Horse rescue centre in Canada. Go on an eco-volunteering trip to Alberta to a sanctuary that takes in abused horses. See all our horse-related programmes here.
Horse rescue centre in Alberta, Canada
Our partner will place you at a horse rescue centre located near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. This rescue centre is currently home to over 170 horses, most of which were saved from the slaughterhouse.
The centre covers 16 hectares. It focuses on horses, but also cares for pigs, llamas, goats, ducks, chickens and many other species.
Eco-volunteers play a vital role at the rescue centre, helping to ensure the welfare of animals that have suffered abuse in the past.
The work you will be asked to do can be physically demanding. This project does not involve horse riding!
Looking after the horses and other animals at the centre
The work carried out by eco-volunteers is vital to the running of the rescue centre. You will be involved in a wide range of tasks, looking after the horses and other farm animals. This requires commitment and can involve physically demanding work. Please bear in mind that this horse rescue centre does not offer horse riding.
Here are the main tasks you will be assigned
- Food preparation and feeding of horses and other farm animals
- Monitoring the health of horses
- Grooming
- Support for vets and farriers
- Filling feeders and loading/unloading hay or fodder
- Repairing fences and cleaning paddocks (clearing manure).
Dates
- Minimum 8 weeks, all year round
Prices
- 8 weeks: $1,195, or approximately €1,137
- 10 weeks: $1,295, or approximately €1,232
- 12 weeks: $1,395, or approximately €1,327
Included in the price
- Placement at the equine rescue centre (provided by Fronteering)
- Accommodation
- Airport meet-and-greet
- You can use the Fronteering office as your postal address
- If you encounter any problems with your volunteering project, Fronteering will act as a mediator between you and the organisation.
- Through Fronteering, you can book tours in Canada once you have completed your volunteering project.
- 24/7 emergency contact (provided by Fronteering)
Not included in the price
- Flight/train tickets
- Meals
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Minimum of 8 weeks
- All year round, but the months between April and October are the best time to visit
- Ages 18 and over
- English (intermediate level)
- Must have experience with horses.
- Not to have any allergies to animals.
- Good physical fitness (ability to lift heavy loads and carry out manual work)
- Smoking is not permitted on the premises.
- A strong work ethic is required: reliable, responsible, polite, self-reliant, enthusiastic, honest, with a good sense of humour, and in good physical and mental health.
- Harsh weather conditions (heat and cold)
- Being able to live in a remote area
- A love of animals and general experience in animal care are essential, as are patience and confidence when working with mammals and birds.
- You must read and agree to comply with the project’s guidelines and code of conduct.
- Good communication skills, the ability to work independently, and a good knowledge of English.
- A valid driving licence would be an advantage, but is not essential.
- Work with horses in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
- Join a team dedicated to animal welfare.
- Learn more about horses.
- Discover the beauty of rural Canada.
- Improve your English
Accommodation
You will be staying in the guest house, which comprises a bedroom, a kitchen and a living/dining room. The accommodation is rustic and clean, with standard furniture and fittings.
Food
You will need to prepare your own meals. You will be asked to go and buy your food at the supermarket.
Takeaway
Be prepared for all kinds of weather.
Bring gloves, sturdy shoes (preferably waterproof) and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty (as all the animals will be delighted to rub up against you and say hello!). There is a volunteers’ clubhouse on site, with toilets, a kitchen and a library. You can bring books and magazines that you’d like to share or donate.
Arrival
You will be met at Calgary or Edmonton Airport.
The volunteer project is based in Alberta, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. This region offers volunteers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and hiking. There are parks, trails…
Tous les avis sur les missions de Fronteering
About the partner organisation
Our partner is a Canadian organisation founded in 2010, specialising in overseas volunteering projects aimed at preserving the environment, wildlife and indigenous communities. It offers placements all over the world, but thanks to its Canadian base, it provides numerous experiences with a positive impact in North America. It also focuses on the least-visited places on the planet. Places that still boast rich biodiversity and where you can immerse yourself in a world that remains wild. Our partner strives to offer volunteering experiences off the beaten track. Adventure awaits!
