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Help with ponies and horses and live in my happy family in Salbris, France

France
Favourited 546 times
Last activity: 15 Apr 2024

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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
14 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
33
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Availability

2024

Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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Description
We live on a farm where we have mostly Welsh ponies ( between 1m24 and 1m50 so it’s good not to be to tall if you want to ride). We also have retired horses to take care. My mother lives close to the stables and does some bed and breakfast. I live there with my three kids and my friend Katelyn, an Irish musician and English teacher and we really like to meet new people and exchange experiences . We have dogs, cats and parrots also this year we have a foal who was born the Easter morning.We love nature and animals, and I think we live in a very magical place for that . There is a big forest all around the farm with a lake we can swim in summer, we built a little cabin in the forest in May 2020 to go sleeping there sometimes with the kids. I am a painter who specialises in humoristic paintings of animals. We really like music ( we listen vinyls all the time) and we play the guitar, the piano and sing a lot.
During holidays we organize little summer camps ( 6-10 kids) where we teach them riding, playing music, drawing and English
We live 2 hours south Paris between Orleans, Blois and Bourges which is very close to "Chateaux de la Loire".
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will live with us as a member of our family (but you will have your our own house for privacy). You will learn the French language and about our culture. We can Play music together if you play an instrument ( we have a piano, three guitars , a ukulele and a saxophone).Also, we will help you learn more about the horses.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
we need somebody who is familiar with ponies, loves them and can help us with them. And if you want you can ride them around in the forest. Also, you will play and spend time with my kids and do stuff around the farm/ garden and inside the house.
We also need some help to cut the wood and bring it home for the winter time.
The most important thing for us is having someone very motivated and willing to participate in all aspects of life here.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
You will live in a little house on the farm with your own bathroom and bedroom,
What else ...
Our farm is in Salbris 41300. There is lots of things to do there. We will give you a bike to use during your stay here and you can cycle into the town or through the forest in your spare time. You can also take the train to neighbouring towns such as Bourges or Orleans.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
4/5 heures par jour max, 5 j/sem.

Host ref number: 761978365814

Feedback (23)

8 Jun 2023

Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host

I had am amazing time with Marguerite, Katelyn the Kids and the many animals here. I came to Salbris to improve my french but I also learned a lot more. I don't have a lot of experience with working with horses but Marguerite took me in and showed me alot about training, feeding and handling. I got to help out with the parrots, the cats and the… read more

(Excellent )

3 Apr 2023

Left by Workawayer (Michelle) for host

It’s time for me to write this review and give you a glimpse of my experience in Le Petit Vignault but, to be honest, I’m not sure where to start first. It is hard to sum up in a few lines this month that I spent in this amazing place. I came here with only one aim, which was to live a nice experience and to spend some time in nature. After a… read more

(Excellent )

25 Oct 2022

Left by Workawayer (Izzy) for host

I spent two amazing months with Marguerite, Katelyn and the kids. Their home and stables are beautiful, and the family is incredibly welcoming, so it's very easy to feel at home fast. If you like animals, kids and the countryside, this is the perfect place for you - the three kids are very friendly and the house is full of animals (two dogs, two… read more cats and four parrots), so you'll never feel lonely. However, it is also easy to have privacy when you need it as there is separate accommodation for workawayers, where you will have your own room. There really is something for everyone here - if you like cooking, the kitchen has everything you need to make and share whatever you want, and Katelyn (you are so talented!) is also a wonderful chef. Mealtimes are shared, which means having breakfast, lunch and dinner together as a family. These are really special moments with lots of opportunity for great conversation, and I think they are one of the reasons why you begin to feel at home so quickly here! If you enjoy music, there is a piano, guitars, a violin and other various instruments to play, and Katelyn and Marguerite are also great musicians and lovely to play with. And of course, the house is surrounded by a huge forest and a lake so you can go swimming if it's warm enough, and explore the countryside on foot or horseback. However, if you also enjoy the city, it is very easy to get to Orléans and other nearby cities by train on your days off.

