Individuals, especially horse lovers, who are looking for an immersive experience with horses and a meaningful opportunity to support the wellbeing of individuals with special needs.

Project details

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary volunteering adventure that combines your passion for helping others with the joy of working with horses! This one-of-a-kind program invites you to join forces with a local non-profit that uses therapeutic horse riding to transform the lives of individuals with special needs. Through these heartwarming sessions, you’ll witness firsthand how the power of horses enhances participants’ physical abilities, boosts emotional well-being, and fosters social connections, all while building their confidence and sense of inclusion.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

As a volunteer, you’ll dive right into the action, working side by side with expert instructors. Your days will be filled with preparing the horses, assisting during therapy sessions, and ensuring a safe, uplifting environment for both riders and horses. This is your chance to make a lasting impact, build unforgettable memories, and be part of an experience that changes lives—both human and equine!

Your activities will be diverse and impactful, including (but not limited to):

Stable Maintenance: Roll up your sleeves and dive into the daily care of the horses’ living spaces! You’ll ensure stables and pastures are spotless, creating a healthy, welcoming environment for the horses to thrive.
Horse Care: Get up close and personal with the horses as you groom, feed, and saddle them, building trust and forming connections while keeping them in top condition for their therapy sessions.
Supporting Classes and Therapies: Be part of the action by prepping horses and materials for therapeutic riding classes. You’ll assist instructors in delivering life-changing sessions that empower participants physically and emotionally.
Summer Camps Magic (School Breaks): Unleash your creativity by planning and coordinating exciting activities for kids, making their camp experience unforgettable while contributing to their learning and fun!

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #13: Climate Action

Climate change affects everyone, everywhere. 2010 - 2020 was the warmest decade ever recorded and Carbon Dioxide levels have risen to an all-time high. In order to keep global temperatures below the Paris Agreement’s 2 degree Celsius limit, we must take action to educate communities, conserve nature and promote sustainable solutions.

Why do Therapeutic Horse Care volunteering in Porto with IVHQ?

When you volunteer in the Therapeutic Horse Care project, you will contribute to the well-being of horses and make a meaningful impact on participants’ lives by:

Ensuring horses stay healthy by providing a balanced diet and regular health check-ups
Maintaining clean stables and pastures to prevent disease and injury
Supporting eco-friendly practices in sustainable stable management
Witnessing the transformative effects of hippotherapy, which enhances self-esteem, sociability, and personal growth in participants

Volunteer requirements

Prior experience with horses or the ability to ride is required
Volunteers need to be 18 years or older to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
All volunteers are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure
All volunteers must speak fluent English

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Not sure which program to join?

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Portugal photo gallery

IVHQ volunteers at the Food Rescue project in Porto, Purtugal

IVHQ Food Rescue project

IVHQ volunteers at the Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project in Portugal, Porto

IVHQ Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project

Youth Support IVHQ volunteer project in Porto, Purtugal

IVHQ Youth Support project

IVHQ Hedgehog Conservation volunteer project in Porto, Portugal

IVHQ Hedgehog Conservation project

IVHQ volunteers at the Young Mom’s Support project in Porto, Purtugal

IVHQ Young Mom’s Support project

Volunteers sorting food at the Food Rescue project in Porto, Purtugal with IVHQ

IVHQ Food Rescue project

IVHQ volunteers at the Youth Support project in Porto, Purtugal

IVHQ Youth Support project

Volunteers at the Young Mom’s Support project in Porto, Purtugal with IVHQ

IVHQ Young Mom’s Support project

An IVHQ volunteer at the Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project in Porto, Portugal

IVHQ Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project

IVHQ Volunteer feeding a Hedgehog at the Hedgehog Conservation project in Portugal, Porto

IVHQ Hedgehog Conservation project

IVHQ Porto, Purtugal volunteers at the Young Mom’s Support project

IVHQ Young Mom’s Support project

Porto Purtugal IVHQ volunteers at the Youth Support project

IVHQ Youth Support project

Volunteers at the Food Rescue project in Porto, Purtugal with IVHQ

IVHQ Food Rescue project

IVHQ Porto, Purtugal volunteers at the Youth Support project

IVHQ Youth Support project

IVHQ Young Mom’s Support volunteer project in Porto, Purtugal

IVHQ Young Mom’s Support project

Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project in Portugal, Porto with IVHQ

