Cottage Travellers hospitality exchange โ We are a family of three and we are owners/ managers of a performance horse property in Victoria, specialising primarily in dressage we are looking for experienced horse enthusiasts to assist us as stable hands/grooms/riders. We are based in a lovely location in the Victorian countryside but also in proximity to the capital city of Victoria, Melbourne so that you can enjoy exploring Victoria.
What type of host are you? ๐ก
Private/Individual/family
What are you looking for help with?
- Animal keeping ๐๐ด
- Farming/Gardening ๐ฟ๐
What’s the mission of your community? ๐ฏ
We are looking to share our lengthy experience with performance horses and our Australian culture with horse enthusiast volunteers who have experience with horses to assist us with daily activities on the properties including feeding, rugging, lunging and riding horses as well as undertaking general property maintenance. Previous experience with performance horses, stallions and young horses is an advantage as our horses are athletic performance horses.
This is a great opportunity for horse enthusiasts to build on their knowledge and horse experience through working with experienced horse professionals.
We provide a relaxed supportive family environment with the opportunity to be involved in taking daily care of horses and the option of taking horses to clinics and competitions. Past backpackers have found it to be one of their best and most educational experiences.
How many volunteers could you host? ๐
- A couple of volunteers
When would you need volunteers? ๐
- all year long
How many hours of help per day? โฑ
- 4-5 hours of help per day
How many days of help per week? ๐
- 5 days per week – 2 days off
Note about the volunteer work and other expectations ๐
We are looking for assistance with daily activities on the property including feeding, rugging, lunging and riding horses as well as undertaking general property maintenance. We generally have 3 girls helping out at our property and some have stayed with us for long periods of time (from 6 months to 2 years). We prefer to take backpackers who are going to stay a minimum of 2 months or more.
Are accommodation and food included? ๐ ๐
Yes, we offer food and accommodation
What type of accommodation can you provide? ๐
- Private home ๐
- Private room for a couple ๐
Diet – nutrition information ๐ฅ๐ฅค
We can accommodate all dietary requirements including gluten-free, coeliac, vegetarians and vegans.
Fees transparency ๐๐
No fees
VISA – could you provide Visa support/info/invitation letters? ๐
Yes, we can help with Visa/invitation letters โ
Volunteers’ benefits ๐๐
This is a great opportunity for horse enthusiasts to build on their knowledge and horse experience through working with experienced horse professionals. In addition to our own house, there are 2 other 2 BR houses on the main property which are fully self-contained so you have your own space, ability to cook and socialise with others. We also have a swimming pool on the property which is used regularly by everyone on the property over the summer months.
There is WIFI available and also the potential use of a car so that you can get around locally and do some sightseeing.
You will have the opportunity to meet other travellers from various parts of the world and the opportunity to improve your horse experience and knowledge whilst taking advantage of experiencing life on the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding areas.
What to do in your free time ๐ด๐ฃ๐ฆ
As we are close to beaches, wineries, national parks, major shopping centres and Phillip Island and its famous penguins you can take sightseeing in your free time. We are 1 hour by train from Melbourne so you can easily explore our beautiful and friendly city.
Language ๐ฃ๐ฌ๐ง
English
Geography ๐ณ
We are located in a rural setting on the lovely Mornington Peninsula, 1 hour from Melbourne CBD. We are close to beaches, wineries, national parks, major shopping centres and Phillip Island and its famous penguins.
How to get to your site โ ๐บ
Our overseas volunteers generally fly into Melbourne airport and then catch the SkyBus to Melbourne. We are then 1 hour from Melbourne by train and we will pick you up from the local train station to drive you the 15 minutes to our property.
Is there internet access? ๐
Yes!
CONTACT DETAILS ๐๐ง
To express your interest in the hospitality exchange opportunity at The Cottage Travellers in Australia, please send a concise introduction message to voluntouring.freelist@gmail.com. For faster response, kindly use “Performance Horses volunteer exchange in Victoria, Australia” as the email subject. We will promptly provide you with the hosts’ contact details upon receiving your email.
See more volunteering opportunities in Australia ๐ฆ๐บ
