Wild Coast Horseback Adventures

Gap Year Working Horse Riding Holiday

 

P1020703

 

 

Eat, sleep, breath & ride horses on a 1 to 12 week Working Horse Riding Holiday

with Wild Coast Horse Trails & Torstone Sport Horse Stud at Sunray Farm.

 

An Equine Experience on the Wild Coast of South Africa.

Join us for a wonderful horse riding eco adventure holiday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page updated 21/02/10

 

 

*             We are South Africa's leading Gap Year and Working Riding Holiday program.

*             We cater for all levels of horse riders who want an extended horse riding experience.

 

*             We offer unpretentious hospitality in a setting that allows guest to relax de-stress and escape the clutter of everyday life.  This is simple country living and riding on a working horse and cattle farm, no frills - just great riding on lovely horses, a comfortable bed, home cooked food and lots of conversation revolving around the horses!!

*             Based at Sunray Farm we offer different daily rides around the farm looking for game and from our beach paddocks in Kei Mouth. 

*             For a perfect riding holiday, overnight trails can be enjoyed separately or combined to create an authentic rural African experience.

*             Riding at the farm offers a selection of out-rides through indigenous bush looking for naturally occurring game, schooling in our outdoor arena, riding lessons,  a mini cross country jumping course, barrel racing and games on horseback, round pen work, and several different beach rides in Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay.

*             Join us for 1 to 12 weeks hands on riding holiday, in an alternative environment using natural horse care and horsemanship.

*             You will be involved with the day to day care of the horses, do lots of riding, exercising and schooling the horses, and have an option to do a Wild Coast Horse Trail.

*             This is an excellent environment to get work experience for equine students, advanced riders will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great riding, intimidate riders can immerses themselves with the horses, and novice & beginner riders’ riding will improve!

 

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  Daily riding at the farm includes riding lessons and games on horseback.  Sunray Farm - main homestead.  Explore forgotten ship wrecks on the overnight horse trail.

 

We require that candidates be horse lovers, must love the great outdoors and have a spirit of adventure to do new things. No other experience is necessary as we will teach you as you go along.

 

 

*    Options available

 

 

 

Ø       Ranch Riding Holiday at Sunray Farm.

Ø       1 to 11 weeks riding Holiday!

 

Wild Coast beaches

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ø       Join us for a 1 to 12 week riding Holiday and add on an overnight trail!

Ø       Our 4 to 6 week riding holiday is the most popular!

Ø       Priced per person per week (7 nights), includes all meals, shared dormitory type accommodation and riding

Ø       Hands on horse riding holiday at Sunray Farm.

Ø       Suits riders of all levels & ages (including novice riders) who would like a month long horse riding experience.

Ø       Single accommodation available, subject to availability, single supplement payable.

Ø       Includes “join up” sessions, riding lessons & schooling, out rides on the farm and beach riding.

Ø       Riders need not have extensive experience, but should have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude to do new things.

Ø       This is an excellent option for those wanting an introduction to join up and starting young horses.

Ø       This is an excellent option for beginner/novice riders to come on an intensive learning experience.

Ø       Perfect for advanced riders wanting to just relax and enjoy some really good riding!

Ø       Riders may join our monthly 4 nights 5 day Wild Coast Horse Trail normally runs in the second or third week of the month.  This is paid separately. 

 

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Ø       12 Weeks Work Experience Program

Ø       FOR EXPERIENCED RIDERS ONLY

 

schooling and working with horses

 

 

 

Ø       All meals and accommodation at Sunray Farm and airport transfers are included.

Ø       Book for 12 weeks and get a FREE overnight trail!

Ø       Riders must be able to school horses and ride without supervision. 

Ø       Riders must have a sound knowledge of basic flatwork/dressage and be willing to ride and bring on young horses.

Ø       Includes “join up” session, riding lessons & schooling, out rides on the farm and beach riding.

Ø       Riders will be taught how to “start” a young horse with join up and other gentling techniques

Ø       Riders will take clients out on shorter beach rides.

Ø       Riders must have previous experience taking other people (beginners/novice) on out rides.

