Work with Us
Our work is made possible by people like you, volunteers, instructors, schools, and corporate partners who contribute their time, skills and support to drive our sustainability and expand our impact in the communities we serve.
To find out more, scroll down or jump to your area of interest:
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the EARTH Centre and the work we do, across all areas of our operations. Experience -- with childhood disorders, horses, marketing, event management, catering, crafts and /or DIY projects -- is valued and welcomed. A few hours each week can make a difference.
There are many opportunities for your skills, experience or interest to play a significant role at the EARTH Centre:
- Riding Therapy Lesson Assistants: Trained side walkers and pony leaders assist with our LSEN Learners with Special Education Needs School Programme on scheduled weekday mornings, when schools are in session. No experience necessary but you must be aged 16 or older. Free training is provided at the beginning of most school terms; follow us on Facebook to keep informed of the next training opportunity or enquire below.
- Assistance with community Outreaches, Open Days, Corporate Workshops, and Team-building events at the EARTH Centre.
- Fundraising Ambassadors to man a booth at equestrian events in the Johannesburg area
- Operational assistance at the annual Golf Day and other awareness and fundraising activations off-site.
- Collection and delivery errands in Johannesburg North and West, transport to off-site events
- Office support (filing, data capture, reception and facility tours)
- Photography, Videography and social media support
Contact Us or WhatsApp Us for more information; or Download the Volunteer Application form and send to info@earthcentre.org.za along a brief description of relevant experience and area of interest.
“The greatest gift you can give someone is your time...”
Rick Warren
Become an Instructor
Our Instructor Development Programme hosts and facilitates a local opportunity for Gauteng-based EQASA Equestrian Standards Authority of South Africa -qualified riding Instructors to develop the skills and practical experience needed to safely and effectively provide riding therapy instruction to children and adults with physical disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders.
The EARTH Centre offers a Gauteng-based opportunity for candidate instructors to meet SARDA South African Riding for the Disabled Association requirements for their Therapeutic Riding Instructor qualification. Candidates who wish to participate simply need to register with SARDA and purchase the study materials. The EARTH Centre provides qualified mentorship, practicum hours, supervision for logbooks, and a venue for the invigilated written exam - which includes papers on Physical disabilities, Intellectual disabilities, and Autism - at no extra cost. Final assessments are at SARDA Cape Town. Successful completion of this programme will meet the minimum requirements to provide riding therapy instruction at the EARTH Centre.
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To get started on your SARDA certification, CONTACT US
“There is something about a horse that quiets the noise and lets the soul speak.”
School Partnerships
Providing free Therapeutic Riding to LSEN Learners with Special Education Needs school children from economically disadvantaged communities is the corner stone of the EARTH Centre mission.
We collaborate with partner LSEN schools and their physical and occupational therapists to develop equestrian activities and exercises tailored to the specific requirements of learners in our small group sessions. Our therapy ponies, volunteers, and SARDA-qualified instructors prioritise safety throughout all interactions.
Our facilities provide learners with special educational needs a diverse range of sensory experiences—including visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile stimuli— all within our tranquil, natural environment at the EARTH Centre. For further information regarding our therapeutic riding intervention and the impact on learning readiness, sensory integration and physical systems, please click here.
It is advisable for learners chosen for riding therapy at the EARTH Centre to participate in the programme for an entire school term, as research demonstrates that the benefits are most effectively sustained through an 8- to 12-week course.
School sessions are scheduled weekday mornings at 09:00 and 11:30 during the school term. Transportation must be arranged by the school. We accommodate up to eight learners per school, who are divided into two consecutive small group lessons. A play area is available for those waiting to ride.
Wheelchairs and walkers are accommodated with ramps, and universal toilets are provided. Learners are required to wear long trousers and closed shoes. Parent or guardian consent and a medical release form are necessary. Strict PAIA protocols ensure learner and family privacy, and personal details collected during enrolment will never be shared.
There are certain contra-indications to be aware of. For example, individuals with Down's Syndrome must have an x-ray to confirm that there is no Atlanto-axial instability. Our therapy ponies are chosen for their calm nature and are trained to stay composed around unusual noises, objects, and behaviours. However, aggressive actions—whether intentional or not—can place children at risk when interacting with horses.
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Team Building & Corporate Workshops
The EARTH Centre offers corporate workshops and team-building sessions that feature interactions with our unique therapy ponies. Our horses and ponies live outdoors together as a herd, enjoying natural conditions without the stress of stabling. This lifestyle helps them maintain the mental balance necessary for working effectively with children who have disabilities. While a group of horses isn’t the same as a business team, engaging directly with the members of our herd can provide delegates with valuable hands-on lessons in teamwork - especially regarding non-verbal and non-aggressive communication, trust, respect, and leadership.
Corporate sessions may be arranged for either a half or full day, tailored to the objectives and size of the team. These sessions include guided, experiential interactions with our horses, alongside collaborative activities designed to foster team cohesion and enhance individual insight. No prior equestrian experience is required for delegates; however, appropriate attire for an outdoor farm environment is essential (for example, closed-toe shoes, sun protection and a water bottle).
Prices start at R 1 000 per person for a half-day session with a 20-person maximum and include a coffee and tea station with rusks or biscuits. Additional catering is available upon request. For a quote, please Contact Us with 2 or 3 suggested weekday dates, the number of people and any special requirements.
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Thank you for thinking of The EARTH Centre for your team build. By booking your team build with The EARTH Centre, you are providing sustainable support of our mission to provide free riding therapy to disadvantaged children living with disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Ask me to show you poetry in motion and I will show you a horse
Author Unknown
Hire our Venue
When Riding Therapy Lessons are not taking place, you can hire the EARTH Centre as a tranquil, farm-like venue for your group activity, family event, or children's birthday party, or equestrian workshop, accommodating up to 50 guests.
Facilities include:
- Catering hut with freezer, fridge, cutlery, servers, kettle, food warmer, and dishwasher
- Large gazebo with trestle tables and chairs under the trees
- Furnished patio overlooking the grass arena
- Trestle tables, chairs, and tablecloths
- Two drum braais
- Fenced children’s play area
- Exploration zones: scent garden, sensory trail, and labyrinth
- 60m x 40m grass arena suitable for organized games and activities
- 60mx 20m sand arena
- Jump poles, barrels and standards
- Facilitated chat-and-pat session with therapy ponies
- Universal access to most areas
- Dedicated pasture for vehicle and trailer parking
Thank you for considering The EARTH Centre as a venue for your event. By booking The EARTH Centre, you are providing sustainable support of our mission to provide free therapeutic riding to disadvantaged children living with disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Please contact us to arrange a site visit or discuss requirements for a quote.