Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation

The farm where the project is based is situated on a 1000 Hectare property surrounded by the typical vegetation of the Western Cape province, surrounding hills and marked off into horse camps, stables, paddocks and of course the main house, volunteer accommodation and there is a farm dam for hot days. 

The equine rescue and sanctuary is dedicated to the welfare, rescue, care and rehabilitation of horses and ponies- and an assortment of rescued farm animals.

The founders have a background in the police force- which serves extremely well when it comes to cases of animal abuse and the need to confiscate horses and ponies- and equine knowledge having worked on many stud farms in the past. Together with their skills and experience, they make a formidable team when it comes to equine rescue, care and rehabilitation

Since they started, they have saved 630 horses from all over South Africa often travelling long distances. When horses are rescued, they are often brought to the farm horribly abused and in the more severe cases, close to death. Not all the horses will survive the extreme abuse they have experienced but for those that do, the end goal is to nurse them back to health, care, rehabilitate and train them so they will be ready to be adopted out to a carefully vetted home with a chance of a wonderful future. For the more extreme cases, they will live their forever home at the equine sanctuary. Currently there are 82 horses with an assortment of rescued farm animals and dogs

Equine rescues are performed all over South Africa in areas that do not have an active SPCA when the need arises. Community and horse owner education is also a priority for those that need advice on caring for their horses, ponies and even donkeys.

Please be aware that as the horses and ponies you will be working with come from extreme abusive backgrounds, only those under 70kgs will be riding as many of them have to be physically rehabilitated due to the past abuse they have experienced. You do not need to have experience with horses to take part in this project- although it is a benefit- but you will need to have a love of horses, their care and welfare. And be prepared to get your hands dirty and get stuck in with your volunteer duties. For those that have no experience with horses but want to learn, basic horse care will be taught during the time on the project but not riding. 

The description given is of a typical day (EXAMPLE).

Time Description:

06:00: Wake up, wash, get ready and feed the horses

07:30: Breakfast – Make your own with food provided

08:00: Start morning duties with the horses 

12:00: Make your own lunch and take a break from the midday sun

14:00: Afternoon volunteer duties

15:30: Bring in the horses and feed

17:30: Relax, swim in the dam, read, play board games, or contemplate on the meaning of life under an African sunset

The project is situated on the outskirts of Bonnievale, a town in the Breede River Valley of the Cape Winelands of the Western Cape province approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes’ drive from the city of Cape Town. The area is well known for fruit production, locally made cheese, tastings at wine farms, private game reserves and extensive hiking trails in the beautiful natural surroundings between two mountain ranges, the Riviersonderend and the Langeberg mountains.

 A perfect setting for those who appreciate nature, wide open spaces and fresh air.. and horses and ponies!