Ø       Riders will have an opportunity to teach other adult riders in the working riding holiday program.

Ø       Riders will be given an opportunity to go to and possibly ride at an endurance ride (in season)

Ø       Riders may be asked to ride as back up rider and groom on overnight trails. (this is not guaranteed)

Ø       Riders must have a driver’s license valid for use in South Africa.

Ø       Your duties are not limited to horse riding and may include general stable and yard work.

Ø       You will be given at least one long weekend off during your stay, and other occasional days to enable you to do a bit of sight seeing, go to the beach and visit a game reserve.

Ø       You will be given a letter of reference to add to your resume on completion of your stay.

Ø       No chances please.  By applying for the 12 week program you declare that you are an active and advanced rider capable of riding any horse in any situation.  You also declare that you are fit and healthy and able to carry out the duties that will be required of you.

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Ø       Please note that should a rider decide to leave before the end of their stay, no refunds will be given.

 

Ø       Riders may participate on any overnight trail at a reduced rate; this should be booked when making your reservation.

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Ø       Prices quoted include all meals, horse riding and shared accommodation at Sunray farm.

Ø       Riders will be encouraged to take a few days off during their stay to go to “Buccaneers Back Packers”, visit a local game reserve, go to the beach or go into town to see a movie and do some shopping!

 

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Cantering through the waves on an endless beach! On trail, enjoy a boat trip up the river to view mangrove swaps!  Its a great place to swim too. River crossing while on overnight trail.

 

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Arrival dates are flexible throughout the year.

 

 

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Please go to our Availability Working Riding Holidays page to see what places we have available

 

Universal Currency Converter XE.com. go to web site  http://www.xe.com >>>>>

 

 

Mastercard  VisaCard 

Credit cards accepted.

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The following is included in your holiday package.

 

*       Daily horse riding including riding lessons, out rides and trails on the farm and at the beach.

*       Meals at Sunray Farm

*       Laundry

*       Accommodation – you stay with us as part of our family in “The Loft” next to the main homestead at Sunray Farm.

*       Transfers to and from East London Airport.

*       If everything is done and there are no rides booked, there is lots of free time for the beach, game viewing, exploring our wonderful country and generally having a good time!

 

The following in NOT included in your holiday package.

 

*       Drinks, and soft drinks, cigarettes, chips, sweets and other tuck!

*       Toiletries

*       Extra diesel in the truck if you use it to go out.

*       Cell phone, so that you can keep in contact with the outside world!

*       Internet is available and charged per half hour.

*       Pocket money

*       Other items of a personal nature.

*       Overnight Trails along the Wild Coast – we recommend that you book to ride on our monthly Wild Coast Horse Trail.

*       Day excursions – A day trip to a local big 5 private game reserve can be arranged. Includes 4x4 safari, lunch and elephant interaction!

*       Day excursions – Any day ride or other trip out does not include lunches or meals – these have to be paid separately.

*       On overnight trail – does not include your bar accounts, cool drinks, laundry and other extras.

*       Buccaneers Back packers – we encourage you to take a weekend off during your stay. Go meet others travelling South Africa, get a surfing lesson, chill out or party!

 

 

We expect you to participate in the following.

 

*       Grooming, bathing, and general care of the horses

*       Feeding when necessary

*       Cleaning tack and equipment

*       Working with the young foals & yearlings at Sunray Farm.

*       Exercising & schooling horses at Sunray Farm

*       Exercising & care of the trail horses at Kei Mouth

*       Assisting with out rides and trails at Kei Mouth

*       A normal working day is from 8 am to 5 pm with an hour for lunch.  We spend the morning caring, working, schooling and exercising horses and then go down to the beach horses in the afternoon. However, animals and holidaymakers do not keep time, so we may occasionally start a little earlier and finish a little later.

 

We have full time paid employees who look after the horses on a daily basis.

 

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*       The point of you being with us is to do lots of riding, learn, help out and have fun!

It is up to you to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you.

The more you participate, the more you will learn and the more you will take home with you.

