Change Your Life With A Working Riding Holiday

Nicky Hoseck

Any trip that takes you out of your comfort zone can be life-changing, but there’s something about working riding holidays that can completely transform your life and how you live it. Whether it’s the physical work making you fitter, the regular riding making you more confident in the saddle, or the experience of being in nature all day making you realise how constraining life in an office can be, working with horses can be transformative.

There’s also that special something that horses bring into the mix. Not only does working with horses and riding them make us fitter and improve our balance, but it also teaches us a lot about ourselves.

Horses have a unique way of reflecting our emotions and behaviours, helping us develop patience, empathy, and self-awareness. Their gentle yet powerful presence encourages us to build trust, improve communication, and embrace challenges with confidence.

How To Build Confidence And Find Purpose On Holiday

If you aren’t quite sure what path to take next, a working riding holiday gives you a chance to gain practical skills, build confidence, and develop a sense of responsibility, all while immersing yourself in life with horses. It’s a unique experience that can inspire personal growth and even help shape your future direction.

That’s what happened to Hayley Burgess who joined us for a Working Riding Holiday in February last year. Fresh out of school, Hayley was basically killing time before going to university, but three months on the Wild Coast made her realise, she says, “That I am happiest outdoors, rain or shine, and that I enjoy having a challenge to overcome every day.”

Hayley came to us looking for a chance to work hard and have fun with like-minded people, but, she says, “The experience surpassed my expectations wildly.”

“We worked hard but it was always fun and I made life-long friends. Not only that, but I also learnt so much about horses that live in a herd and are being trained as athletes.”

Hayley’s confidence grew as her riding improved and as she interacted with people from all over the world. She looks thoughtful as she adds, “As well as gaining a huge amount of confidence, I learnt to rely on myself in day-to-day life. I learnt to know my worth and the skills I have to offer.”

Hayley is currently volunteering at Ant’s Hill, part of the Ant’s Nest collection, helping with their horse trails and learning more about life on a game reserve. In a few months, she’ll start working towards her field guide qualification (FGASA), which will enable her to pursue a career that combines her love for the outdoors, adventure, and working with animals.

Hayley reflects, “ I would not be who I am now without my time at Wild Coast Horses.”

Keep Calm And Secure Your Dream Job

Things were a bit different for Alice Radford who worked with us in 2023. Covid had a dramatic effect on Alice’s life, causing her to abandon university and reconsider her options. She had never considered the possibility of working with horses until she joined our Equestrian Connection program. This experience, she says, “Really sparked my initial love of trail riding,” and as soon as she left, she was yearning to return.

Sadly, to further her stay at Wild Coast Horses, Alice needed a driver’s license, so her return was delayed while she focused on this. Determined to return, she worked hard to pass her driving test while indulging her new passion for travel. Although she explored other riding opportunities, Alice says, “I always wanted to come back to SA.”

In the end, being rejected from the trainee Air Traffic Control program gave Alice the kick she needed to return - a decision she says was the best she ever made. “Coming back to Wild Coast Horses clearly made a difference and when I applied the second time I got in!”

According to Alice, her experience on our working riding holiday helped her enormously, giving her more confidence and improving her social skills. Furthermore, she says thoughtfully, “I learned better organisational and planning skills, and how to keep calm in a crisis.”

Alice made the most of her new experiences when she next applied to train as an Air Traffic Controller, showcasing the valuable skills she had gained at Wild Coast Horses. Her ability to stay calm under pressure, think critically, and adapt to unexpected situations impressed the panel and subsequently won her a coveted position in the training program.

While Alice continued on the path she’d always had in mind, she says, “My little detour to Kei Mouth made me a far more well-rounded individual, and without it, I don’t think I would have made it so far!”

Become a Braver, Better Person Through Horses

Alice’s story highlights how stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing a new experience can have a profound impact on your personal growth and future success. Her time at Wild Coast Horses didn’t just teach her practical skills for the workplace—it shaped her into a more resilient, adaptable, and confident individual.

By tackling the challenges of a working riding holiday, Alice gained a deeper understanding of herself and her abilities. She learned to handle responsibility, communicate effectively, and stay composed under pressure—skills that proved invaluable in her career pursuits.

Her “little detour” to Kei Mouth not only ignited a passion for trail riding but also provided her with a unique edge in her job interview. Alice’s journey reminds us that sometimes the unexpected paths we take can lead us to where we’re meant to be, equipping us with the tools to succeed in ways we never imagined.

Turn Dreams into Reality With A Working Riding Holiday

When I arrived at Wild Coast Horses some 20+ years ago, working as a horse trails guide was a remote childhood dream. A couple of years later, it became a reality and 20 years on, it still is!

Not everyone who joins us for working riding holiday experiences such a dramatic change in their lives, but no one leaves untouched by the experience they’ve had here.

A few months ago, we shared the inspiring story of Lies Hendrik, who joined our working riding program and found the courage to reevaluate her life. As a social worker in the Netherlands, Lies faced a demanding and stressful routine.

The experience at Wild Coast Horses motivated her to step away from that routine and embark on a transformative year of travel. Returning to us at the end of 2024 as part of her journey, Lies is taking the opportunity to reflect deeply on her priorities and rediscover what truly matters.

While the path she’s chosen is not without its challenges, it’s proving to be an invaluable period of growth and self-discovery.

Conclusion

A working riding holiday immerses you so deeply in a different world that it changes your perspective on life and gives you a new vision for the future. For some participants, it’s completely transformative, taking them away from their humdrum existence and giving them a new path to pursue. For others, the changes are more subtle than live-changing, whether it's newfound confidence in the saddle, improved communication skills, or a deeper connection with nature.

Whatever changes our guests experience, one thing remains constant: the unique combination of horses, physical work, and life in the great outdoors creates an environment where personal growth flourishes naturally.

Whether you're seeking a career change like Hayley, developing valuable life skills like Alice, or following Lies' path of self-discovery, a working riding holiday offers more than just an escape from routine – it provides a chance to discover your true potential.

The lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the personal insights gained through working with horses create ripples that continue long after the holiday ends.

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is step out of our comfort zone and onto a horse. The journey might lead us exactly where we need to be.