We have more than 70 Lusitanos at La Donaira, bred and raised according to natural horsemanship principles, otherwise known as horse whispering. By understanding the horses’ natural instincts and ways of communicating, we train them without causing stress or fear in an effort to teach trust and respect for all future training and interactions. The horses are happy and responsive as a result.
THE TEAM
Our friendly, experienced international team is uniquely positioned to tailor multi-day programmes to suit any level of experience. We cater to advanced riders – individuals and groups – and offer everything from invigorating hacks to classes. We also cater to beginners, and have horses particularly suited to children.
Riding takes place in the outdoor arena and on trails across the 1700-acre mountain property. We can provide helmets, safety vests, jodphurs, riding boots and chaps in a variety of different sizes as required.
DRESSAGE
Our expert team of instructors can tailor lessons to suit the needs of every rider from advanced to beginner, children included.
HACKS
Hacks take place on the La Donaira property where there are a range of trails suited to different levels of experience.
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP TRAINING SESSIONS
Assist and observe in one of the daily training sessions of our young horses, between 6 months and 3 years old. The content and duration of each session depends on the age of the horse that is being trained. We aim to work with the horses natural instincts and methods of communication in an effort to teach trust and respect for all future training and interactions.
GROUNDING ON HORSEBACK (AN INTRODUCTION) Available daily. An exercise in strength, balance and trust. By slowing breathing and relaxing into the natural rhythm of a horse, people can feel a great sense of connection and relaxation. An excellent way to overcome a fear of horses.
Volunteering
Stables Volunteering
To volunteer at our stables, we require:
A video of yourself performing riding and/or ground work
Stay of minimum 3 months
Experience working with horses
Good physical conditions, as many of the jobs require strength
Basic-medium Spanish. This is highly required, as a big part of the team is Spanish. So, knowledge of it is a plus!
We required a great passion for learning as well as a lot of energy in participating in a very special project
Internship
Our intern positions are designated exclusively to students of different fields such as hospitality, arts, equine and agricultural studies, and last about 3-6 months. Interns live at the farm on a shared home with other workers, all enjoying an environment of magical nature that invites us to explore, to do hikes or simply to meditate on the beauty we are blessed with.
Interns contribute to the team of selection, depending on their studies and expertise, La Donaira is a great place to get insight into how an eco-hotel, farm and equestrian centre work together.
If you would like to apply and find out more about Internship opportunity at La Donaira please fill up the following questions:
Employment
Our team is big and we are all working to a common goal. We expect professionals with different kinds of experience to keep building our team.
Generally, our applicants come to us through the advertisement of an open position, but we also welcome unsolicited applicants, send your CV, cover letter and references to apply
We are here to help you solve any questions you have. Do not hesitate to send us an email.
General Volunteering Program.
Some of tasks in a day to day routine:
Our schedule is rotational
Gardening: including watering, seeding, weeding, maintenance, works depending on the season
Working in the fields for harvesting, pruning, fertilising and other works depending on the season
Construction (renewal of the communal areas, fixing, drilling, painting, construction)
Cleaning the Outdoor Paddocks from the horse poop (1.5 hour a day) on weekends
Cleaning the communal areas and keeping all shared areas clean and tidy
Helping at the staff kitchen with the lunch for the workers, cleaning dishes etc.
You will be sharing room with other volunteers of the same gender
Working hours for volunteers are 6 hours per day / 5 days a week
Volunteers program time could be minimum of 1.5 months up to maximum 4 months
All volunteers are submitted to a trial period
Food and Accommodation provided
We appreciate flexibility and willingness
Stable Volunteering Program.
Some of tasks in a day to day routine:
Stable maintenance: cleaning the outdoor Paddocks from the horse poop (1.5 hour a day)
Preparing horses for riders
Cleaning all materials used from the day and the riding arena each afternoon (all stable team does it together)
Riding is not regular. For riding the horses you need training (horses for hacks / school horses). The head of stable will take a decision after a skill check on site, depending on the volunteer riding skills
Cleaning the communal areas and keeping all shared areas clean and tidy
Working hours per day for volunteers are 6 hours / 5 days per week
You will be sharing room with other volunteers of the same gender
All volunteers are submitted to a trial period
Food and accommodation provided
We appreciate flexibility and willingness