 

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STUDENTS AT A RECOGNIZED EQUESTRIAN COLLEGE

 

We especially welcome students studying at a recognized equestrian college who need a period of work experience to assist in their studies.  We will make special efforts to give them the opportunity to do practical work within the area of which they are studying.

*       If candidates choose to participate in the 12 week work experience program, we will ensure that riders get hands on experience and training in all aspects of what we do.

*       At the end of your stay we will give you a written letter of reference to add to your resume.

*       Participants on the 12 week work experience program get to do a FREE overnight trail J

 

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Sunray Farm dinning room where our riders have 3 full meals a day. The Loft - lounge area for our work riders has its own TV, DVD player, radio ect.  So you get to chill out in comfort - a home away from home. The upstairs section of The Loft sleeps 4 comfortabley.

 

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Working Riding Holiday program sample.

 

*       The program is dependent on prevailing weather and when an overnight trail has been booked!

*       This is just a guide as to what you can expect during your stay.

*       Our morning starts at 7.30 am for breakfast and we start with the horses at 8 am; we have an hour for lunch and finish around 5 pm in the afternoon.  If it is very hot we might take a longer lunch and ride later in the cool of the evening.

 

Daily Routine

 

*       The mornings are spent at the farm and you will assist with the morning grooming and care of the horses. This normally takes 1 to 2 hours before you do your morning riding.

*       Young horses need handling, teaching to lead, stand for grooming & feet ect. 

*       Horses need exercising and young up and coming horses need basic schooling in dressage and jumping.

*       We have a dressage arena, some jumps, a mini cross country course, a space for barrel racing, dams for swimming the horses, lots of out rides on the farm where you can spot naturally occurring wild game!

*       During the afternoon you will most probably go down to the beach. We run a string of horses at our paddocks in Kei Mouth, they need to be fed and groomed daily.  You will do lots of beach riding and when holiday makers book a ride you will be able to ride with them.

 

WEEK 1

We will collect you from the Airport or Buss stop in East London and bring you back to the farm.  The first few days are spent getting to know us and the horses, and we will assess your riding ability.  You will be shown our routine in grooming and tacking up horses, taught about general riding safety, and how to conduct yourself while riding in a group and with clients.

WEEK 2

Preparation for the overnight trails includes cleaning and checking tack and equipment, transporting horses to the paddocks at Kei Mouth and bathing and grooming the horses for the start of trail. 

If you are riding on an overnight trail, the next 7 days will be filled with great riding along the Wild Coast.  You are expected to assist with feeding and care of the horse while on trail and to help out where needed.

WEEK 3

Once the trail is completed, we will bring horses back to the farm and all the tack will need stripping and cleaning to get rid of all the sand and sea salt!! You will probably need a day in East London to do some shopping, see a movie and have lunch.  We can also recommend having a day out at Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve where you can do a 4x4 safari and see the “big 5”, have lunch and then participate in an elephant interaction session with the reserves tame elephants!

WEEK 4

We may have another trail booked, and you will help with the preparations ect.  Otherwise you will have an opportunity to get hands on experience doing some “round pen” work, “join up” and how to “start” a young horse.  A day ride along the beach is planned with a pub lunch at Seagulls.

 

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Riding lessons and schooling are part of the program. Chilling out are all part of a days work!! Rainbows make dreams come true.  Wild Coast Horseback Adventures will make your dream of working and riding with horses all day come true. September through to end November is foaling and breeding season at Torstone Sport Horse Stud on Sunray Farm. A good selection of lovely horses suits all riding levels.

 

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Work Rider Program Arrival dates

 

*       Riders will be collected from the East London Airport or bus terminal @ about 12 pm

*       Please see our availability page on the web site to see when we have place available.

*       We recommend 4 weeks stay for the average rider wanting a riding experience

*       6 weeks is perfect for riders wanting a more in-depth experience.

*       We will only take experience & advanced riders who are passionate about horse on the 12 week program.

 

We recommend that our work riders do the following to book their place.

 

*       Check availability and dates with us.

*       Complete the booking form and return it to us.

*       A deposit is required within 7 days to confirm your place.

