Equestrian & Content Support Volunteer

Paesi Bassi

2

If you're really into nature and love the quietness, this place is definitely for you! They also take great care for you, very Sri Lankan food, and Alfie will help you with questions. For me however, it was too quiet and really boring. There is nothing to do for you as a volunteer, and I really don't know why they would call you one while staying there. I felt really lonely, because it's in the middle of nowhere. It was not what I was expecting, because there was nothing to do. Before you book this 'volunteering' position, you should know that you will just be a guest, not a team member.

più di 1 anno fa

Alfie ha risposto

Dear Lora,

As outlined in our profile, we are a signature riding holiday ranch. We carefully select suitable volunteers, and their tasks and experiences naturally vary based on the activities at hand, the nature of our guests, and their willingness to work or socialize, among other factors. You were with us during a period when we had just completed back-to-back riding holidays, so our horses were on break and some team members were on leave.

On April 10, 2024, you asked, "Are there any other volunteers present?" to which we replied, "We try to have a maximum of two students at a time. Over the past two years, we have seen a demand for more discerning students who want privacy, as most of them are digital nomads with equipment, space, and privacy preferences." Given this clear communication, it is puzzling that you described our ranch as being “in the middle of nowhere” and “too quiet and really boring.”

We chose this location out of a passion to escape urban madness and seek tranquility, a choice appreciated by many of our guests and volunteers. We understand that preferences vary, but it was clear from the start that our ranch is not a hostel and would have, at most, two volunteers at any given time.

You left earlier than your commitment required. We had staff on standby to host you, who could have been sent on leave, but instead, you chose to criticize us in a manner we believe is unfair and unfounded. We understand that you might be perturbed because there was no refund, as explained per our organization policy. Our profile contains nothing misleading or false, and if there had been, we believe you would have highlighted it at the time. We regret your insincerity and unsocial conduct in this regard.

Regarding your statement, "There is nothing to do for you as a volunteer," we want to clarify that we run an equestrian operation in a country with very few horses. Horse comfort and safety are of paramount importance to us. You had the option to ride twice a day on some days and once a day on others, based on your preference. If you had wanted more work, we would have gladly assigned you tasks that you could execute comfortably and safely. Staying in your accommodation all day and complaining more than a week after you left does not help us address any concerns. If you check your WhatsApp, you will see that Alfie responded to your messages within minutes, even while traveling or at work. We are, therefore, disappointed with your attitude.

Furthermore, your private comment about lowering the $15-a-day fee, which covers three meals, coffee, electricity, mineral drinking water, linen, water, and the prorated costs of staff who cooked your vegetarian food, served, cleaned, and kept you safe and attended to your needs, is insulting and demeaning. Where else would you receive all this and have the opportunity to ride a horse twice a day for such a cost?

Sri Lanka may have a lower GDP than your country, but we are richer in hospitality and service. We have to provide all of the above and still pay licensing fees, taxes, and upkeep. We left you good feedback, but your insincerity prevents us from remaining silent on this matter.

After your encounter, we have not only raised the fee we charge our WP volunteers but have also lowered the minimum stay requirement. This adjustment aims to attract those who genuinely wish to benefit from our program, similar to others who have given us positive feedback. At the same time, it naturally filters out those who may not be a good fit, helping us avoid future drama.

Sincerely,
Alfie

Germania

2

You can really can get in touch with nature! There was no wifi and you're alone as a volunteer. I felt really alone. There were no task for me that I could do. You really felt that it is more about business than anything else. You're not a part of the team. If you looking for a place where you can work and have some interaction with animals/nature, than it is your place. There is also good food if you're a vegetarian but you have to listens to lots of comments how meat would be better for you. There were also other inappropriate comments about how woman should dress.

più di 1 anno fa

Alfie ha risposto

Dear Linda,

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. During your brief stay of two days, we made efforts to ensure your comfort and addressed any concerns that arose.

On the evening of your arrival, we extended a warm welcome and hosted you for dinner. However, it seemed that on the second day, you encountered some personal challenges, including fatigue and emotional distress, which affected your engagement with the activities.

Regarding your attire, we maintain a commitment to safety, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism in our interactions with both guests and local partners. While we understand that cultural norms may vary, we regret any discomfort you may have experienced.

Regarding connectivity, we strive to provide clear information to our guests, including suggestions for obtaining local SIM cards. We apologize for any inconvenience you faced and appreciate your patience as we assisted you in resolving the issue.

We regret that your experience did not meet your expectations, and we value your feedback as we continually strive to improve our services. We sincerely hope that you will reconsider your review and give us the opportunity to welcome you again in the future.

