Spain – Experience daily life at a horse sanctuary and learn new ways of interacting with horses. A unique immersion in a horse sanctuary in Andalusia, surrounded by nature. See all the opportunities to work with horses here.
A horse sanctuary focused on listening to the horse
Welcome to Andalusia, in the heart of unspoilt countryside, not far from the picturesque town of Ronda. This place is much more than just a horse sanctuary: it is a true community dedicated to animal welfare and fostering a respectful relationship between humans and horses.
Association founded in 2016
Here, there are no saddles or bits – the horses live in herds, in vast natural spaces, on a permanent boarding basis. The approach is resolutely gentle and non-coercive, focused on listening to the horse, observing its body language, and building a genuine bond. Founded in 2016 by an enthusiast with over ten years’ experience, the sanctuary welcomes volunteers into a caring and educational environment. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, you’ll be introduced to equine ethology through methods based on positive reinforcement.
The sanctuary offers three types of eco-volunteer placements
The equine programme
It is designed for individual travellers, small groups of friends and families who wish to care for the horses and their environment. You will be trained alongside our partner to look after the horses: feeding, hoof trimming, and much more. Every horse in our care is recovering from an illness or injury; our approach is based on a respectful therapeutic method, centred on the horses’ physical and emotional needs.
The method used by the sanctuary is based on a caring and natural relationship with the animal. The horses’ emotions and reactions are taken into account, as well as any past trauma they may have experienced. The aim is to facilitate a gentle learning process and to encourage each horse to progress at its own pace.
On a day-to-day basis, your responsibilities will include:
- Helping to look after the horses: feeding, observing their behaviour, maintaining the paddocks
- Learn the basics of non-verbal communication and positive reinforcement
- Take part in practical workshops on ethology and animal welfare
The sustainable development programme
The sanctuary is also developing a sustainability initiative and has established a programme focused on sustainable development. This programme is aimed at individual travellers and small groups of friends or families wishing to lend a hand at the sanctuary by tending the gardens and grounds, or by taking part in ongoing construction projects. It is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to an ecosystem that respects life in all its forms.
On a day-to-day basis, eco-volunteers help with:
- Creating a permaculture vegetable garden,
- In green building projects,
- To the sustainable management of water and resources.
The group programme
The sanctuary welcomes groups. For groups of eight or more, you can tailor your itinerary and benefit from preferential rates.
- All year round
- At least one week
Equine Programme
- 1 week €643 per week
- 2 weeks €627 per week
- 3 weeks €609 per week
- 4 weeks €590 per week
- 8 weeks €503 per week
- 12 weeks €426 per week
- 18+ weeks €298 per week
- 50 weeks €256 per week
Sustainable Development Programme
- 1 week €472 per week
- 2 weeks €456 per week
- 3 weeks €438 per week
- 4 weeks €420 per week
- 8 weeks €336 per week
- 12+ weeks €256 per week
Groups of 8 to 35 people – €298 per person per week
Included in the price
- Accommodation
- Food
- Teaching materials
- Certificate of completion following the end of your work placement.
- Towels and bed linen (excluding beach/pool towels).
- Internet access is limited.
Not included in the programme
- Flights, transport, outings, meals and drinks in bars are at your own expense and are not included in the programme.
- Travel insurance.
- An airport transfer can be arranged for a fee payable on arrival.
- A mission suitable for ages 14 and over, whether on your own or with your family
- An inspiring educational programme, featuring hands-on workshops exploring the bond between humans and horses
- A sanctuary committed to a comprehensive environmental approach
- A small group of no more than six volunteers to ensure high-quality supervision
Easily accessible from Marbella (by train or plane), in the heart of a beautiful part of Andalusia
- Minimum age: 14 (with parental consent)
- No riding experience required
- Recommended level of English: intermediate (B2)
- Physical fitness: a good level of general fitness is required for outdoor work
- Families and groups are welcome (activities tailored to different age groups)
- Accommodation: a 20-minute walk from the centre, in the small village of Atajate. Shared or private accommodation, subject to availability
- Meals: Food is provided. You can prepare your own meals, either individually or as a group. Vegetarian and organic options are available.
- Living environment: simple, close to nature
- Getting there: the nearest station is Ronda. You can travel to Jimera de Libar station. Access by bus from Ronda or Atajate. The nearest airport is in Málaga (transfers to be arranged)
- Languages spoken on site: mainly English, with Spanish as a secondary language
You’ll have some free time each week to explore the region. Why not set off to discover the white villages and hiking trails through the Andalusian hills, or visit the local markets to immerse yourself in the culture of southern Spain?
About the partner
Our partner is an equine sanctuary founded in 2016, located in Andalusia. The organisation works to promote animal welfare through a gentle, non-coercive ethological approach. It welcomes volunteers from all over the world in a spirit of sharing, respect and independence. The aim is to create a space for learning and authentic connection, both with the horses and with oneself and nature.