*       Book your flights to South Africa (Johannesburg – OR Thambo International Airport)

*       Get a internal flight from Johannesburg to East London, South Africa

*       Try "1 time", or SAA We collect you from the airport in East London.

*       Send us your flight details.

*       The balance is due 30 days before your arrival.

 

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At the end of your holiday, you then have an option to stay on with us, or perhaps explore our beautiful country using the very safe and cost effective back packing network that is available in SA, www.coastingafrica.com  & www.bazbus.com  , www.cinta.com (this is Buccaneers Backpackers a short drive away from us and is reputed to be the best in the country!)  This works very well, as you get to have an idea of what options are available and make your adventure plans once you are here. (Your entry & travel visa is valid for 3 months stay!)

 

Ideally you should arrive a week before our monthly trail; that way you have time to get to know the horses, and how we do things before we go on trail.  More often than not we have a 6 night trail booked during the middle of the month

All confirmed bookings (with deposits paid) will be honored at the quoted rate.

Wild Coast Horse Trails & Sunray Farm reserves the right to increase or decrease the prices previously quoted for holiday arrangements before a booking is confirmed. External factors beyond our control may affect the holiday costs such as accommodation tariff increases, taxes (e.g. VAT), exchange rate fluctuations etc.  Please read our other terms and conditions as published on our web site.

 

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHAT TO SOMEONE WHO HAS ALREADY BEEN TO US?

 

Email Julie-Anne and she will send you their contact details, or

find us on our facebook page Wild Coast Horse Back Adventures.

 

*       To book your place, please complete the booking form and return it to us.

*       We will invoice you for your holiday and give you our banking details.

*       We require a deposit within 7 days of receiving the booking form

*       Your holiday will be confirmed once we have your deposit.

*       The balance is payable 30 days before arrival.

 

Morgan Bay Cliff tops with Wild Coast Horse Trails.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Where is Sunray Farm?

 

Sunray Farm is situated about 20 Km from the sea side village of Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay .  This is about 1 hours drive from the city of East London.  We are in an area known as “The Wild Coast” or the former home land of Transkei.  This is now called Eastern Cape Province. 

Google GPS co-ordinates 32.37`41S and 28..09`48E

 

What is the average age of volunteers?

 

Volunteers will typically be around 18 – 25 years old, although the age can range anywhere from 17 upwards. The majority of volunteers will also be gapers and career breakers (30 to 40 something!).

 

 

Why should I pay to volunteer?

 

Volunteering will bring a variety of benefits to individuals. You will be making a positive contribution to South Africa, experience different cultures and enhance your CV for future careers.
The payment for volunteering goes towards meals, accommodation, airport transfers and transport around the placement. And of course horses cost a lot of money to feed and look after!

 

Before Departure

 

Can I speak to ex-volunteers about the placements?

 

Yes, please email us and we will send you contact details. You can also find us on FACEBOOK!

 

How far should I book in advance?

 

Due to high demand, it is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. This will also allow plenty of time to do fundraising or raid the piggybank! Always contact us to check availability, as some places may become available at short notice.

 

 

How do I book a placement?

 

You can email us and we can send you an application form.

 

Are flights included in the project fees?

 

No, your local travel agent will be able to assist you.

 

Will I need insurance?

 

Volunteers will need to ensure they have full comprehensive insurance before travelling.

We also recommend that you travel with a valid Master or Visa Credit card to cover any other unforeseen emergencies.

 

Will I need a visa?

 

Volunteers are required to hold a passport valid for at least 6 months longer than your date of return. Volunteers should also ensure your passport is in good condition.

South African Visas
Volunteers from the
UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are not required to pay for a visa to enter South Africa. You will be granted a temporary visitor’s permit valid for 90 days when you present your passport on arrival at the airport in South Africa. If you are intending to stay for longer than 90 days however, it is worthwhile applying for a visa in your home country before you travel. This will save you the trouble of having to extend your visitor’s permit once you are in South Africa. Visas can be extended in South Africa for R420 at the Home Affairs office, one month before your visa expires.

