Go on a humanitarian mission in Europe, in close contact with horses!

In collaboration with the local staff, you will participate in hippotherapy sessions to help improve the physical and mental abilities of young people through horse riding.

You will also lend a hand in the vegetable garden, patrol the forest on horseback to prevent fires, supervise children during their educational summer camps, reforest wild areas, collect seeds, and take care of a small herd of goats and sheep!

If you love horses, this ecotourism project near Lisbon is perfect for you! Horses will be your companions for environmental protection and social inclusion activities. Most of your transportation will be done on horseback, helping maintain a 3-hectare wild area and supporting the equestrian center. It’s also a great opportunity to learn horse riding. During this humanitarian mission in Europe, the equestrian center welcomes beginners and offers riding lessons at a discounted rate.

Your Role

You will support the local team in delivering hippotherapy sessions, helping young people gain skills and confidence. Your tasks will include preparing the horses and ensuring safety during the sessions.

Here are the tasks you will be involved in:

• Stable maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining horse stalls and living areas.
• Horse care: Grooming, washing, feeding, and saddling the horses.
• Support for lessons and therapies: Helping prepare the horses and equipment for riding sessions and assisting the local team during activities.
• Support for summer camps (during school holidays): Planning and coordinating activities with the children.

Schedule

09:00: Travel to the project site by public transport and volunteer with the local team at the equestrian center.

13:00: Lunch at the project site.

14:00: Explore the city and surroundings and learn Portuguese during your free time.

21:00: Dinner with other international volunteers and travelers at the accommodation.

This is a sample schedule. Tasks and timings may vary depending on current needs.

You will work around 5 hours a day, giving you the chance to explore the city and its surroundings.