Horse Farms / Grooms

We have hundreds of hosts around the country that love hosting Internex horse workers. There are many different types of horse farms including equestrian, racing, harness, polo and some others.

The majority of our participants on this program are interested in equestrian riding and can work from September until April, have been riding for most of their lives and have a love of horses. Some hosts like you to work 100% of the time with the horses however, others may prefer for you to be involved in other parts of the farm or to help out more with the children. When you have your first consultation with an Internex supervisor we can work out which kind of placement would be best suited to you, given your level of experience and motivations.

Farm hosts require a good level of experience to be able to ride their horses and this will be determined by the video provide in your application and will be at the discretion of the farmer. You may have the opportunity to travel and sometimes compete at horse shows on this program.

If you have at least 2 years full-time or equivalent horse experience you can choose to stay for up to 24 weeks. If you don’t have the required experience, or are unable to come at the start of the season or last the full season, or you are travelling in New Zealand and are wanting to learn about farm life in New Zealand but do not want the additional work expectations, then you may prefer our Farm Volunteer program for 4 – 20 weeks depending on your visa allowance. If you are unsure you can send out team an Enquiry and we can help you work out which program will be best for you to apply for.

Tasks are varied and change from week to week and season to season. However, typical tasks include;

  • Feeding
  • Mucking out
  • Lunging
  • Handing young horses
  • Helping with riding lessons
  • Loading / uploading horses on the float
  • Shampooing / washing horses
  • Brushing
  • Preparing horses for shows
  • Helping on competition days
  • Oiling hooves
  • Changing coats
  • Taking horses to and from the paddock
  • Tacking up
  • Other general cleaning and farm work around the yard
  • Other jobs around the farm with other animals
  • Helping with children
  • If you are required to work at horse shows this may include getting horses ready for the riders, cleaning, providing general assistance etc. However, traveling to the show, cooking, watching competitions and going to events at the show is not considered work. Work does not include riding (unless jockeying), lessons, competing, or learning about something new such as changing a shoe or watching a vaccinating etc.
  • While living on the property you’re also required to help with an additional domestic duties which are considered your everyday household chores and are not considered work. For example; preparing and cooking meals, cleaning and washing your clothes, vacuuming, keeping your bedroom and living areas tidy, going grocery shopping and feeding the pets.

The purpose of this program is to be more than just a farm job and so we aim to place you with a family that is interested in sharing their home with you. Some farm workers have their own bedroom in the main family home and share all living facilities. This develops your relationship with the family as you tend to spend a lot of time together. Your host will also invite you to attend social/family gatherings with them.

If you are more independent or travelling with friends some hosts may have separate accommodation for workers, especially on bigger or more remote farms. This results in having more independence and you tend to spend your time with other workers than with the family. During your online consultation with your INTERNeX placement supervisor you can stipulate which living arrangement you prefer and INTERNeX will find the most suitable arrangement for you.

Your food includes 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and most meals will be shared with your host family. You are expected to help in the kitchen and contribute with the cooking. If you would like snack food such as chocolate, soft drink, potato chips you will need to purchase this yourself. If you are living in separate accommodation with other farm workers your host will supply food for you that you can cook yourself or will provide you with $100.00 per week allowance or supermarket vouchers.

Most families have WIFI that you can use for basic use such as contacting your family, checking emails, occasional Skype calls. Please ensure you ask your host family before using the WIFI as some locations have very limited reception and high usage charges. You will also be able to buy data for your mobile phone / device. You must have permission from your host family to bring alcohol onto the farm and also at your own expense. Any special dietary requirements, e.g. Almond milk, gluten free bread, vegetarian or vegan foods are also at your own cost. Any illegal behaviour is cause for dismissal from the employer.

  • Be aged 18- 30
  • 12 -24 week position for those with experience
  • maximum 12 weeks position for those without relevant experience
  • Obtain a valid New Zealand Working Holiday Visa or equivalent New Zealand work visa
  • Be Flexible about the placement location
  • Hold a current valid driver’s license along with a certified translation (international driver’s license)
  • Be able to apply for an IRD number and New Zealand bank account
  • Have at least an intermediate level of English and ability to effectively communicate with the family
  • Must sign an employee / tenancy agreement
  • Must be available for a Skype interview with an INTERNeX Supervisor AND possibly the farm owner /manager
  • There is a differentiation between work and household duties as stipulated above and there is a document to read that covers these differences
  • Must not smoke (smoking on the farm could result in early termination)
  • Not have any pre-existing physical or mental health conditions that affect your ability to work
  • Not ever have been diagnosed, suffer or take any medication for psychological illness
  • Love to have fun, be happy and meet new people
  • Complete online application and provide relevant documents (CV, letter of motivation, reference, experience level)

What’s Included?

  • Online interview

  • Placement Supervisor

  • Farm placement and interview set-up

  • 3 Night Arrival Package (Airport transfer, 3 nights accomodation, breakfast, WIFI)

  • Welcome Orientation

  • Employment agreement

  • Tenancy agreement

  • Accommodation (deducted from wages)

  • Meals or allowance (deducted from wages)

  • Pre-departure support

  • Flights, visa and insurance assistance

  • 24-hour support service

  • Travel and local advice to placement and beyond