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Farm Girl Wanted: Horses & Hospitality in Portugal

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The experience

Escape to my cozy countryside homestead!

Horse experience is non-negotiable—you must confidently halter and lead.

Help care for 9 horses, 3 dogs & 4 cats: feeding, cleaning stables, exercising horses & assisting with hospitality. Enjoy flexible hours, great meals & a private room by the pool. Just 10 min from Santiago do Cacém, 20 from the beach.

Min. stay: 2 months.

What you offer

32 hours of help per week

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

What you get

1 day off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Intermediate English or Intermediate Portuguese

Between 20 and 45 years old

Only hosts solo volunteers (doesn’t accept couples or partners)

Travel insurance

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Join Us at Monte dos Carotos – A Unique Equestrian Homestead in Portugal!

Monte dos Carotos, a charming Bed & Breakfast nestled in the peaceful Alentejo countryside, is looking for enthusiastic volunteers! If you have a passion for horses, farm life, and hospitality, this is your chance to be part of a unique experience.

About me:
Monte dos Carotos is a small homestead run by Sylvie Veninga, offering riding lessons, trail rides, and horse training. With 9 horses, 3 dogs, and 4 cats, there’s always something happening! We also welcome guests to our cozy Bed & Breakfast, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

What I Offer:
As part of your stay, you’ll have your own comfortable room right next to the swimming pool—a perfect retreat after a rewarding day of work. We provide all meals, ensuring you’re well-fed and energized for your tasks, and you’ll also have the opportunity to learn from Sylvie, who has over 25 years of experience in animal husbandry and car.

Activities & Shift

*What We’re Looking For:*
We need a motivated young woman (in her 20s and up) who can stay for at least 2 to 3 months. Riding experience is highly valued, as we work with difficult horses and need help exercising them on trail rides. Volunteers will assist with:

•⁠ ⁠Cleaning stables and paddocks
•⁠ ⁠Feeding and watering the horses
•⁠ ⁠Helping with daily exercise and trail rides
•⁠ ⁠Preparing and cleaning guest rooms during tourist season
•⁠ ⁠General maintenance tasks like painting and pruning

Rules

Since we work closely with animals, flexibility is key—horses don’t run on a fixed schedule! Their needs come first, and daily tasks can vary depending on the situation. Volunteers should be adaptable, ready for unexpected challenges, and comfortable with the dynamic nature of farm life.