Volunteer Program

About the Project – What Is Khaya Hanci All About?
Khaya Hanci is a heartfelt initiative devoted to rescuing, rehabilitating, and training horses that come from challenging and often traumatic backgrounds. Many of these animals have suffered neglect or abuse, and our mission is to give them a second chance at life.

Through daily care, groundwork, and riding sessions, we focus on rebuilding their trust and confidence—step by step, with patience and consistency. Our approach is holistic, emphasizing not just physical rehabilitation, but emotional healing as well.

From the moment they arrive, the horses are welcomed into the herd and given the freedom to roam across 450 hectares of open land. Living in this natural environment supports their recovery and allows them to regain their instincts, strength, and sense of belonging.

Khaya Hanci is a place for experienced horse lovers and riders who want to make a difference. Here, you can bring your skills, passion, and heart to a project that not only transforms the lives of horses—but offers a truly enriching experience for those who work with them. All of this unfolds in a breathtaking landscape shaped by mountains, wildlife, and the untamed beauty of the African bush.

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves, saddle up, and be part of something bigger?

Volunteering at Khaya Hanci means getting involved where it truly matters. Our horses come from difficult backgrounds—some were neglected, others mistreated. Here, they get a second chance. And you’ll be a key part of that journey.

Your daily tasks are hands-on and meaningful. You’ll feed, groom, and care for the horses, check their wellbeing, and help build the trust they need to recover. Stable work is part of the routine too—keeping the tack room organized, cleaning, and depending on the season, helping with tick removal. 

But care alone isn’t enough. These horses need training to build the physical and mental strength to carry riders for several hours a week through the bush. That’s where you come in. You’ll support their rehabilitation through groundwork like leading, lunging, and desensitization. More advanced horses will need time in the round pen or arena, and depending on your experience, you might assist with light riding or jump work.

Once the horses are ready, they help us with daily tasks—checking fences, moving across our 450 hectares of open land, and monitoring wildlife. You’ll join trail rides that aren’t just about riding, but about being part of the land. You might cross paths with kudu, impala, wildebeest, or ostriches—it’s a different kind of riding experience, one where connection matters more than speed.

There’s also plenty to do around the farm: fixing fences, maintaining riding equipment, or supporting the daily routines that keep everything moving. It’s physical work, sometimes dusty and sweaty, but always rewarding.

This project is for experienced horse people—those who know their way around a horse and are comfortable working independently and responsibly. If that sounds like you, and you’re looking for something real, grounded, and full of purpose—Khaya Hanci might be your place.

Volunteer Requirements – What You Need to Join
Working with rescue horses in the African bush is a rewarding and unforgettable experience—but it also comes with responsibility. To ensure your safety and the wellbeing of our horses, we ask that all volunteers meet the following requirements:

Basic Requirements
Minimum age: 18 years
Maximum rider weight: 85 kg (exceptions may be discussed individually)
Riding experience: Confident and experienced rider, secure in all gaits (walk, trot, canter)
Fitness level: Good physical condition is essential
For your safety and comfort, you’ll need to bring the following gear with you:

Riding helmet (compulsory!)
Riding boots
Gloves
Please note: These items are not provided on site.
Insurance
You must have valid travel and health insurance, which explicitly covers horseback riding and riding-related accidents.

Important Notes
Helmet required: Riding without a helmet is strictly not allowed—no exceptions.
Be honest about your abilities: A realistic self-assessment of your riding skills is crucial for your safety and for our horses' well-being.
Liability form: All volunteers are required to sign an indemnity form upon arrival.

Khaya Hanci is not a riding holiday—it’s a place for experienced, responsible horse lovers who want to actively contribute and grow. If that sounds like you, we’d love to welcome you to our team.