The work consists of feeding, cleaning and exercising the horses, and also mucking out their boxes. It can be challenging as physically it is quite intense, but this is nothing to worry about, as Marguerite is very conscious to make sure that you have enough time off to rest. Also, the work is very enjoyable, and if you like horses, it often doesn't even feel like work! It is definitely useful to have some knowledge of horses before you come, but there is no need to be an expert, as you will learn so much while you are here anyway. Also, Marguerite's mother, Marielle, is often at the stables and is very knowledgeable, so she will always give you a helping hand if you need it. There is also always some kind of project going on, which will involve working on some other tasks during the day. For example, during my stay, I helped to chop and cover the wood that heats the home and I also learnt how to make the picture frames for Marguerite's amazing artwork. Lastly, while I was here, there was a kids' camp which I helped out with - this involved getting the horses ready for the children to ride, doing activities with the children, helping with mealtimes etc. Marguerite is very patient in explaining how to look after the horses and the stables, especially because even if you don't speak French, she will always try to find a way to help you understand! So, this is also a great place to improve your language skills, because Marguerite and Katelyn's knowledge of both French and English and their willingness to help others learn means that it is very easy to practice speaking other languages.

It was very hard to leave this amazing place and wonderful family, and I truly couldn't have been luckier with my first Workaway experience. Vous me manquez déjà tellement et je chérirai toujours les bons moments et la gentillesse que vous m'avez donné.

(Excellent )

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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)

8 Jun 2023

Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host

(Excellent )

3 Apr 2023

Left by Workawayer (Michelle) for host

(Excellent )

25 Oct 2022

Left by Workawayer (Izzy) for host

(Excellent )

30 Mar 2022

Left by Workawayer (Cecilie ) for host

I spend just under a month with Marguerite and Katelyn. These women are amazing! They instantly made me a part of the family and it felt very natural.
Their house is filled with laughter, creativity and lots of music.
They are raising three lovely children, that are just as fun and easygoing as Katelyn and Marguerite.

My day consisted of having… read more

(Excellent )

23 Sep 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)

Djami and Noha stayed for a month with us. They where the most nice people you can have in your house: always helpful and happy of that, very communicative and so nice with my kids.
When they arrive we show them how everything works here : stable, horses, parrots and stuff around the farm and then they where alone for one week and they did a… read more

(Excellent )

13 Sep 2021

Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host

First of all: we couldn't have asked for a better workaway-experience and can't wait to see all of these people again. The property is a paradise for people and animals. We felt home right from the beginning. Marguerite, Katelyn, Marielle and the kids were really heartwarming and made us feel like part of the family. The communication was great… read more

(Excellent )

23 Aug 2021

Left by Workawayer (Alina) for host

I spent 2 months at Marguerite´s home. Marguerite and Katelyn are very open and always make you feel welcome. The whole nature around the house is absolutely beautiful, they even have their own lake! My stay was very diverse in the beginning we were working at transforming the attic, which was super cool because they were doing it all by… read more

(Excellent )

5 Aug 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Johnny & Ellie )

Johnny and Ellie spent a month with us. Johnny helped us with painting and DIY in our Attic conversion project as well as helping to repair fences on the farm. Johnny was always happy to help and interested in everything we were doing. He also had a good word with everyone.
Ellie was great help with the horses, riding and taking care of them. She… read more

(Excellent )

13 Jul 2021

Left by Workawayer (Johnny & Ellie ) for host

Absolute paradise!
I would recommend to everyone. Marguerite and kaytlyn were so friendly and welcomed us Into their family home and made it super easy to settle in. Their house and stables were incredible we were so lucky to have worked and experienced their everyday life. We did the morning and evening routine with the horses feeding then… read more

(Excellent )

28 Jul 2021

Left by Workawayer (Johanne) for host

Marguerite and Katelyn are the kindest and nicest women you can find, I felt home immediately. Their place is amazing, it's like heaven on Earth both for humans and animals. The horses and ponies are just perfect, I'm so happy I've been able to ride again after so many years, especially in the forest and around the lake. I loved taking care of… read more

