Trinidad & Tobago: Equine Therapy Placement

Introduction

The tropical paradise of Tobago is the smaller sister island of Trinidad, together forming the republic of Trinidad & Tobago. It is a relaxed, friendly, beautiful and pristine island. It is also a nature lover’s heaven, home to one of the world’s oldest protected rainforests and to the famous leatherback turtle. Aside from lush greenery and wildlife, Tobago offers also a smiling welcome and a vibrant cultural experience. Here you can trek through the rainforest, relax on the breath-taking beaches and swim in the crystal clear waters, you can feel the rhythm of the music and dance the night away at the largest parties.

This project will provide you with an opportunity to explore and enjoy Trinidad and Tobago as well as contribute your time and skills to helping people heal and move on from difficult times in their lives. You will have a chance to learn about equine therapy and its many benefits, to improve your leadership, coaching and mentoring skills and to contribute to creating a positive experience for vulnerable children.

Animal-assisted therapy has been recognized as an effective way to help with healing and the trained horses aid the recovery of children and adolescents who are disabled or have experienced trauma. The instructors work personally with the children and support them with riding and caring for the horses. You will get a chance to assist with the children’s activities and plan and prepare recreational activities. The focus on posture and muscle control as well as growing trust and confidence help the vulnerable children in strengthening physically and mentally. Equine therapy develops trust and communication skills, strengthens and eases physical conditions and it can help overcome traumatic experiences, manage anxiety and depression.

You will have a unique experience immersed into the local life and discovering the natural beauty and rich heritage of Tobago while gaining experience working with horses and children. It is a perfect combination of volunteering and vacationing in the Caribbean.

Daily Life

Upon arrival and commencement of your placement, you will receive orientation and training sessions as well as be assigned your own Mentor/Supervisor.

Your daily schedule includes breakfast and dinner. Depending on your experience and areas of interest, you will be engaged in various activities including specialized workshops. This can include (but are not limited to):

• Assisting with daily activities for the children.
• Provide organisational support for day-to-day activities.
• Help plan and prepare for activities and special events.
• Work to motivate and encourage children to take part in recreational activities.

At the end of your placement, you will have learnt about the many benefits of equine therapy and how they can be used to promote a return to health for children and young adults. You will also receive ample opportunities to practice your leaderships skills, coaching and mentoring skills.

Travel & Accommodation

Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transported to your chosen accommodation. Each placement also includes a full day orientation and training sessions, making sure you are well acquainted with your new surroundings, aware of health and safety regulations and cross-cultural issues.

Depending on number of volunteers, personal preferences and availability, accommodations are available in either local home stays or guest houses. All accommodations are thoroughly vetted and adhering to safety standards and are clean and comfortable. Whether you stay with a family or a guesthouse, breakfast and dinner is included with your placement. You will have many opportunities to sample and even learn to cook some delicious Caribbean cuisine, however all dietary requirements can be catered for.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• Minimum 4 weeks commitment.
• Criminal Records check – this is mandatory to work with vulnerable children (see below).
• Basic English language skills.
• Necessary vaccinations.
• Necessary flight & visas.
• Full travel & medical insurance – full assistance provided in arranging everything you will need if you choose our Premium Support

CRB / Police Background Check:

As you will be working with children, you will need to get a Police Background Check (CRB in the UK). This is to ensure you have no prior convictions and are safe to work with children. This is standard procedure and part of our due diligence. You can find details on how to get this check in the UK here. If you are from a different country, please check with your local police services as to how you can obtain your national equivalent of this check.

Costs

* Currency conversions are approximate.
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee.
*** Places are confirmed with a 20% deposit

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

What’s not included:

Food, flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.