Duke of Edinburgh Award
Cecil’s Horse Sanctuary is proud to support young people working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award. We offer positions for Gold, Silver, and Bronze participants, providing hands-on experience in caring for rescued horses and learning about animal welfare. It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, make a real difference, and contribute to the wellbeing of our sanctuary’s residents.
DoE currently takes place at our Radlett, Hertfordshire site only
What will you do?
Participants will assist with a variety of tasks, including:
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Feeding and watering the horses
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Grooming and basic care
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Cleaning shelters and paddocks
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Pushing hay into position/filling hay nets
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Helping with general maintenance around the sanctuary
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Learning about equine health and wellbeing
Why join us?
Volunteering at Cecil’s Horse Sanctuary offers more than just practical experience. You’ll:
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Develop responsibility and teamwork skills
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Gain confidence working with animals
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Contribute to the rehabilitation and happiness of rescued horses
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Fulfil the volunteering section of your Duke of Edinburgh Award in a meaningful way
Whether you’re aiming for Bronze, Silver, or Gold, we’ll provide guidance and support throughout your placement. It’s a rewarding experience that makes a real difference to the lives of our horses.
Many of our DoE volunteers end up staying on with us long after their core hours have been completed.
Read some of our testimonials below.
EMAIL if you are interested in completing your DoE with us.
TESTIMONIALS
2025/26 DoE
Lara
"Throughout my volunteering with the horses I have learnt many new skills, had amazing pony time even when the weather was rough, I have learnt all about the ponies eating habits and all the things they love. Out of all the horses brambles has to be my favourite! I’ve had such an amazing time working with all the volunteers, everyone is always so warm and welcoming. After DofE I have decided to stay and help out as a volunteer!"
2025/26 DoE
Eleanor
"As my time as a volunteer at the sanctuary i have developed many new skills and knowledge about the horses, learning about all the things they love. All the people have been so kind and welcoming when i joined it has lead to the creation of many good memories".
2025/26 DoE
William
"As someone completing their Silver DofE, I am thoroughly enjoying every aspect of volunteering at Cecil’s. I was always interested in animals, yet had never worked with them, so I found that Cecil’s was perfect for me. I love interacting with all of the ponies, and helping the team is extremely fun, especially when the ponies think they can also help us, joining alongside us whilst we push hay bales. The other DofE volunteers are also very kind, and Cecil’s is a nice way to gain experience with animals, and also socially interact with the ponies and other people working towards the same goal as me".
2026 DoE
Valentina
"I’ve always been such a huge animal lover, so volunteering at Cecil’s Horse Sanctuary has honestly been amazing joining. I’ve learned so much more than I expected—not just about how to actually take care of the horses and ponies, but all these cool new skills I never thought I’d have. It’s been so wonderful getting to know all their different personalities!"
2026 DoE
Beth
"I really enjoy volunteering at Cecil's Horse Sanctuary. I always find there are new people to speak to every week as well as some familiar faces and they are always so friendly. Volunteering at Cecil's has made me consider looking into a career with animals. Even when doing the hard and dirty jobs it is good fun and makes me want to come back for more pony fun. One of my favorite times of the session is getting to groom the ponies. Some of them like being groomed but some don't, it just depends on the day and their mood!."
2026 DoE
Your Name
Do you want be a DoE volunteer? Apply now by emailing us on cecilshorsesanctuary@hotmail.com
2026 DoE
Your Name
Do you want be a DoE volunteer? Apply now by emailing us on cecilshorsesanctuary@hotmail.com
2026 DoE
Your Name
Do you want be a DoE volunteer? Apply now by emailing us on cecilshorsesanctuary@hotmail.com