(Excellent )

11 Jun 2021

Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host

I came to this adorable family in Salbris in July 2020 for the first time, I did not expect anything but the experience has been super great. It had been a long time since I had been in touch with horses even if it's one of my biggest passions, and I was served.
I loved too much to be so free, Marguerite trusted me very quickly to take care of his… read more

(Excellent )

7 Mar 2021

Left by Workawayer (Diogo) for host

I stayed with Marguerite, Katelyn and the kids for a little over a month. It was a lot of fun and there is always something happening, no dull moments. The woods arround the house are absolutely gorgeous and a lot of fun to go biking, or horse riding in. I didn't do any horse riding, since i don't have a lot of experience and those big bastards… read more

(Excellent )

7 Mar 2021

Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host

I came to stay here for two months to improve my french, meet new people and spend time with the horses - all of which I had the opportunity to do when staying at Marguerite's. Everyone was so nice and I felt at home from the very first day. There was music playing all the time - either coming from a vinyl player or from live music (especially in… read more

(Excellent )

17 Jul 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Amicie & Raphaël)

Amicie and Raphael stayed for a month on my farm in France.
There are a very nice couple, we became friends very quickly.
During their stay they did lots of different things : taking care of horses, feeding them, putting them into thé field, helped to tame the New baby foal, drove à tractor and also we built a little house in the forest and they… read more

(Excellent )

29 Jun 2020

Left by Workawayer (Amicie & Raphaël) for host

Nous avons eu la chance de rester un mois chez Marguerite et Benoît ! Ce fut un super séjour et nous retournerons les voir sans hésiter !
Sur place nous nous occupions des poneys (les nourrir, les soigner, les monter, nettoyer les boxes...) Et nous construisions une cabane dans les bois l'après-midi.
Il y a trois enfants adorables de 6,4 et 1 ans… read more

(Excellent )

8 Jun 2020

Left by Workawayer (Mirja) for host

My boyfriend Max and I spent one month with Marguerite and her family. We were incredibly lucky that they helped us out so last minute during the COVID-pandemic. (We worked previously in a skiresort which got shut down and had no other place to go.)
The communication before arriving was simple and easy via WhatsApp and we facetimed once to answer… read more all questions. The family already seemed so sweet, we were really excited to cross the whole country to come and stay with them. And our first impressions were correct, we had an amazing time and felt welcome from day one!

We stayed in a separated house next to the family which is very good for couples and to have some privacy when needed. All day you were surrounded by the sound of nature - in the evenings you could hear the frogs from the pond and in the morning you would wake up to birds chirping. Such a peaceful and magical place to spend the lockdown. All meals were taken together, we were more than welcome to cook if we wanted to (great for Max as a passionate cook) but Benoit always got us with his great french cuisine (especially Chevre chauds!!! ;-) ) and not to forget - they've had the best selection of cheese, baguette and wine which even after a month we had to take some home.
The evenings we often spent together playing music or watching movies or chatting at the dinner table.

The taks varied from day to day but the mornings always stayed the same: feeding the horses, getting the ponys to exercise in the paddock, poo-picking and clearing up afterwards. In the afternoon it depended on the weather situation and included tasks like gardening, clearing up the paths in the forest by cutting the trees that have fallen during storms and finally - starting to build a house in the forest from scratch. It was all a lot fun and we learned a lot of new things - most important of which is how to drive a tractor!
On other days we helped Marguerite with the kids which was such a pleasant thing to do - all three of them (Nicole, Georges and Carl) were so sweet and easy to get on with.
Our free time we spent riding the horses, relaxing, playing instruments and when the sun came out the lake next to the house made a perfect spot for picnics and swimming.

