Broadlands Equestrian Centre

The Centre is one of the top affiliated yards in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Broadlands is affiliated to the Gauteng Horse Society, the largest in the country and is also registered as a breeder (Warmbloods). Broadlands riders have represented both the Limpopo Regional and the Limpopo Schools Equestrian Teams.

Broadlands has excellent facilities including 4 show-jumping arenas, a dressage area, a lunging ring, individual paddocks, stable management with 24 hour supervision and at present has approximately 60 horses. They are a competitive showjumping, dressage, showing and vaulting venue, organize outrides, have a coffee and saddlery shop on site and are also involved in programmes for disabled riders and those with learning difficulties.

Volunteer work at the Centre

Any ability or level of rider is welcome and no experience is necessary. Depending on the experience level, the work at the Centre can include the following:

Basic Stable Yard Management– Here you will focus on stable management. Learn how to handle the horses correctly, groom properly, feed (nutrition), safety and stable routine.

Horsemanship – improve skills to school horses, lunge, equine horse behaviour, load horses correctly.

Riding – enhance skills in showjumping, dressage, equitation, showing, vaulting.

Work with Disabled Riders – there are 40 disabled riders with whom the Centre works and they assist in improving their gross motor skills and intellectual development through the concept of using the pony as a teaching aid. Key learning dimensions are covered.

Exposure to Equitherapy – The Centre is assisted by a highly qualified Psychologist from a Regional University whose main focus area of research is children with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorders) etc. This will give you the chance to learn how to work in this field alongside a qualified psychologist.

Breeding – as Broadlands is a registered breeder (warmblood) there is the opportunity for interested volunteers to become involved with the breeding management programme and gain experience in stud management.

Working Week
Volunteers work a 5 day week with one day off for visiting the local town of Polokwane when transport will be provided. The other day is for volunteers to organize their own trips, car hire, sightseeing etc. Broadlands Centre is about 2 hours from the famous Kruger National Park and there are numerous centres where water rafting, cloofing, quad biking etc can be arranged.

Living Conditions
Broadlands has excellent accommodation in tents (with real beds!!) and cabins. ALL the accommodation is serviced with cleaning, linen and towels and most have self catering facilities as well. All volunteers are provided with 3 meals a day and past volunteers have praised the quality of the accommodation and food at this Centre!!

Course Dates
There are no set dates but a minimum stay of 2 or 4 weeks is preferred. Longer stays are also possible at discounted prices – please contact us for details.

How to Get There
Volunteers should fly to Johannesburg airport and then take the Translux Bus to Polokwane where they will be collected by staff from the Centre.

Volunteer Contributions
2 weeks - £645
3 weeks - £845
4 weeks – £945

what is included: Accommodation, 3 meals a day, equipment and tuition whilst at Broadlands, transport from Pietersburg to the Centre.

what is not included: travel/medical insurance, flights, transport to/from Johannesburg airport to Polokwane.

Additional spending money will be needed for personal purchases (alcohol, chocolates, luxury items etc), social excursions, trips on days off such as car hire and additional activities.

Broadlands Equestrian Centre pics here...