Warm regards!
PS: We are happy to clarify details beyond formality of this response.

Germania

5

Alfie is a really lovely,helpful and warmhearted, person! The range is a quite place in the middle of nowhere and perfect to get in real touch with the nature and the locals. I love it to sit at the terrace in the evening with Alfie, with a warm herbal tea and talk about the world, or just listen to the sounds of nature. I really would recommend this host to everyone who loves the nature. Thanks to you Alfie🌞

circa 2 anni fa

Alfie ha risposto

It was our pleasure hosting Lea!
Lea has an attitude that is poised to make her successful in any endeavor she undertakes and it certainly benefited us for her positive attitude and grateful trait is energizing!
Lea, you are a life member here and are welcome to call it your second home. We wish you wellness and best wishes in your endeavors!

Stati Uniti

5

I stayed at Vonfidel the farm for 2 months, and the experience was truly life changing. His property is absolutely gorgeous! Alfie is so kind and helpful. The food that we ate was not only delicious, but healthy and extremely medicinal. Alfie has a vast knowledge base on the plants and their health benefits! I learned so much about permaculture and sustainable living. This truly is my home away from home. I had the ability to travel around, meet locals, learn the languages and make friendships that will last a life time. He truly knows how to show you an incredible time. I will be coming back 💜

più di 2 anni fa

Alfie ha risposto

Having you was an honor and I enjoyed my role as a host in your case and I wish every host gets to have a volunteer of your caliber at least once in their tenure! Wish you the best and you are always welcome here at the ranch 🙏⭐

Giappone

5

He was very kind from the beginning to the end. This place has a lot of nature and animals. We lived a very fulfilling life every day. They also sometimes guide you to local tourist spots. They also serve delicious local food every day, and you can also experience Sri Lankan culture.

più di 2 anni fa

Alfie ha risposto

Thank you for the kind words, Mizuki 🙏
Welcome!

Slovakia

5

The farm is full of positive vibes, very calm place to reconnect with true nature, the project is very interesting. Alfie is a very knowledgeable man and can teach you a lot about sustainability and permaculture. We had a lot of fun talks at dinners. At the time I was there there was only 1 horse to ride, and he was very well trained. I was riding either early morning or late afternoon because of the heat. Food is healthy and delicious. Wifi isn't free, I paid 8$ for 20GB and it was still not working well. Overall I would recommend this place!

più di 2 anni fa

Alfie ha risposto

Thank you for the kind words Monika. The wifi works well if you open your window or sit in the patio. As a signature riding outfit our clients complain when wifi is inside the room so we have it just outside the door. Since our walks are double-brick and roofing zinc aluminum with ceiling added wifi does not penetrate well and I hope you understand this. In the patio you get 70MB speed.

Regno Unito

5

Alfie has a wonderful the farm! It's very relaxing in a beautiful area. He is an excellent host with a lot of knowledge and wisdom to learn from. His horses are well kept and lovely to ride and interact with. The staff are really friendly and kind which made the experience really wholesome. The food was delicious and really healthy. It is a wonderful place and I learnt a lot, I would love to come and visit again in the future, thankyou Alfie :)

più di 2 anni fa

Alfie ha risposto

Thank you for the kind words Rosanna. It was a pleasure hosting you and we will be excited to have you. Am glad you improved your balance, seat and confidence on the ride. Be in touch and see you many times! Best wishes!

Germania

5

I fell in love with this the farm and it's positive vibes and decided to reapply for another stay and return in a few months. Horses here are well trained and provide a therapeutic benefit while the food is delicious and I was spoilt by the treatment here. We were served like customers in a resort. I love the nature and tranquility here. Work is fun and we get to design our workflow. We got to learn much in this project. I really appreciate Alfie with his pure heart of gold and good intentions 🙏🏼✨

quasi 3 anni fa

Alfie ha risposto

Hi Anna,
It was indeed a pleasure having you. Your positive work ethic and motivation are admired. We are excited to welcome you back!

Svezia

5

Our time at Vonfidel the farm was truly amazing. We got to design our own programme together with the owner and it turned out super good, with everything we expected. The horses are super well taken care of and they are big and fun to ride. The surrounding areas is also very beautiful and calm, it's a perfect place to settle down for a while. The staff treated us really well and made sure we had everything we needed. We got to try local food every day and it was delicious! I really recommend this place, i really learned a lot staying here.

quasi 3 anni fa

Alfie ha risposto

It was our pleasure to have hosted you. You have excellent attributes to do well in life and we wish you the best!

Consider the ranch your home in Sri Lanka! Happy adventures!

Candidarsi Ora