All in all it is easy to say that we would have loved to stay longer and are definitly planning on coming back to visit - especially to see the house in the forest being fully built. We miss the kids, horses and our great hosts which we now can call friends. We highly recommend this place to people (also to couples cause it is just a exciting experience to do together ;-)) wanting to learn more about horses, improve their french and happy to work outside.
Lots of love from Germany and the UK!

Ps. Shout out to Oupla :-)

(Excellent )

25 Apr 2020

Left by Workawayer (Flora) for host

Hey fellow workawayers, if you ever have the chance to spend some time with Marguerite and her family, take it! I was lucky to live with them for almost three months and I don’t regret it at all. They really made a lot of effort to make me feel welcome from the beginning on and throughout my stay. Work was physically not too hard and varied,… read more

(Excellent )

23 Jan 2020

Left by Workawayer (Muriel) for host

I spent 3 months with Marguerite and her family. From the first day on, I felt very comfortable at their house not only because the environment is very magical but also her family is very welcoming.
At the beginning Marguerite was really patient with me. She explained everything very well and I could always ask her in case I haven't understood it.… read more The very cool thing was that I had a great range of different tasks I could do at her house. I helped with the horses which meant cleaning the stables, feeding them etc. If you want Margerite gives you the opportunity to ride her poneys and horses a lot and as you can ride with the poneys around the lake and in the forest and you will have very nice promenades with them. Other tasks were making the frames for her paintings and helping with her kids which was such a nice work to do because they are really sweet and they let you into their heart. I also feeded the baby and changed his nappies. Before that Marguerite explained everyting really carefully and I could always ask in case I didn't get it. If I felt uncomfortable with a task, I could always tell her and then she would give me other tasks.
In summer Marguerite and a friends of hers organise summer camps for kids at her house. I had the chance to prepare with another workawyer a course for the kids which was a great project.
As you can see there are many different tasks that can be done at her house and the cool thing is you can always talk to Marguerite about your work and if you want to change your work or you don't feel comfortable, she will do everything in order to make happy.
At the weekends you can visit different cities such as Paris, Orléans, Bourges or just do little trips for yourself. They let you stay in their apartment in Paris and you can use a bike.
The best thing for me that I got really part of this family and consider it as my second family. Marguerite really let you be part of her family and her friend's group. In the evening we often played the guitar together because she taught me how to play it. We really laughed a lot. There is also a piano that you can play. I loved it very much that we had nice and long conversations during the day and in the evening about our lifes. So you see, you are never alone and there are always the nicest people around you and if you need some privacy you can always have it at any time.
I'm really lucky to have stayed with them for 3 months and I'm grateful for all the things Marguerite has taught me. It was the best experience abroad and I would do this experience over and over again and I will come and visit you. Your strange Swiss girl ;)

(Excellent )

24 Sep 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Larissa)

Larissa spent 5 weeks with us.
She is a very good rider so I gave her to ride my horse.
She helped a lot with kids and ponies .
We had a very good time playing music in the evening.
You will be always welcome to my house Larissa.
See you next year !

(Excellent )

24 Sep 2019

Left by Workawayer (Larissa) for host

If you like animals, nature, kids and music, this will be the perfect place for you! I stayed five weeks in august and september with Marguerite and her family and it was fantastic!
In the morning I had to feed the horses. During the time I stayed at Marguerite´s place the horses were on the fields, so there was no mucking out. After feeding the… read more

(Excellent )

4 May 2019

Left by Workawayer (Yuhsuan) for host

There are too many wonderful memories during the month that I stayed. I can only say that It was one of my best memory in my whole life. I got many friends there, both people and animals. For the language learner, they are so patient to listen. Too many things to thank.... The greatest thing is to have the chance to meet this family. I cried… read more

(Excellent )

1 Mar 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Neele)

I had a very good time with Neele “Nils”. She is very helpfull and love animals. Thank you for all your good cakes and your happiness! You sing very well and it was very nice to play the guitare with you.
We ( kiss, Katelyn, constance and me)miss you a lot, I hope to see you for our birthday next month.

