Show Jumping Working Holiday Program
Work within a specialist show jumping program in Johannesburg
Volunteering at the Show Jumping working holiday
Immerse yourself in the world of elite show jumping by improving your skills at a premier show jumping yard in the heart of South Africa. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique or gain hands-on experience in a world-class setting, this unique opportunity offers the perfect blend of adventure and professional growth. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and guided by top trainers, you’ll advance your abilities while making unforgettable memories.
Internationally acclaimed show jumper and FEI Qualified Coach Charley Crockart will show you the ropes and become your mentor during your time on programme. She will also become your coach, with lessons to improve your show-jumping skills.
Overview of the Show Jumping Project
During your working holiday, you’ll have the chance to fully immerse yourself in the environment of a top-class show jumping yard. Your days will be filled with a variety of exciting and educational opportunities, such as assisting Charley Crockart with her daily schedule and gaining hands-on experience by training inexperienced horses.
Charley Crockart is the FEI’s talent identification director for Southern Africa and was part of the African team that claimed Bronze at the 2022 Youth Equestrian Games. She has also mentored riders at events such as the Youth Olympics.
Charley is the 2022 South Africa Rider’s Gold Grand Prix Tour champion and has many years of international show jumping experience behind her. She is a previous winner of the FEI World Jumping Challenge and has competed at the All-Africa Games.
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You’ll also have the unique opportunity to shadow top equestrian, wildlife, and sport veterinarians, giving you a well-rounded understanding of animal care. Weekends will take you to top-level national shows, where you can witness the best in the sport and deepen your knowledge of competitive show jumping.
You’ll receive both jump training and flatwork training with the horses, and with three weekly lessons from Charley herself, your show-jumping skills are sure to reach new heights. This well-rounded experience is perfect for those looking to advance their equestrian skills while enjoying the unique culture and environment of South Africa.
Project Highlights
Riding lessons: Charley offers 3 lessons per week. You’ll be able to ride one of Charley’s top class horses. Depending on their ability and the horses availability you will have the option to school and hack other horses as well.
Show and Competitions: There are numerous shows within a few kilometres, so you will have the opportunity to attend these shows on the weekends. Each rider will be individually assessed and given recommendation about which shows to attend. CC Equestrian will provide transport and groom support to local shows as part of this volunteering program.
Veterinary Shadowing: You will work with some of the top-class vets within South Africa, such as Duncan Prinsloo, who is a world-renowned equine lameness and reproductive specialist. This will be an amazing chance to learn and develop skills around veterinary practice. Activities will be dependent on expert availability and season. The vets often work on lameness issues throughout the year, but breeding activities are limited to summer months.
About the Location & Accommodation
Location
Johannesburg often referred to as Jo’burg is a vibrant and exciting city located Northeast of South Africa. It’s the biggest city in South Africa and has an amazing cultural and historical background.
Kyalami is located just outside of Johannesburg and is known as the horse city within South Africa. It is the perfect location for an equestrian working holiday, as it will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself with like-minded individual’s and learn from the very best within South Africa.
Accommodation
Our volunteer accommodation is within a very short distance to our stables. The bedrooms are spacious and only ever occupied by a maximum of two volunteers.
Wherever possible, the volunteers are allocated their own room, with access to a shared bathroom. Daily cleaning and laundry services are included for all our volunteers as well as 3 meals a day.
Pricing & Start Dates
We can’t wait to meet you! All volunteers are required to arrive on a Monday to begin their projects.
Please verify specific dates with your sales agent.
Additionally, ensure you check with your sales agent regarding the recommended airport for your transfers.
And There’s More
Located in Kyalami, a horse-centric neighbourhood in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Intermediate to Advanced riders with a passion for horses.
Gain hands on experience working with professionals in all areas of show-jumping industry at a Top-Level show-jumping yard.
Assist internationally acclaimed showjumper & FEI qualified coach, Charley Crockart with the daily running of the stables, and receive lessons to improve your own show jumping skills.
Shadow the very best equestrian, wildlife and sport veterinarian experts in the country and gain hands on veterinary experience.
Apply for this volunteering project
Pricing Starts
From $4195 for 4 weeks. Your weekly cost will be reduced if you stay for longer than 2 weeks, book with a friend or are a returning volunteer.
Quick Facts
Kyalami, Johannesburg
Starts Every Monday
4 weeks – 12 weeks
Focus: Horses
Project Includes:
The project includes volunteer accommodation and full meals provided 7 days a week.
Airport transfers are available from a specific airport (please confirm with your sales agent).
All project-related transport, equipment, WIFI, and resources are included, along with support from our experienced 24-hour team.
Project Excludes:
The project package does not cover the following items: flights to the designated location, expenses related to obtaining a visa, insurance costs, optional additional excursions, and any personal expenses you may incur during your participation.
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