This equine rescue centre, located in the Costa Blanca region of Spain, provides an essential service. Their mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected and abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys, while campaigning for the better treatment of animals across Spain. They provide each rescued animal with a safe and loving sanctuary for the rest of their lives, either at their facility or through re-homing. Starting in 2008 from humble roots, the rescue centre has grown steadily over the years, and now cares for more than 120 horses, ponies and donkeys and a menagerie of other rescued animals including dogs, cats, parrots, chickens, geese, peacocks and pigs. It is now Spain’s only officially registered horse rescue centre foundation.

The horse rescue centre is determined to help push for the better treatment of animals in Spain and constantly lobbies authorities to change laws and punish those who abuse animals. Their work has been a turning point for animal welfare in Spain, as their horse rescues brought cruelty cases to light, gained momentum in the community and generated widespread media attention which pressured police into action. The foundation now works closely with the local police, lending assistance in cruelty case investigations and horse confiscations. This centre is a tremendous force for change and provides top quality care and a loving home for the horses, donkeys and ponies at their farm.

Volunteer Activities

Volunteers help provide care for all the animals at the horse rescue centre. Volunteer duties include feeding and watering the animals and cleaning and maintaining the stalls and fields. The animals are fed in the morning and afternoon. You will get to know the horses, ponies and donkeys and learn about any special requirements that they may have. Much of the cleaning happens throughout the day. The fields where the horses, ponies and donkeys spend their time, need to be cleared of manure daily to keep the environment clean for the animals. Other activities include washing buckets, mucking stalls, grooming the horses, ponies and donkeys, helping to feed and water the many pigs, chickens, peacocks, and cats at the centre, keeping the volunteer area maintained and helping with any special projects that might be taking place.

Daily activities start each day at 7 am and continue to around 5 pm, with breaks for meals. There are always opportunities to do more if you are interested - just let the coordinator know. The schedule is very flexible. If you would like a day off, please arrange this in advance with the coordinator.

Accommodation 

You will be staying right on site in the volunteer housing. Rooms house up to three volunteers and are very comfortable, with a couch, table and shelving space to store your things. There is a full western bathroom that includes a shower, and laundry facilities. Don't worry about bringing any bedding or towels – linens are all provided for you. There is a lovely patio area with tables and chairs where you can dine beside the koi pond with the peacocks for company!

Meals are not included in the volunteer fees. You will have the use of a full kitchen and you will be taken into town to buy groceries and supplies.

There is free Wi-Fi at the centre, and bicycles are available for volunteers to use. The closest town is an easy 10 minute bike ride away and if you are feeling adventurous, you can reach the beach in 40 minutes.

Safety

Do you have questions about safety? We have answers right here! 

Includes

Airport pick up and drop off (at the closest airport), accommodation, on-site training, donation to Placement Partner, AEI Travel Manual, any extras from placement, emergency support while at placement, carbon credits to offset 3 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to $500, 000 USD in emergency medical coverage), travel discounts (through automatic membership to a volunteer only travel discount program), 24/7 travel and emergency assistance, enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering. This 3-hour online course is curated by travel professionals and is designed to help you get the most out of your adventure. Please note; meals are not included. As you are responsible for purchasing your own food and preparing your meals, please budget for additional food costs.

Excludes

Flights, meals, entry visa costs, international and domestic airport taxes, immunizations and medications.

What is Serious

You will be staying right on site near the horses, donkeys and ponies and will have the opportunity to be immersed in everything equine. You will learn from the experienced staff and volunteers and become comfortable working with and around the animals. Many of the horses have special dietary and medical requirements and you will learn about their conditions and what they need.

The local equine veterinarian visits the centre as needed, and you will be able to observe the vet if they come on a day you are volunteering. More complicated surgeries and medical cases are seen at a veterinary clinic off site, however some surgeries (such as castrations) and dentistry take place on the farm. The farrier, a specialist in equine hoof care, also visits the centre every couple of weeks, to help with any foot or lower limb issues, trim and balance the hooves and place shoes on hooves if necessary. You can ask to watch the farrier work when they are at the centre and learn about the important service they provide.

What is Fun

As a volunteer, you have the freedom to “choose your own adventure” helping as much as you like. There are many opportunities to interact with the horses, ponies and donkeys and you will quickly begin to appreciate their different personalities. You will also have lots of time to explore the local region, and experience rural Spanish life. There are bicycles available for volunteers to use – so plan a trip to the seaside where you can swim in the Mediterranean Sea during the warm months or have a meal or a drink on the promenade of this local resort town. Shop, dine and explore the village closest to the rescue centre or just enjoy strolling the country roads, lined with orange tree groves and rolling fields.

Dates and Details

This is an ongoing program with operations every day of the year. There are no specific start or end dates. We work with you and your schedule so you can serve this community and help animals when you are available. Please make sure when you book your flights, you arrive the first day of your shift between 8am and 3pm.

Fundraising

Are you thinking of fundraising for a portion, or all your fees? Many of our clients have been very successful with their fundraising efforts. To learn more about their successful fundraising projects and see how you can fund raise for your experience, please visit our fundraising page!