(Excellent )

27 Feb 2019

Left by Workawayer (Neele) for host

Dear Marguerite,
here you have your next love letter. I have not a lot to add. I am just thankful to had the chance to meet you and your family. Thank you for every late night talk, every guitar session, every cheese experience, every Beatles song. Thank you for sunny picnics, nights with friends and wine, green pasta and everything that I could… read more

(Excellent )

15 Oct 2018

Left by Workawayer (Lilia) for host

My first Workaway experience couldn’t have been better !
I spent one month with Marguerite and her family and they made me feel at home from the first day on.
Marguerites home is like a little paradise with wide meadows, a forest where you can ride, a beautiful lake and lots of horses and dogs.
I stayed in a seperate small house next to the… read more

(Excellent )

14 Oct 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Lilia)

Lili spent a month with us. Very quickly she became a part of our family , because she is very curious and wants to spend time with us and also very helpful, my kids adopted her instantly .
Every morning she went to the stables to help with horses, cleaning and riding. At lunch time she was cooking for me and my two kids most of the time which was… read more

(Excellent )

10 Sep 2018

Left by Workawayer (Laurence) for host

I spent close to a month with Marguerite and her family and it was an amazing experience. I don't think I could have been luckier than that as a first experience with Workaway. They are welcoming, caring, funny and it was so great to be able to spend time with them! We played with the kids, cooked meals, listened to music, played guitar, picked up… read more

(Excellent )

5 Sep 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Laurence)

Laurence spent a month with us last August.
She is a very good person, always taking of people or animals around, with smile and energy.
With horses she was very helpful and never impressed if they were naughty.
She really likes the nature and all stories about different places so it’s very nice to be with her because of her curiosity and… read more

(Excellent )

5 May 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Heike)

Hanna stayed with us for 5 weeks and it was her first experience as workaway.
We had a really great time together.
What I can say first is that she really likes animals.
She is a very quiet girl but she say everything she wants to say and also she is very polite and respectable.
During the day she was doing stuff around horses like cleaning the… read more

(Excellent )

3 May 2018

Left by Workawayer (Heike) for host

Like the other two Workawayers before, I spent approximately 5 weeks at Marguerites Place, and If I could, I would have stayed there for a longer time, because it was so terrific.
Marguerite lives with her two endearing children right next to the little house in which you will live, and we had many wonderful and fun evenings together, watching… read more

(Excellent )

13 Feb 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Chloé)

Chloé just leave after a month with us. We already miss her... she is very confortable with everybody and always happy,curious and helpful.
January is an hard month in our country with lots of rain, cold and freezing but Chloé was here every morning to help with horses.
She is a quit good rider and can follow us every were in the foest galoping… read more

(Excellent )

13 Feb 2018

Left by Workawayer (Chloé) for host

I spent 5 wonderful weeks at the Breguet home gaining much experience with the horses and meeting amazing people. I mostly helped at the stables, feeding, cleaning, riding in the morning and sometimes in the afternoon as well, and cleaning tack. The horses each have their character but are generally curious, sweet and approachable. I worked… read more

(Excellent )

19 Nov 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (celinaue99)

Celina is a very good person, interested in lots of things and very helpfull. Every morning she was helping with horses: clean the stables, ride or help in some stuff around horses. In the afternoons she sometimes was helping with my two kids (1 and 3 years old) they realy loved her, she was also feeding the horses in the evening and take them… read more

(Excellent )

18 Nov 2017

Left by Workawayer (celinaue99) for host

I stayed for 5 weeks with Marguerite and her family. It was an amazing time and I gained so many experiences there!
I worked almost the entire time with the horses: I feed the horses, mucked out, cleaned the snaffles, brought the horses on the fields and in the evening back in the boxes and I rode the horses. I rode 5 days a week and I went for… read more

(Excellent )

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Help with ponies and horses and live in my happy family in Salbris, France

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Last replied

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Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Projects involving children

Help

Languages

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

How many Workawayers can stay?

Hours expected

Feedback (23)

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