Equestrian Getaway/Horse Ranch

The property is managed by a small, experienced team operating within a structured routine. Volunteers are treated with fairness and respect, provided expectations are met and agreed responsibilities are taken seriously.

Equestrian volunteers work under supervision and are only permitted to ride or handle horses after an assessment of experience, attitude, and safety awareness. Social media volunteers are expected to actively produce usable content during their stay, not just personal travel material.

This is not a guesthouse or social community. Volunteers are expected to be punctual, self-directed, and mindful that they are contributing to a working operation rather than participating in a leisure experience.

The property is operated by a small, experienced team following a structured daily routine. Volunteers are treated fairly, respectfully, and professionally, provided agreed responsibilities are met. Equestrian volunteers may assist with grooming, basic stable tasks, and riding only after their experience, aptitude, and attitude have been assessed. Riding access is conditional and not guaranteed. Safety, horsemanship standards, and respect for the horses are non-negotiable. Social media volunteers are expected to actively document daily life on the property through photos, videos, and written content that can be used for promotion and reviews. This is a working collaboration, not personal travel blogging. Volunteers are not guests. We expect punctuality, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions without constant supervision. In return, we provide accommodation, meals, and a safe, well-run environment.


Reviews

4.0
(19 reviews)19

Staff & Host

4.5

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

4.0

Learning & Fun

4.0

Brazil

2

Communication with the host was difficult from the beginning, including negative comments about previous volunteers. The experience did not work as a volunteer position: no tasks or activities were presented, and most of the time there was no work to do.

The farm is quite remote and there were no independent transportation options.
Leaving the place or going to the city required depending on the host, who charged high prices for transportation.

7 days ago


Alfie replied

Thank you for your feedback, Marcela. We’d like to clarify that both the host and a guest relations manager were physically present and available throughout your stay, and we were also responsive on WhatsApp — so we respectfully disagree that communication was difficult. We do not provide or charge for transport; tuk-tuks are independent. You chose to leave early and unused nights were non-refundable as the accommodation was reserved for you. We wish you well.

Italy

5

I had such a great time at Vonfidel Ranch! The host was very kind, knowledgeable and reliable. He always made sure everything went smoothly and I had a peaceful stay. He helped me sort out transport to and from the Ranch, and when something unexpected came up he went above and beyond to assit me. The room was very spacious and cozy and the food was absolutely delicious. The horses were so beautiful and healthy. They were clearly very well looked after and cared for. Horse riding in such a beautiful place allowed me to fully recharge and reconnect with nature. I would highly recommend it!

21 days ago


Alfie replied

Thank you so much, Chiara — we truly appreciate your kind words. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we’re very glad you felt comfortable, cared for, and able to enjoy the horses, the food, and the quiet of the ranch. You’re always welcome back, and we wish you all the very best on your journey ahead.

United Kingdom

2

I had hoped to enjoy this experience, but it fell short of my expectations. The room was comfortable and the food was good, but I never felt fully welcomed - more like a guest than a volunteer. The staff were courteous yet very formal, and I had hoped for a more immersive cultural experience. Due to rain, I was only able to ride once, and with limited activities, no Wi-Fi, and weak service, I felt quite understimulated. The host offered little guidance on things for me to do, and I was unable to edit my footage with the lack of internet. The horses, however, were lovely and well cared for.

about 1 month ago


Alfie replied

Our volunteers are treated as guests. We’re a riding-holiday provider, not a hostel, and expectations should reflect that. As communicated, we host only one volunteer at a time, and staff immersion isn’t appropriate under Sri Lankan tourism regulations. Volunteering succeeds when expectations and contributions align. After hosting about 600 volunteers, my advice is to focus on meaningful contribution, not the cheapest deal — it leads to far richer experiences.

Ireland

4

The horses at Vonfidel Ranch are really well looked after and in excellent condition, the team are welcoming and kind with home cooked meals made everyday. Surrounded by nature and beautiful sunset rides

2 months ago

Germany

5

My experience at Vonfidel Ranch was amazing! The whole team is very nice and welcoming and really try their best to make you have a perfect experience. You get 3 meals which are just amazing, you get something different everyday so that you really learn about the local cuisine. The horses are also very sweet and in a perfect condition, they definitely are looked after which was a very important point to me and of course, the riding is just gorgeous! I would definitely recommend coming here if you love horses and don‘t mind to just chill out in the beautiful nature of sri lanka for a while

6 months ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Business

Contact with nature

Vegetarian / Vegan

Rural

Contact with animals

Wilderness