IVHQ Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project

A Hedgehog being looked after in Porto, Portugal at the IVHQ Hedgehog Conservation volunteer project

IVHQ Hedgehog Conservation project

Volunteers at the Youth Support project in Porto, Purtugal with IVHQ

IVHQ Youth Support project

IVHQ volunteers placing and planning at the Food Rescue project in Porto, Purtugal

IVHQ Food Rescue project

Young Mom’s Support volunteer project in Porto, Purtugal with IVHQ

IVHQ Young Mom’s Support project

Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project in Porto, Portugal with IVHQ

IVHQ Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project

IVHQ Youth Support project

Hedgehog Conservation IVHQ volunteer project in Portugal, Porto

IVHQ Hedgehog Conservation project

IVHQ volunteer scaling a Hedgehog at the Hedgehog Conservation project in Portugal, Porto

IVHQ Hedgehog Conservation project

IVHQ Youth Support volunteer project in Porto, Purtugal

IVHQ Youth Support project

Young Mom’s Support volunteer project with IVHQ in Porto, Purtugal

IVHQ Young Mom’s Support project

A young IVHQ volunteer in Portugal, Porto doing Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project

IVHQ Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project

IVHQ Porto, Purtugal Youth Support volunteer project

IVHQ Youth Support project

Hedgehog Conservation volunteer project in Portugal, Porto with IVHQ

IVHQ Hedgehog Conservation project

Porto Purtugal IVHQ volunteers at the Young Mom’s Support project

IVHQ Young Mom’s Support project

Youth Support volunteer project in Porto, Purtugal with IVHQ

IVHQ Youth Support project

An IVHQ volunteer in Porto, Portugal doing Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project

IVHQ Environmental Conservation and Horse Patrol project

IVHQ Young Mom’s Support project

Youth Support volunteer project with IVHQ in Porto, Purtugal

IVHQ Youth Support project

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Karyna Zotova

13 Sep 2024

I gained a lot of experience. I really enjoyed working with kids, and had a lot of fun with them. The program taught me how to manage and communicate with children. I really lacked that knowledge before, so I’m grateful for that incredible opportunity to be able to participate in a Youth Support program.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Volunteer Abroad in Porto, Portugal with IVHQ

Location

Experience the vibrant allure of Porto, Portugal’s eclectic gem!

This city is a tapestry of ancient charm and contemporary buzz. Wander through its serpentine, mural-adorned streets in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, where every corner tells a story.

There is so much to do!

You can hop on a vintage tram to where the Douro River kisses the Atlantic, discover sun-soaked beaches and chic outdoor cafés, try the typical “Francesinha,” immerse yourself in Serralves, and go to the famous library in the city center!

As night falls, the city transforms into a lively playground with an array of trendy rooftop bars, cozy cafés, and electric clubs.

Beyond its lively streets, Porto is the gateway to Northern Portugal’s rich tapestry of culture and scenery. It’s not just a city, it’s an experience!

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Porto on the Sunday before program orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport) (OPO) in Porto on the Sunday before your program orientation. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Porto. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are traveling in Portugal prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in Porto on the day before your program orientation.

Orientation is hosted by our Portugal team in Porto. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Porto – an introduction to Portugal and Porto, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to the project and placement, along with a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

A separate orientation dedicated to your placement will be held the following day. You will be shown how to travel to and from your placement, receive an introduction, and complete your volunteering hours.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

You will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working alongside.

Weekdays

During the week, you will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. Note that start times and daily workload will depend on your specific placement.

A typical day on the Therapeutic Horse Care project is as follows:

7:00 AM - 10:00 AM	Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation
10:00 AM	Volunteers with a morning shift travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on their project
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM	Lunch is served at a local restaurant near the volunteer accommodation
2.00 PM	Volunteers with an afternoon or evening shift travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on their project
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM	Dinner is served at a local restaurant near the volunteer accommodation

Weekends

Volunteers can travel and explore the eclectic city of Porto, Portugal. From visiting one of the oldest libraries in the world, catching a futebol match, or trying out a local francesinha, you can create an itinerary by yourself or with your fellow volunteers!

Volunteers staying in Portugal longer or who wish to travel before or after their program can visit areas further afield in Portugal, including Lisbon, the Azores, the Algarve, and many other places. With the advice and guidance of our expert local team, you can make travel arrangements once you arrive in Porto.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers are accommodated in a dormitory-style hostel along the scenic Douro River in the heart of the city – the perfect retreat for volunteers in Porto. The accommodation is just a stone’s throw from the metro and a short walk from Porto Cathedral and Torre dos Clérigos.

