Quick Facts
Program code
CL-FS114
Category
Farm Stay, Farm Work
Country
Chile
Location
Metropolitan Region, Talagante. About 45 minutes away from Santiago de Chile
Program start
Flexible start and end dates year round
Minimum duration
8 weeks
Minimum age
19 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
This unique Farm Stay program takes place at a stud farm in the location of Padre Hurtado. A beautiful rural area just 45 minutes from the capital city of Santiago de Chile.
The horse breeding farm looks back on more than 50 years of tradition. It was founded around 1970 by the father of the current owner and has been family-owned ever since. Horses are the family's great passion and on the farm they breed English Thoroughbreds for racehorses.
There are currently around 45 breeding horses at the stud farm. The training of young horses begins at about 1 year. Modern rational (doma racional) methods are used for dressage.
About 10 people work on the farm, who take on different tasks. In addition to the Stud Master, this also includes a professional horse trainer, physiotherapist, and stable hands as well as workers who take care of the agricultural operations of the farm. Because, although everything on the farm revolves around the horses, there are of course many other jobs in the agricultural sector, such as ordering feed and maintaining the pastures.
In addition to horse breeding, the farm accommodates horses that need a temporary home in their horse hotel.
Tasks
Experience in dealing with horses and riding skills are essential for this farm stay program. The diverse work tasks require a high level of responsibility, independent work and proactivity. Riders and horse fans will feel at home here, because you will be fully integrated into the professional racing stable and work with the horses all day. Working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a 2-hour lunch break. The tasks include:
- Feeding horses and provide fresh water
- Cleaning stables and lay out fresh straw
- Keeping drinking points clean
- Grooming the horses
- Taking horses out to pasture and back to the stable in the evening
- If possible help with the dressage of the young horses
- Other work related to the horses and maintenance of the infrastructure
There is also the possibility, if desired, to do night shifts. During this time the horses are monitored in the stable. Especially from July to November when the mares are giving birth, these shifts are very interesting. Here you can help with the birth and the care of the newborn. Incredibly exciting!
The volunteers have 2 days off per week, always on Thursdays and Fridays, as all hands are needed at the weekend. On your days off you can either stay on the farm and rest there or do activities, e.g. spend the days off by the sea or in Santiago de Chile.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
The volunteers live right on the farm in a small house not far from the owners' home. The volunteer house has 3 rooms, a bathroom, a small kitchen and living area and a small garden. In winter the house is heated with gas heating and a cozy fireplace.
The volunteers cater for themselves in the volunteer house. The groceries are provided by the farm.
The house has WIFI connection.
Location
The horse farm is located 45 km southwest of Santiago de Chile near the small town of Padre Hurtado.
The province is called Talagante and still belongs to the Región Metropolitana. All around there are smaller towns, such as Peñaflor, where you can also shop if necessary. Everything from food to clothing is available there.
Despite the proximity to the capital, the area is very rural and volunteers have the opportunity to immerse themselves deeply in Chilean culture. The economic activities in this region are agriculture, fruit growing and handicrafts (e.g. beautiful folkloric clay articles).
Thanks to the central location, both Santiago de Chile and the Pacific beach and the cities of Viña del Mar, Valparaíso and Algorrobo are very easy to reach.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your farm work in Chile, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Chile directly with us!
Requirements
- Intermediate Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Chile!)
- Minimum age 19 years
- Good physical condition
- Riding skills and experience with horses
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office in Santiago de Chile you will be supported by an on-site volunteer coordinator.
Costs & Services
Our Farm Stay on the Horse Breeding Farm includes:
- Single or shared room (depending on availability)
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (groceries are provided for cooking)
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your Farm Stay placement
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 410 (minimum duration 8 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 15
Additionally, you can book:
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Farm Stay Guide
Find valuable information about Farm Stay abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!