Embla
Pliešovce, Slovakia
⭐️ Activity Title
Individual Volunteering in Zaježová – Horses, Farming, Crafts & Rural Life
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🔷 Activity Details
Description
Get your hands dirty and learn real skills! Embla is a rural organisation in Zaježová, Slovakia, where volunteers can work with horses and cattle, regenerative farming, food production and traditional crafts.
Activities may include horse care, groundwork, training and riding; cattle care and regenerative grazing; maintaining pastures, removing overgrown vegetation, planting trees and creating water-retention measures. Volunteers can also help harvest and process food, including meat for our own needs.
In our workshop, you can learn blacksmithing, make jewellery and Damascus steel knives, and try woodworking, leatherwork, stone or clay. Embla also runs practical craft workshops for children and adults, where volunteers can assist and learn.
Activities change with the season and your interests. No previous experience is required – curiosity, motivation and willingness to learn are what matter most.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Volunteers live in a separate house next to the Embla farm, with 2 private rooms, shared kitchen and bathroom, heating, electricity. Bedding, towels and basic cleaning supplies are provided. Volunteers can cook for themselves or join shared meals using mainly local, seasonal and organic food. The nearest bus stop is about 30 minutes walking. Bicycles are available and regular communal shopping trips are organised. Transport can be arranged when needed.
Training during the activity
At the beginning, volunteers receive practical training in animal care and handling, workshop tools, equipment and safety procedures. Activities are introduced step by step and adapted to the volunteer's experience. Volunteers work alongside experienced people and can gradually take on more responsibility in areas such as horse care and training, regenerative farming, blacksmithing, woodworking and natural building. A mentor provides regular support and feedback. Learning can be documented through Youthpass.
Participant profile
We are looking for a curious, active and responsible person who enjoys animals, nature and practical work. You should be comfortable spending time outdoors, doing physical work and getting your hands dirty. Interest in horses, farming, crafts or making things is welcome. Previous experience is not required – motivation and willingness to learn are more important. You should be reliable, able to communicate when you need help, follow safety instructions and take initiative. Most importantly, come with an open mind and a willingness to try something new.
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🔑 Key Information
Activity dates
A total of 43 week(s) during the period 01/10/2026 to 29/07/2027
Activity location
Zaježová 50, Pliešovce, Slovakia
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 30/08/2026 00:00
Project code
2026-1-SK02-ESC51-VTJ-000404224
🔗 Official Project Page
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/53841_en
