We are a farming family, have been milking 140 cows for the last 20 years. We wanted to do something different so sold the cows and bought 6 horses. We are now a riding school and a trail riding centre, also organizing horse camps at different times of the year to different places.
We are also a small farmstay so keeping busy with that too.
You get to help us with varied tasks from maintenance to horse work, to cleaning hostel( maintenance) and horsegear, also assisting in trail riding and camps.
Our sons are all grown up with 2 still at home but next year they're off to uni.
We have a panoramic view over the islands, ocean, hills and bush.
We have a 9.1 m swimming pool for use in your free time in the summer and a river swimming hole 10 min walk way.
We do NOT like smokers as some of us suffer from Asthma, so please, NON SMOKERS ONLY.( it also pollutes the air and your body and ours)

Bay of Plenty

Work is varied depending on the time of the year. In the summer it's a lot of riding, saddling up horses, helping with the trail riding,horse and horse camps that I organize so a lot of horse work. We also have 3 dogs and a cat. Sometimes we have some steers.
House work, laundry and cleaning the hostel and changing sheets is part of it the work.
We do not cater for vegetarians or vegans and they must supply and cook their own food in the hostel, but if you work MORE than 5 hours per day we will supply the food.
Same for normal diet, if you work 2 hours or less we don't supply meals but you can buy and cook your own food in the hostel and you can buy food at the local grocery store 5 km from here. We supply bikes.. That doesn't mean you don't get invited over for a meal but it won't be all the time. I hope you understand.
But you get a day off per week, and sometimes more in which we or you can go to the surf beach which is 15 km from here. Or see other attractions in the area. ( I often take our volunteers on surprise trips)
We ride over 300 acres dairy farm and through a 10 acre pineforest and cross a small river with crystal clear water, also great for swimming..
Come and stay some time with us for a few weeks. 2 weeks minimum would be preferred as you would benefit the most from it. You'll have a great experience!

English, Dutch, German and some French

You will be in a single or double caravan depending if you want your own room or are a couple. The caravans are very cozy and comfortable beds.

We are ex dairy farmers, have grown our own beef/cattle to food. We know this meat is safe and organic, grass fed beef. If you are a vegetarian it's best you cook your own food in the hostel.
We have teenage sons at home( this year) so sometimes you are invited to have dinner with us but not always.
You need to be able to know what to do with horses,so it would be helpful if you are riding well and are confident with horses.
If you want to learn HOW to ride a horse, you have to pay the normal fee like everyone else. We can teach you how to ride in our outdoor arena. I also teach how to jump. Normal fees apply for this.