Horse safaris in the bush... a perfect career break working and living with horses.

Gap year equestrian and conservation volunteers spend about 40% of their time assisting with the care and welfare of the horses, which are used for horse safaris on the property. Not only will gap year volunteers be working with the horses on an intimate level but also enjoy close encounters viewing wild animals from horseback. Riding lessons and fun horse riding exercises are given on a regular basis. The surrounding game reserves have the Big 5. There are no permanent predators on Off Beat, so safety is not a problem. Here you can enjoy the pleasure of horse riding whilst experiencing nature at its best.

Whether you are an experienced horse rider, a novice or simply have a passion for horses and horse riding you will benefit greatly from the knowledge that you gain at Off Beat. Horse safaris in the African Bush are wonderful and ever changing, from quietly walking through the bush on the look out for African wild animals and birds, to trots and canters.

The Equestrian Horse Courses include:

• Stable yard routine and maintenance (no, this does not mean you will be mucking out stables every day!)
• Natural Horsemanship techniques
• Hoof care - external and internal structures
• Basic veterinary skills
• Herd behaviour and body language
• Grooming and interactive bonding with horses
• Use and care of tack and equipment
• Physiology and pathology
• Dentition
• Different horse breeds and identification markings
• Equine nutrition and digestive system
• Basic preparations for show jumping and gymkhana games in the dressage arena
• Horse riding skills - you don't have to be experienced, we will teach you all there is to know!

A selection of horse breeds at the Off Beat yard includes: Appaloosa, Thoroughbred, Arab, Friesian and the well-known South African Boerperd.