We are often looking for someone who would like to work for a few hours each day in return for food and board, as well as daily riding (lesson, arena work or trail ride.) You will also be able to watch our training of different varieties and we are of course happy to answer questions and teach.
Our basic requirements are that…
- you speak English
- you know how to drive
- you weigh no more than 65 kg
- you have some riding and handling experience
- you are available for at least a month
- you can work in a self-motivated independent way.
Your responsibilities will include:
- feeding some horses that need extra hard feed or supplements
- helping us and guests with bringing horses in from the field and tacking/untacking
- cleaning hooves, occasionally cleaning paddocks
- taking care of wounds or similar issues
- getting and holding horses for farrier or vet
- during course weeks, preparing breakfast for the guests and cleaning up after meals.
Days can be quite long when a course is on (from breakfast till after dinner), but there are only a few courses and the rest of the time, days do not have to be so long. We can agree on a day off, so that you have some time for yourself. All in all, it’s best if you’re flexible about working hours and don’t mind sometimes working harder and then resting when you get the chance 🙂
Generally, we do not take volunteers in the summer months (July and August) because it is simply too hot to do much and we can take care of the basics ourselves.
We live together in my house, and we share housework and cooking and taking care of the cats and dogs. I do have a Portuguese couple that works for me: he does the basic feeding, maintenance etc and she does the cleaning and cooks a vegetarian lunch for us every day except Sundays.
You need to know how to drive, because the ranch is not small and sometimes you may need to drive into town. You do not need to bring your own car. Bringing your own animals is not a good idea, because ours is a very territorial bunch.
I am usually at the ranch only during the week and go to Lisbon on the weekends. My sort of foster daughter and super horse trainer Lysette lives at the ranch full time and different students and guests may be around too. Evenings tend to be quiet.
The next step would be to send me some info about the core requirements I mentioned at the beginning by filling out the form below.
Lastly, we find it very important to get to know someone personally and even work together for a few days. I have heard many terribly stories of volunteers ending up in bad situations because they went somewhere without checking the place out before and we have had our share of bad experiences too, so please understand that we cannot skip this step. We require that you spend a few days, maybe a week, with us, working with us, so that we can get to know each other. This should happen a few months ahead of time for planning reasons.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At Sundance Ranch Portugal, we celebrate diversity and welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully. Discrimination of any kind has no place here, and we value the unique perspectives each volunteer brings.