Dunkeld Equine Adventure Volunteer Program

Dunkeld is home to nearly 40 horses, Angus and Drakensberger Cattle, Angora Goats and Merino Sheep as well as some wildlife such as Black Wildebeest, Zebra and various antelope.

The Dunkeld Volunteer program gives any horse enthusiast the chance to be involved in the day-to-day life of living on the farm, working closely with management in all aspects of the Equestrian Centre as well as the Agriculture developement and not to forget the Adventure Centre.

Community volunteering forms a vital part of the program too as we educate the youth on general animal welfare and spend time in the local learning centre, helping the children with home work or partake in fun activities on sports days.

Program Overview

This adventure is set in the Dullstroom region of the Mpumalanga Highlands in South Africa. The program is tailor-made for equine enthusiasts who want to make a difference.

Develop your horse riding skills at our prestigious Equestrian centre on our Warmblood sporthorses, enjoy outrides throughout our pristine farmlands. Situated on the exclusive Dunkeld Country and Equestrian estate, this program is suitable for any horse rider, from beginner to advanced, and will give you the opportunity to ride, jump and drive a carriage.

Volunteer in the local community, working at and uplifting the local schools and learning centre. In the rural areas, horses still play a vital role in everyday transport. One of the main aspects here will be to help and educate the youth on general care and welfare of the horses in the community, as well as liaising with local vets in treating and caring for injured horses (and other animals).

There will be a few allocated days where you will spend some time with other departments of the farm, working and learning there. This will vary from agricultural work (e.g. herding sheep, goats and cattle) to assisting at the entertainment centre (e.g. maintaining trails, assisting with adventure activities and the wool project) and even resort work (e.g. fence patrol, assisting at large functions and doing trail rides for resort guests)

During your stay here you will be exposed to various aspects of the equestrian side of the estate:

Stable management of trail stables as well as competition venue.
Stud farm management.
General horsemanship skills
Medical care and treatment of all horses.
Backing and training of young stock.
Lessons in dressage, show jumping and even cross country.
Schooling of horses.
Trails and advanced rides.
Organizing and partaking in regular horse shows.
Involvement of seasonal breeding program.
Experience in the hospitality industry.

What's Included

Return airport transfers from OR Tambo International Airport.
All accommodation during your stay, including backpacker’s accommodation on excursion.
3 meals a day at the resort including excursion meals, never go hungry! (vegetarians welcome)
Laundry service once a week.
Transfers to and from all activities in and around the resort.
Transfer once a week to town for shopping (own expense)
Panoramic excursion, with elephant experience and a full day Kruger Safari.
All activities on the resort and some activities off the resort
Unlimited horse riding lessons and equestrian activities.
Community volunteering and donation to community program.
Free access to Wi-Fi.
24 hour emergency support.