Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
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.
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.
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):
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:
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 to explore these options.
Prior experience with horses or the ability to ride horses is required to join this project.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
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Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
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
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!
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.
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.
Volunteers in Porto are primarily accommodated in a cozy and welcoming hostel located right by the beautiful Douro River, in the heart of the city. With public transport nearby and iconic landmarks like the Porto Cathedral and Ponte D. Luis just a short walk away, you’ll be perfectly placed to soak up the city’s charm between volunteer shifts.
You’ll stay in a dormitory-style room with up to eleven other volunteers. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Each bed includes a reading light, power outlet, and secure locker for your belongings. Female volunteers stay in female-only rooms, while male volunteers are placed in mixed dorms.
Bedding is provided, and towels can be rented at reception for a small fee. There’s a cozy lounge where you can relax and connect with fellow volunteers. Free WiFi is available throughout the building, although signal strength may vary in some areas. Many nearby cafés also offer free WiFi - along with great views and coffee!
In some cases, volunteers may be placed at an alternative centrally located hostel just a short walk from the historic city center. This backup option also offers shared dormitory rooms with en suite bathrooms, communal kitchens, and vibrant common areas. With modern amenities, free WiFi, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, it provides a comfortable and social base for your volunteer experience.
Enjoy a daily breakfast at the accommodation featuring a selection of coffee, tea, dairy or soy milk, cereals, fresh bread with butter and jams, cheese, ham, boiled eggs, and seasonal fresh fruit.
Lunch and dinner are provided at a nearby restaurant that prepares simple and tasty Portuguese meals using fresh, local ingredients. The menu offers a variety of dishes, and there are vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request to accommodate different dietary needs.
If you’re staying at the alternative accommodation, your meals will be served at a cozy, award-winning local bakery just around the corner. Known for its fresh, warm pastries and authentic Portuguese flavors, this bakery is a local favorite - especially for its buttery pastéis de nata, coconut buns, and savory “long bun with meat”.
And don’t forget to treat yourself to Porto’s incredible local cuisine during your stay - it’s all part of the experience!
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 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 |
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
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.
This workshop offers a hands-on culinary experience, perfect for food lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
These surf lessons are an unforgettable experience that offers an exhilarating way to experience the waves of Porto’s beautiful coastline.
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
| 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.
I was stuck in my previous life. Volunteering with IVHQ in Porto really opened my eyes to some of the different things the world has to offer.
I would recommend an IVHQ program to anyone who is unsure about their life direction and might need a push.
I loved the program that I did and would highly recommend it. It opened up my eyes as to what I can do at home and I have already reached out to a similar organisation to see if I can volunteer. I felt the organisation and support offered by IVHQ was great!
I learned about Portugal from the people I worked with, what they ate, how they communicate, and I even learned some Portuguese. I would tell someone who is hesitant that it is very easy to volunteer through IVHQ and that everyone is very supportive.
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.
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