Follow Madeline’s inspiring three-month horse riding internship at Wild Bhiza Stables in Victoria Falls. Learn about natural horsemanship, animal welfare, community outreach and life on a Zimbabwean horse farm.
Madeline’s Horse Riding Internship Zimbabwe: Three Months of Learning, Growth and Adventure
Over the past three months, we had the privilege of welcoming Madeline, an intern from the Jafuta Foundation, to Wild Bhiza Stables in Chisuma Village, just outside Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
From the moment she arrived, Madeline embraced every opportunity to learn. What began as a passion for animals soon developed into a deeper understanding of horse welfare, natural horsemanship and the rewarding daily life of working with animals in rural Zimbabwe.
Watching her confidence grow has been one of the highlights of our year.
Learning Natural Horsemanship
At Wild Bhiza Stables, we believe every horse deserves kindness, patience and respect. Our horses are trained and ridden using ethical, welfare-first methods that focus on communication, trust and partnership.
Throughout her internship, Madeline gained practical experience in:
- Daily grooming and horse care
- Feeding and nutrition
- Tack preparation
- Safe horse handling
- Building trust with each horse
- Riding with balance and confidence
- Understanding horse behaviour
As the weeks passed, she became increasingly confident around the horses, developing calm, trusting relationships while improving her riding skills every day.
Caring for More Than Horses
Life at Wild Bhiza Stables involves caring for a variety of animals, giving volunteers and interns a well-rounded experience in animal husbandry.
Madeline became involved in the daily care of our:
- Goats
- Donkeys
- Ducks
- Chickens
Working alongside our experienced team, she developed practical knowledge of livestock management while gaining a greater appreciation for responsible animal welfare.
Veterinary Training and Animal Welfare
One of the most rewarding aspects of Madeline’s internship was taking part in our veterinary and animal welfare activities.
She assisted with routine health checks and learned about:
- Basic animal health assessments
- Preventative healthcare
- Parasite control
- Nutrition
- Responsible livestock management
- Animal welfare best practices
These hands-on experiences provided valuable practical skills while reinforcing the importance of compassionate, ethical animal care.
Supporting Our Local Community
Wild Bhiza Stables is about much more than horse riding.
Madeline also participated in our community animal education programme, helping local families learn about responsible animal ownership and improving animal welfare within surrounding villages.
Through these outreach activities, she experienced first-hand how education can positively impact both animals and the people who depend on them.
Growing as a Leader
As her confidence grew, Madeline took on additional responsibilities by assisting with:
- Children’s riding lessons
- Preparing horses for trail rides
- Supporting guest experiences
- Horse handling demonstrations
Her willingness to help others strengthened both her leadership and communication skills, making her a valued member of the Wild Bhiza team.
Thank You, Madeline
It has been a pleasure watching Madeline grow from an enthusiastic intern into a confident young horsewoman.
Her dedication, kindness and hard work have made her an important part of the Wild Bhiza family. We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved over the past three months and know she has a bright future ahead.
Thank you, Madeline, for your enthusiasm, compassion and commitment. You’ll always have a place in our herd.
Interested in a Horse Riding Internship in Zimbabwe?
If you’re passionate about horses, animal welfare and authentic cultural experiences, Wild Bhiza Stables offers unique internship and volunteer opportunities in Victoria Falls.
Our programmes provide hands-on experience in natural horsemanship, horse care, community outreach and ethical tourism while allowing you to immerse yourself in rural Zimbabwean life.
Come and experience life at Wild Bhiza Stables and discover how horses can change lives—both theirs and yours.