Retraining of Racehorses
Polocrosse Internship Programme
What’s more rewarding than helping retrain your own racehorse into a polocrosse horse, taking part in chukkas and tournaments, and developing a horse-rider bond?
OVERVIEW
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Airport: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo (Bulawayo) International Airport
Month: Open All Year
Duration: 3 - 12 Weeks
Group Size: Max 4
Skill Level: Intermediate and Above
Weight Limit*: 75kg / 165lbs
Accommodation: Cottage on smallholding
Solo Traveller Friendly: Yes, no single supplement if willing to share
* The wellbeing of our horses is our top priority. Due to the nature of retraining young ex-racehorses, we request all participants to provide their height, weight, and riding experience prior to booking. For experienced riders, and at our sole discretion, we may accommodate a weight limit of up to 85kg.
Explore the thrilling world of polocrosse and immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes of life on an authentic Zimbabwean equestrian smallholding. For those passionate about transforming the lives of ex-racehorses and eager to learn more about the exciting sport of polocrosse whilst developing your horsemanship skills, this programme is for you! This equestrian internship is designed for small groups of up to 4 volunteers at a time for an intimate and personal experience. You’ll be working alongside Andy Taylor and his family, retraining racehorses and giving them an opportunity to excel in another career. Our unique working holiday blends horsemanship, sport, horse safari, and African adventure. It’s ideal for gap year travellers, career-break riders, and volunteers seeking to build their skills while contributing to the ethical retraining of ex-racehorses.
During your time at this Zimbabwean homestay, you will be taught the basics of the sport, join in with friendly games and tournaments, explore the local area on horseback, go on a 3-night horseback wildlife camping safari, and much more. You will also have the opportunity to assist with the rehabilitation of physically and mentally disabled children through the interaction with horses, help out in the local community, and really delve into life in Zimbabwe. Weekends in the polocrosse community are a highlight, with sociable braais at the polocrosse club after Sunday practices, and an opportunity to experience Bulawayo’s nightlife and restaurants. The facilities and accommodation are simple, yet it’s incredibly rewarding for those who wish to experience the equestrian world in Africa.
As a volunteer, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant Bulawayo Polocrosse scene and make great new friends. Whether you’ve been riding all your life and are wanting to sharpen your horsemanship skills, or an intermediate rider wanting to gain an insight into the equestrian lifestyle in Africa – Andy can help you achieve your goals whilst making unforgettable memories.
THE ACCOMMODATION
THE TAYLOR FARM
You will be staying with the other volunteers in a self-contained cottage on Taylor’s equestrian smallholding, 10km out of town and 5km from the local Polocrosse club. This area consists of other small holdings focusing on agriculture and borders on the Hope Fountain tribal trust lands, which makes for great outrides.
There is stick and ball field for polocrosse schooling, which can also be set up for jumping. They have a large round pen for free lunging, schooling and backing horses. Andy and his wife, Karen, have 4 young children. It is a warm family environment with a family who has a strong passion for horses and horsemanship.
YOUR COTTAGE
The cottage has a large bedroom with twin beds, a small lounge, a kitchen and a bathroom. Your room is equipped with fans, sockets to charge all your electronics, and a small storage cabinet. A basic cleaning and laundry service will be provided for you.
The cottage has its own private garden overlooking one of the orchard paddocks with an outside lapa and braai/barbecue area. The kitchen is stocked with ingredients for you to make your own breakfasts and lunches. Dinner will be cooked for you which you can enjoy outside at the Lapa area. You’ll be able to shop at the local supermarket for any of your own extra snacks and drinks. And should you wish to spend some time in Bulawayo, there are a few local restaurants and bars in town.
THE DESTINATION
BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Known as the gateway to Matobo National Park, home to the Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique granite formations and ancient rock art. The smallholdings just outside Bulawayo are well-known for their vibrant equestrian community.
The Bulawayo equestrian community frequently organises events and competitions, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among local riders. Additionally, the proximity to Bulawayo ensures that these smallholdings benefit from the city’s infrastructure while offering a peaceful countryside lifestyle.
DATES & RATES
While there are no fixed start dates for this working holiday (minimum stay 3 weeks), we recommend a stay of 4 weeks or more to allow for greater progression and immersion.
The competitive polocrosse season in Zimbabwe runs from March to August, with one tournament each month. There may occasionally be opportunities for volunteers to participate in tournaments, though this is not guaranteed and depends on factors such as horse availability and where they are in their retraining journey.
Local club practices take place every Sunday during the season and offer a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to play in relaxed practice chukkas, while giving the ex-racehorses valuable, low-pressure exposure to the game.
If you have any questions about arrival dates or the potential to play in tournaments, feel free to contact us. You can view the full 2025 fixture list here: Polocrosse Tournament Calendar 2025.
2025 RATES:
3 WEEKS USD $2200 per person
4 WEEKS USD $2700 per person
5 WEEKS USD $3260 per person
6 WEEKS USD $3800 per person
8 WEEKS USD $4880 per person
10 WEEKS USD $5960 per person
12 WEEKS USD $7040 per person
2026 RATES:
3 WEEKS USD $2200 per person
4 WEEKS USD $2700 per person
5 WEEKS USD $3260 per person
6 WEEKS USD $3800 per person
8 WEEKS USD $4880 per person
10 WEEKS USD $5960 per person
12 WEEKS USD $7040 per person
If you have any questions about dates and rates, please drop us a message using the link below.
PRICE INCLUDES:
Accommodation in a shared furnished cottage (accommodating up to four volunteers in large bedroom).
Three meals a day (self service breakfast and lunch; plus a home cooked dinner with the Taylors).
Tea, coffee, water and cordial.
Group transport within the programme, as well as use of shared vehicle.
All equestrian activities (this programme focuses on time in the saddle - expect to be riding multiple horses a day).
This includes riding and polocrosse lessons; Bulawayo Polocrosse Club practices on Sundays; outrides; Horsemanship, schooling and backing lessons; seasonal horse swims; basic veterinary care; and stable management.
One Matopos Farmhouse 4-day (3-night) wildlife horseback camping safari (including entry into Matopos National Park).
Weekly laundry and basic cottage cleaning.
WiFi (Starlink).
PRICE EXCLUDES:
International flights to Bulawayo (Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport is the nearest airport).
Visas.
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance (mandatory).
Transfers outside of the itinerary.
Polocrosse tournaments and local showjumping shows. Should you wish to take part (approx. USD $100 – $200).
For longer stay volunteers – additional Matopos Farmhouse 3-night wildlife horseback camping safari (approx. USD $300).
Soft and alcoholic drinks (can be purchased locally).
Snacks / additional food (can be purchased locally).
Drinks or meals in town.
Extra excursions and additional activities.
Items of a personal nature.
FAQs
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more info, link below.
We’d love to chat!
If you would like to know more about our Retraining of Racehorses Programme, availability, booking process or have any questions, please get in touch!
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