Exempt: Australia, Belgium, United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, USA, France, Switzerland

 

Which injections do I need

 

All volunteers should seek medical advice from their doctor at least two months before departure. They will provide you with any necessary injections and prescribe malaria tablets if needed. 

Please note:  The Eastern Cape and Wild Coast Area is Malaria free

 

What do I need to bring?

 

PACKING LIST

·         Jodhpurs or riding pants.

·         Riding chaps or long boots

·         Own hard hat.

·         Shorts for walking and hiking.

·         Walking shoes or boots to ride in.

·         Slip slops or sandals.

·         A couple of light long sleeved shirts with collars to protect you from the sun while riding.

·         T shirts and tops.

·         Light long trousers. Jeans will do.

·         Smart outfit to change for dinner at the hotels.
Also bring :

·         Warm clothing 1 X jersey (jumper/fleece).to ride in and a nice one for the evenings!

·         A good warm rain proof coat.

·         Light weight rain jacket/wind breaker that will be tied to your saddle.

·         Sun hat (that stays on) and sun block.

·         Swimming costume and swimming towel.

·         A torch (Flashlight) each.

·         A camera, film and binoculars. (battery charger) & adaptor!

·         Reading material

·         Other items of a personal nature.

·         Bring some DVD movies to watch in the evenings.

·         Enough pocket money for day trips & outings.

·         NB!  A valid credit card to cover any unforeseen emergency.  This would be used to cover the unlikely event of you having to go to hospital if you have a bad fall from a horse.  The hospitals in our area demand a deposit to be paid up front. You would be able to reclaim this amount from your travel insurance. 

 

Ø       We have the following branded items for sale

o        Peak caps

o        Collard riding shirts

o        Fleece with long sleeves

o        Rain proof riding jackets

o        Postcards

o        Coffee Mugs

 

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In The Field

 

Will I be met at the airport?

 

Yes, you will be met by one of our representative when you arrive. If you are travelling overland, we will provide directions to a designated meeting point.

 

Do I need to speak the local language?

 

No you don’t, as the people at your placement will speak English.

 

Where will we sleep?

 

We have renovated the original old farm house and created a comfortable flat with upstairs loft for our volunteers to sleep in. The “loft” area sleeps four comfortably at the top, and 2 down stairs, there is one small private bedroom and any over flow is accommodated in the main homestead.  The loft has its own sitting room with TV, Hifi and DVD player and a small kitchenette to make tea and coffee and where you can keep snacks and drinks ect.

 

Do the placements cater for vegetarians?

 

Of course! Please just let us know if you have any particular eating problems ect.  We will do our best to feed you J

 

Can I travel after the placement?

 

Yes, it is fairly common for volunteers to travel around once they have completed their stay with us. We are happy to help any volunteer with flight arrangements and will give helpful advice on future destinations.  The back packing net work in this country is particularly good, cheap and safe.  And there is a hop on hop off buss service that goes to all the most popular places!

Sunray Farm, Kei Mouth Road, Wild Coast South Africa.  P.O. box 43 Haga Haga 5272

Telephone +27-(0)43-8311087  Mobile  082-5670972  fax 0866089678

email  julie-anne@sunrayfarm.co.za 

www.wildcoasthorsesafari.co.za

 

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Outrides at the farm offer stunning views and the chance to spot wild animals.

 Most of the horse can jump too! You will ride a horse that you wish you could take home with you! Stunning views from horseback.

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News Letter December 2009

 

 

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Please email us for more details and prices

Julie-anne@sunrayfarm.co.za

 

Sunray Farm,

Kei Mouth Road,

Wild Coast South Africa.

P.O. box 43 Haga Haga 5272

Telephone +27-(0)43-8311087

Fax 086 6089578

Mobile  082-5670972

 

julie-anne@sunrayfarm.co.za

 

Content on this web site is original

and written by Julie-Anne Gower.

Phrases and concepts are often copied, but the implementation thereof never perfected.

 

Other photos on this web site were taken on trail by our team and our many happy clients. Thank you for sharing your memories with us.

 

Sunray Farm

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Contact us to find out about our hunting and fishing eco adventures and working holidays

 

 

 

 

 

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