Profile information
Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Description
Hi!
My name is Dana (Daantje) Zwagerman, I am from Amsterdam and I am planning to go for another workaway experience!
The past 5 months I have been in Tenerife Horse Rescue in the horse team taking care of around 21 horses and being in the exercise team. Working with abandoned and abused horses and other animals. Working with an amazing team and vets for the rehabilitation of foundered, abused and neglected horses. Being surrounded by 250+ animals and living in a community in a cave. It has been an amazing experience, from the animals to working together with around 40 other volunteers!
Before this I have been in Spain, Catalunya with workaway to train and be the general caretaker of around 20 horses. I have been teaching natural horsemanship, groundwork and classical dressage there as well. I was also a trekking guide and have been working with the more difficult horses. I also worked with getting almost all the horses to go bitless. Where the plan was to stay only a month and a half I have stayed there for over 5 months and it has been amazing!
I am looking for another adventure, to meet all kinds of new people, cultures, landscapes, animals, food and to have a good memorable time! I am a very easygoing, hard working person who loves to have a good laugh! I would also love to learn more in the horse world and grow as an equestrian.
Since I was little I always loved all sorts of animals and can handle and be around them very well. I have ridden horses since I was 5 and rode at dressage at Z level training and L in competitions (never really got many chances to ride more competitions) and with jumping I was training at 1.10m and competitions 80cm. (I do really need to practice more with jumping because I haven't done it for quite a long time). I also have been on a lot of long outside rides and have a lot of experience with working on the ground. With classical dressage I always focus with riding that first of all the horse is using the right muscles and body composure to carry a rider. I do not support pulling the head around with dressage and forcing "pretty" movements! I also have knowledge about natural horsemanship and free riding. For me it is very important to start everything on the ground in a very natural pressure and release way. Focussing on breathing, blinking, composure etc.. I have trained and took care of other people their horses since I was 14. I have experience with young horses. Went to a lot of jumping competitions as a groom. I ALWAYS put the horses first. I would love to work at a ranch or anything with horses and other animals!
I have experience in working on a barn and loved to do that! I am very work driven and keen to learn new skills and help around.
I also have experience with rescue dogs and other rescue animals. I have been raised with dogs around and in Tenerife I have fostered rescue dogs.
Next to horseriding I also draw, paint, am learning guitar, have played piano, photograph and videograph and would love to share skills and learn from people I meet! You'll probable get some drawings I make during the stay :)
My most important part of my journey is being able to meet people from all over the world and get to spend time in their lives and help. Sharing stories, having fun and experience.
(FYI; Due to my phone that has been stolen I have unfortunately lost a lot of pictures so for a lack of pictures are a few of the photos on my profile are from a while back)
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Spanish: BeginnerMore details about my language interests
I'd love to learn
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Light gardening
Eco Projects
Charity Work
Languages
Some knowledge of:
Creative DIY projects
Light maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Life at a Farmstay
Helping around the house
Able to teach about:
Animal Care
Art Projects
More details about your skills
Horse riding
Natural horsemanship
Western style groundwork
Animal care
Cooking
Drawing
Painting
Photographing
Videographing
Playing guitar (learning)
Playing piano
Age
24
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
NoSpecial dietary requirements
I am mostly vegetarian (if possible vegan) but I am able to adapt!
Photos
