Student Programme

PROPOSAL FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME This horse riding work experience program is based on opportunities for riders to be a part of the fantastic experiences that we have riding in big game areas of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus gaining hands on exposure to the many facets of managing a herd of horses used for safaris in Africa. This will include general stable management, schooling, grooming, health and feeding of horses, exposure to a variety of responsibilities plus interaction with staff and guests. A fantastic Gap year work experience. The program is three fold: 1. Monzi; where the operation is based, the horses are schooled, rested and rotated from here. All the horses in our operation live out but Monzi is home for them and all of us. It is rare for guests to come here. The students live in a 3 bed room house near our home for the duration of their stay. Much of the exercising of the horses is done around the sugar cane fields on the Umfolozi River flats, which in itself is very beautiful. At times there could be 25 plus horses here, especially when a safari has finished and the horses return home for a deserved rest and some light work. Apart from those being rested, there are always horses being schooled, exercised, veterinary work to be carried out, feeding, grooming and general management being undertaken. 2. St Lucia; horse riding “Hacking” excursions for novices to experts are taken from the Iphiva campsite in the town of St Lucia. Beach rides, game rides and combinations of both go out for between 1- 2.5 hours. Our open air ‘stable’ is a grove of trees, the horses also live out here but come into the ‘grove stable’ for all feeding and grooming. At Iphiva interaction with guests from all over the world is constant alongside helping the existing grooms to look after eight to ten horses. Riding here is with a lead rider who knows the routes and area. The ability to drive a utility vehicle and having a valid driving license is necessary. 3. iSimangaliso Wetland Park; The horseback riding safari side of the business. We take safaris of up to 6 riders out into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and here you will be riding with the guests either as back up rider or on horses that need more exposure to the game aspect of what they are going to be doing in the future. We camp out for usually between 4 and 7 nights so there is not only the care and maintenance of the horses but also constant guest interaction and so people skills are hugely important. This three-tiered exposure allows one to experience: The stabling management hub of the business, schooling, exercising, grooming and caring for the horses. Responsibilities of looking after horses, staff and operations out of Iphiva in St Lucia. The fun and holiday side of being on safari, living and riding in a big game area. Experiencing all that a guest would, plus leisure time to enjoy other aspects of the area. To make sure that everyone gains exposure to the varying facets of our operation, we rotate everyone around the different areas. Requirements: Due to the varied extent of riding from schooling to exercising to riding in a Big Game area, you have to be an experienced rider in the classical English style. To be in a position to be a back up rider on safaris is an extremely responsible position and we reserve the decision to access your ability once here as to whether it is possible for you to be back up rider on safari and at Iphiva. So a detailed CV of your previous riding experience and ability is a requirement but we reserve the right to assess you once here as well. At least 8 years continuous riding plus being riding fit which means having ridden daily for at least 6 months prior. Our days are long but rewarding and many hours are spent in the saddle. You need to be generally fit and there is an 80kg weight limit for students. The Program: Due to the varied nature of the program and the extent of exposure one can obtain, we recommend a three month stay but there is a two month option as well. We feel that three months is the right time for you to get to the stage were you are comfortable in knowing what to do and having greater responsibilities. Your accommodation is in a 3 bed room house with 1 bathroom and a kitchen/living room near our house and occasionally you might need to share a large room with another student. At Monzi you make your own breakfast and lunch then dinner is all of us together at the main house. When on safari we eat all our meals with the guests, accommodation is in tents. All our safaris are tented.However, it is not all hard work and options are there to explore the many facets of the area. Relax and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, occasionally go into St Lucia for evenings and generally enjoy one self. At particular times of the year we can help arrange excursions to do whale watching or in the summer months to go on a turtle tour. All year there are tours into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Imfolozi/Hluhluwe Park, walking tours, cycling tours, birdwatching tours, night drives, kayaking and estuary cruisesa. These are with other operators in St Lucia and so do incur a cost. Location, the area, and how to get here is within the web site. Costs: 8 weeks: £1750.00 12 weeks: £1950.00 We organize our program through Yomps in the UK so for more information, please contact Tom at Yomps ( Tom) or their web  ( Yomps )  or Sarah ( Sarah) if you are interested in joining our programme. Note that it is good to plan ahead as with only two positions available they get filled quickly. These costs include all board and lodging; transfers to and from Richards Bay airport, riding and training and very limited use of transport for personal uses. Excluded are excursions with other local operators like whale watching, turtle tours, estuary cruises etc; entertainment; flights; visa’s; insurance; telephone calls, personal toiletries. Terms and Conditions: Medical evacuation and hospital Insurance is necessary, we advise you to take travel insurance also. Consult your doctor about malaria precautions in KwaZulu Natal although we are not in a malarial area.You are required to sign our indemnity form on arrival before being permitted to ride or work with the horses.During all stages of the 3 tiered program you will be advised and working with others.All payments and organisation of dates are made with Yomps. We at Bhangazi are happy to answer any questions we can and can provide other volunteers addresses or facebook details.