Volunteers can immerse themselves in the lively neighborhood, teeming with supermarkets, quaint cafes, bustling bars, and all modes of public transportation. Expect cozy accommodations shared with up to eleven other people per room. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, en suite showers and toilets, and bedding. Along with personal touches, like reading lights and power outlets at every bed and individual lockers to store your belongings securely.

The accommodation communal areas feature a fully equipped shared kitchen and lounge area, allowing you to relax and mingle with fellow volunteers.

WiFi is available at the volunteer accommodation and is free of charge. Please note that the the signal may be weaker in some areas of the accommodation. WiFi is also available at many cafes and restaurants in the area.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.

Breakfast is served buffet style at the volunteer accommodation. The buffet includes cereals, yogurt, seasonal fruits, bread, butter, jam, coffee, milk, and tea.

Lunch and dinner are served in a nearby restaurant which prepares tasty Portuguese dishes with fresh local ingredients. The menu consists of local food, a mixture of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant options are available upon request.

Discover the ‘Dish of the Day’ in Portugal - Porto!

What is the ‘Dish of the Day’?

In Portugal, many local restaurants embrace a tradition where they cook one or two special dishes in large quantities each day. These dishes are always Portuguese and made with fresh ingredients, offering you an authentic taste of the local cuisine. From octopus rice to pork with fries, the ‘dish of the day’ is a delightful surprise!

How Will You Find Out What It Is?

The excitement of the ‘dish of the day’ is that you won’t know what’s on offer until you arrive at the restaurant. The staff will inform you of the day’s special dish, so each meal becomes a new experience. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and try something new every day!”

IVHQ volunteer accomodation bedroom in Porto, Portugal beds by the window

Typical volunteer bedroom

IVHQ Porto, Portugal accommodation for volunteers

Typical volunteer bedroom

IVHQ volunteer accomodation bedroom in Porto, Portugal

Typical volunteer bedroom

IVHQ Porto, Portugal volunteer accomodation bedroom

Typical volunteer bedroom

IVHQ accomodation bedroom in Porto, Portugal beds and lockers

Typical volunteer bedroom

IVHQ accomodation bedroom in Porto, Portugal bed set up in the loft space

Typical volunteer bedroom

Porto, Portugal volunteer accomodation with IVHQ

Typical volunteer bedroom

IVHQ Porto, Portugal accommodation bathroom for volunteers

Typical volunteer bathroom

IVHQ typical accomodation bathroom in Porto, Portugal

Typical volunteer bathroom

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

Duration	Program Fee Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you. USD United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
1 week	$700 Equivalent to $100/day
2 weeks	$1,210 Equivalent to $86/day
3 weeks	$1,720 Equivalent to $82/day
4 weeks	$2,230 Equivalent to $80/day
5 weeks	$2,740 Equivalent to $78/day
6 weeks	$3,250 Equivalent to $77/day
8 weeks	$4,270 Equivalent to $76/day
10 weeks	$5,290 Equivalent to $76/day
12 weeks	$6,310 Equivalent to $75/day

All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$483) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Porto generally find US$150 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including transport and miscellaneous spending.
Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Airport pick-up
Accommodation
24/7 in-country support
In-country program orientation
Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

Transport to and from your placement each day
Return to the airport when your program finishes
Flights
Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Popular add-ons & experiences in Porto

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Porto program.

Airport Drop-off

Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.

AU$92

Extra Night of Accommodation in a Shared Room with 1 meal

Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.

From AU$76

Extra Night of Accommodation in a Shared Room with 2 meals

Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.

From AU$103

View all add-ons & experiences

Check what's required to visit Portugal

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.

Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital	Porto
Population	214,349
Languages	Portuguese
Currency	Euro (EUR)
Time zone	UTC+00:00

Weather and climate: Porto has generally moderate temperatures. The average annual high is around 20 °C (68 °F) and average low around 11 °C (52 °F). The climate is also only mildly seasonal, from a maxima of 14 °C (57 °F) in January to 25–26 °C (77–79 °F) in August, while minima is around 5–6 °C (41–43 °F) in January and 15–16 °C (59–61 °F) in July and August.

Apply to check if you're eligible!

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