Help in a horse riding farm in south ouest France

United States

5

I got what I had wanted out of this experience which was to work hard, learn what it takes to maintain a farm, and meet new people. It was great to get on a horse again! Important to note- Do not volunteer here if you aren't prepared for hard work and doing things in a way you aren't accustomed to. Also, you must have a flexible schedule because meals/tasks aren't always same time and there's lots of waiting around. Overall, this can be a good experience if you come with the right expectations and are interested in immersing yourself in a new place. Better to have a basic knowledge of horses

about 2 months ago

Germany

5

I took me a wile to hget used to the tasks and also to Sylvia and Erik because they have such a different lifestyle compared to mine but especially Sylllvia was very welcomeing. The accommodation was exactly as promised with a cute cat who loves cuddles included. Overall I had a good time and improved my riding skills by a lot.

7 months ago

Mexico

4

My experience here was truly grateful. I meet really great people here and Sylvia the host was really nice. The horses also are very calm and nice, especially Livy, Raita and Diego. Its a little bit difficult in the beginning to learn their names, also there is a lot of things that you need to remember but with time its gets better. Also the mobile camp was a comfy place, except that my room (the middle one) was cold by night, it was very tiny but you can sleep in the sofa, also the kitchen was not that big but it works to cook there. Also we had riding lesson 3 times at week.

about 2 months ago

sylvia replied


I'm happy you enjoyed your stay.
the mobil-home is often used for only 2 persons and if the bedrooms are small,but just to sleep in, the dining room is quite big.
for the heater you had 2 you could use, but with the door of the bedroom open.
normely, you only cook for your breakfast, but always can do some more cooking.
hope you the best for the future


Argentina

2

The routine was not well organized but the work wasn't heavy (feed, clean, move horses). The horses are easy to handle and the caravan accommodation was simple but fine. I rode horses many times, which I appreciated. However, the atmosphere was tense and uncomfortable. The host are very imposing and disrespectful when things don't meet their expectations. Riding lessons were stressful, with shouting and little teaching.I would not recommend this place for beginners cause there is no real teaching or support. Maybe for people with solid experience and can tolerate disrespectful environment.

about 2 months ago

sylvia replied

Lara was very spécial and lainly afraid of riding horses although she was to bé rider.

Peru

1

Absolutely awful experience with Sylvia. The place was dirty, with mold and spiders in the dorms. The work involved feeding horses and picking up manure WITH MY HANDS—no proper gloves were provided. Meals were poor; I was denied breakfast for finishing the bread "too early." The host was hostile and rude, she made me feel useless for not being able to carry heavy loads. I wasn't even allowed to ride the horses because it would “waste work energy.” If I could give 0 stars, I would.

3 months ago

sylvia replied

I'm sorry Maria felt so bad, but she was not expecting what a farm is, she staid less than a week, and was not at thé right place. Many people dream about horses and working with, but coming from a city life, thé reality can be hard to accept. I always say thé first week is difficult, but if After thé first days thé tasks are not accepted, she was right to leave, but not to speak so badly of thé place, we cannot fit with everybody, it's also difficult for us. we keep thé place very clean.

United Kingdom

1

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend coming here. The horses are very well cared for and the other volunteers were lovely, but ultimately the work you do is not worth what you get in return- minimal riding opportunities and dreadful accommodation (I could not sleep at all so had to leave early). Sylvia also wasn't very welcoming. The work itself isn't difficult but often exceeds the agreed hours or is sprung on you, so it is difficult to leave the farm. I have been volunteering at stables for many years so am accustomed to hard work and discomfort, but was very disappointed by this experience.

3 months ago

United States

4

I really enjoyed learning about horses, the included riding lessons, great conversations, and french holiday meals. I think my presence was enjoyed personally by the hosts, however at work I was often made to feel I was in the way or costing them a lot of money. Something volunteers should know is the schedule is broken up into 3 shifts of 1 or 2 hours, spanning the entire day with 2-4 hour breaks between meals. The work is not difficult at all, better to stay longer. The mobilehome you stay in has some mold so if you're sensitive to that, be aware. It's very important to follow all the rules.

12 months ago

Denmark

5

I had a truly wonderful 6 week stay with Sylvia an Erik. They are really nice people, when you get to know them, and can teach you a lot about horses, language, french culture and life in general. I definately improved my french level by a lot, as well as I got some crucial understanding on how to ride a horse in the best possible way. The farm is very cozy, and with a positive attitude you will get very far. The food was delicious and nutritious, and we had many interesting conversations around the table. And I made some good friends! I would definately like to come back one day, if possible.

over 1 year ago

Italy

4

Sylvia and erik are kind and welcoming people. The work I will say it's pretty physical but goes by really fast once you know all the tasks to complete. Sylvia was really understanding and if I had and need she always helped. She always provided us with nice meals and tried to get food we liked when possible. The only things I will say that the mobilum where we stayed for sleeping was nice but would need I little bit of help with some renovation's. If you are looking for a place to stay in contact with nature, learn a lot about animals, live a simple life it's the perfect place If you a

about 1 year ago

Germany

1

The exchange was sadly not what I had expected. I came here very motivated and excited to work with the horses and get to know my hosts. They do not adhere to the hours that they advertise on their page at all. We basically work all day long from 7 until 11 pm and only take small breaks in-between for eating and only one longer break in the afternoon.The hosts do not make an effort to connect with the volunteers or even speak the language everyone understands. Every time I would something they answer in an extremely rude way or diminish me. The room is extremely cold and sad.I can't recommend

over 1 year ago

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