Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Good 4.18rating (74)
  • Life On Land

Equine Therapy

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Support animal welfare and therapeutic initiatives.
  • Contribute to the physical, emotional, and social development of individuals with special needs.
  • Dive into the heart of the action, getting up close and personal with the horses.

Highlights

  • Support animal welfare and therapeutic initiatives.
  • Contribute to the physical, emotional, and social development of individuals with special needs.
  • Dive into the heart of the action, getting up close and personal with the horses.
  • Learn Portuguese and develop your language skills.
  • Discover Porto and its surroundings.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    This unique program offers volunteers the opportunity to assist a local non-profit that provides therapeutic horse riding sessions for individuals with special needs.

    Join the Horse Therapy Support program and assist a local non-profit organization in providing therapeutic riding sessions for individuals with special needs. Help create a safe, encouraging environment that promotes physical, emotional, and social development.


    This unique program offers volunteers ...

    About the program

    Join the Horse Therapy Support program and assist a local non-profit organization in providing therapeutic riding sessions for individuals with special needs. Help create a safe, encouraging environment that promotes physical, emotional, and social development.


    This unique program offers volunteers the opportunity to assist a local non-profit that provides therapeutic horse riding sessions for individuals with special needs. These sessions help improve participants’ physical, emotional, and social well-being, while promoting inclusion and confidence.

    As a volunteer, you will work alongside experienced instructors, supporting both the horses and participants throughout the sessions. You’ll be involved in preparing horses, assisting with therapy classes, and helping to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.

    What to Expect:
    • Grooming, Bathing, and Feeding: Assist in the care of the horses by grooming, bathing, feeding, and preparing them for therapy sessions.
    • Facility Maintenance: Help keep the facilities clean and organized to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
    • Class and Therapy Support: Support instructors by preparing horses and equipment for riding and assisting during therapy sessions.
    • Summer Camp Support: During school breaks, help organize and run summer camp activities for children, providing them with an inclusive and fun environment.
    Why Join?
    • Make a Difference: Directly contribute to the physical, emotional, and social development of individuals with special needs through therapeutic horse riding.
    • Gain Experience: Acquire hands-on experience in horse care and therapy, and develop skills in working with individuals with special needs.
    • Cultural Immersion: Experience the local culture while participating in a rewarding volunteer program that makes a lasting impact.
    Ready to help?

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift at the Animal Care placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 

    A typical schedule:
    08:00 - 08:30 am: Breakfast at the hostel
    08:30 am: Travel to the project site or free time to explore the ...

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift at the Animal Care placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 

    A typical schedule:
    08:00 - 08:30 am: Breakfast at the hostel
    08:30 am: Travel to the project site or free time to explore the city, relax, attend portuguese language lessons or enroll other activities if you have the afternoon shift
    01:00 - 02:30 pm: Lunch is served at the restaurant
    03:00 pm: Travel to the project site or free time to explore the city, relax, attend portuguese language lessons or enroll other activities if you have the morning shift
    08:00 - 10:00 pm: Dinner is served at the restaurant. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.

    Daily Tasks:
    • Grooming, bathing, and feeding horses
    • Cleaning and maintaining the facility
    • Assisting with therapy sessions
    • Helping organize summer camp activities (during school breaks)

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore the city, have Portuguese language classes, surf, or anything you wish!


    Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and one of the most authentic cities to visit in the country. Stroll through its sinuous and picturesque streets and feel the pulse of the city, or ...

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore the city, have Portuguese language classes, surf, or anything you wish!


    Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and one of the most authentic cities to visit in the country. Stroll through its sinuous and picturesque streets and feel the pulse of the city, or take the tram to the mouth of the river Douro and get to know the excellent beaches and the outdoor cafés. The historic center of Porto was declared UNESCO World Heritage but is the hospitality and forceful character of the locals that will delight you. Porto is a vibrant and young city with countless cafés, bars, and clubs to have a really good time at night, or relaxed rooftops to have a drink and enjoy the warm Portuguese climate.

    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.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Experience in horse ridding and care

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 18:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What’s included?

    • Pick up at the international airport in Porto & transfer to the accommodation - Sunday 

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :) If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup, and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service. We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect.

    • Accommodation at a dormitory at a centre-located hostel, female dormitory, or mixed dormitory
    • Three meals a day every day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
    • Shared use of common spaces and free WIFI
    • Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Portugal and culture, volunteer experience, overview of programmes, practical information, safety guidelines)
    • Guided city tour and the best tips to discover the city!
    • Allocation and coordination of a work placement in a sustainable project, and a contact person in the project
    • Introduction on the first day of volunteering
    • Ongoing support throughout the stay
    • 24h/7 emergency support by phone or personally

    Airport Pickup at Porto Airport

    On Sunday from 9 am to 8:30 pm, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect.

    Accommodation

    The accommodation has female and mixed rooms with shared bathrooms and is located by the riverside, just a 10-minute walk from the historical city centre. There’s a bus stop right outside the hostel with regular services both to the city centre and to Matosinhos (beach), The closes metro station is São Bento and it's a 20 minute walk.

    Food & Beverages

    We will provide breakfast at the accommodation everyday. We will cook with fresh local ingredients everyday for all volunteers and they are prepared to accommodate most diet restrictions such as vegan and vegetarians, gluten-free and lactose intolerant. Also take some time out to explore the city and its incredible cuisine!

    Lunch and dinner are provided by an amazing local restaurant! It is only a 10 min walk from your accommodation.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

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

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    This program starts on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month!

    You should arrive on Sunday (or before) to attend the orientation session on Monday morning.

    *From May to September arrivals every Sunday.*

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

    Program Fees

    $927 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 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
    4.2
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I ended up staying in the program for a week. I loved working with the cats and the people there, who were all really sweet. The program ...
    •
    2024
    I recommend this experience to absolutely anyone, it was the best of my life. The first week my placement was in a Skatepark in Cascais, so ...
    Alba Gala Torrero

    Child & Youth Supporter

    •
    2024
    Stayed 2 weeks in October 2024. Warm welcomed by a dynamic and enthusiastic team. Clear and detailed information provided. Good location, ...
    Eliane BURLAC

    Child & Youth Supporter

    •
    2024
    This stay in Barcelona was amazing. To be able to discover a city and to work at the same time is a great thing for me. I worked in a cat ...

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Portugal > Porto

    Meet your project coordinator

    Cristiana
    74
    reviews
    4.18
    Good
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English
    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.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Portugal
    Contact Cristiana
      Good response rate
    Portuguese, Spanish, English

    Most volunteers ask about

    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Cristiana
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy
    Select travel dates to see prices

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details