stay here will provide you with memories and skills you will never forget! As well as those featuring the horses, there are festivals and parties that take place in all the villages. The big water fight in Atajate is in August; there is a German beer festival in Jimera de Libar in October and mushroom festivals in November. In summer there are music and horse festivals, foam parties and more! The beautiful local ‘white villages' vary from 2000 inhabitants down to a population of less than 200 and are well worth a visit.

As well as the villages, there are towns to visit. Ronda is around 18 km away and is on a main coast to city train route. It boasts a spectacular viaduct as well as many other historic sites and a variety of shops. After exploring these, the huge variety of cafes and bars will offer welcome refreshment.

If, however you prefer a break from civilisation then you will be in your element. 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. There are guided walks to vast caves with ancient cave paintings. A Palo-Christiano church is tucked away off the beaten track and an Arab tower is hidden in the countryside with not a tourist in sight.

The beach is approximately 1½ hours’ drive away, trips can be arranged at an extra cost on your days off, including beach and activity trips; visiting cities including Malaga and Sevilla; or special out of hours horse rides or camping trips. 

Transport: You can hire a car from Malaga, or there is a bus leaving every week day morning from Atajate to Ronda, and returning at midday. From Ronda there are regular buses to all major cities and many smaller villages. It may also be possible to hire a driver locally as a taxi service.