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Help with our therapy horse farm and homestead in rural northern Oregon, USA
Last activity
: 18 Apr 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 2 days
Min stay requested: 1 month or more
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 171444762715
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Feedback (7)
Left by Workawayer (Nina) for host
I don't even know how to begin to describe my experience at the Sanctuary. It has barely been a week since I had to say goodbye and I'm already yearning to be back. Katie and Rose are such welcoming and deeply caring people that I felt at home from the day I arrived. They treat all of their animals with the upmost respect and love and give them a
… read more chance to live their best life on the farm. Rose and Katie truly want everyone to thrive and have successfully created a safe haven for both the animals and every person who visits the sanctuary for their individual needs.
I was on the farm from July until the beginning of November so I got to experience working in the dry heat as well as during the rainy colder days. Due to a very detailed and clearly structured list provided by Katie, I was able to complete my daily tasks with ease. Whenever I did have a question or there was any problem at all, Katie was fast to respond and help me which I appreciated a lot. I was at the farm long enough that I was able to experience what it was like volunteering at different times of day. From the peaceful morning feed at 7 AM while the sun is rising to calling in the goats, sheep and THE most precious dogs Meadow and Aspen from the forest late in the afternoon, I had the chance to get involved in almost all tasks that had to be completed every day during my stay and I loved every second of it. While the work is physically demanding and can get a little tiring in the beginning, it was so fun to see myself get stronger and faster every week! The work is so rewarding and I looked forward to the different tasks I had each day. I loved any special projects or helping out during an event held on the farm, I always felt accomplished and happy at the end of the day:)
Now to another crucial part of the farm; the animals.
If you're looking for the most amazing horses, loving miniature horses and donkeys, hilarious goats and sheep, cute rabbits, funny chickens, a friendly lama, curious geese and peacocks or adorable cats and dogs, look no further. They have it all! Each and every animal has their own unique personality and a very special place in my heart. One thing they all have in common is their readiness for love and attention. It doesn't matter if you're just sitting with them, petting them or grooming them, they are happy either way. Especially the horses give back SO much and are able to help clients in private therapy sessions in lots of different ways.
Overall, I could not have wished for a better first Workaway experience and I encourage everyone who is not afraid of physical work and has a deep love for animals to reach out to the Sanctuary. It truly is a one of a kind place that has taught me so much about myself and how special animals really are. I loved it so much that I have already planned another stay in the coming year, so if that doesn't convince you of how amazing this place is, then I don't know what can!
Thank you to all my wonderful roommates and thank you, Rose and Katie, for everything you have done for me<3
All my love and see you soon,
Nina:)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Irene)
Irene is amazing! She’s extremely versatile and competent. While she was here, she excelled at everything we had for her, whether it was medicating animals, helping run large events, helping with the daily and weekly chores for all the animals, gardening, socializing animals. She is somebody who really thrives when there are challenges and even
… read more when things don’t go according to plan, which makes her an asset to any team, and a great person to have around on a farm. She sees the big picture and knows how to prioritize and get things done, and she was very generous with her time and energy while she was here. Besides all this, she is a wonderful person to chat with, and has some incredible stories and life experiences to share. She has a true love for animals in need, and will go out of her way to show them love, kindness, dignity and respect. I highly recommend Irene for any project or farm that she is interested in joining. Thank you Irene for your time here, and we hope to see you again sometime!
Left by Workawayer (Irene) for host
What a time! If you love dogs, horses, cats, sheep, goats, chickens, and more, this is your place! The ranch is such a peaceful place, giving you a nice break from the city life if that's what you are used to. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and Rose and Katie are just so lovely!
I'm very grateful I got to see the Oregonian spring (btw such a
… read more stunning state!!) and I got to learn so much about the ranch life! From herding sheep to shadowing a farrier. A very special shout to the baby fillis, to the unforgettable Heidi, Mowgli the tiger, Aspin the sweetest handsome doggo, and also Daisy the goat definitely needs a mention lol (and all of the rest of course;) )
Hope to see y'all again soon!!
Love from all over the world, IreneYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Sydney)
Syd was an awesome addition to our farm! She is kind and compassionate, a fantastic listener, and a deep thinker. While she was here, I saw a transformation in her, and I was very happy to see how she really thrived and leaned into the challenges of farm life and animal care. Over time, she began to take on more depth and responsibility in her
… read more tasks here, and really became in tune with the animals that she was caring for. She was able to master all the tasks on the farm, from feeding and medicating, to handling horses, to supporting our therapy program, and gardening. She did everything with a kind heart and was always very engaged and present. I highly recommend Syd for any project or farm, and I think that she would be an asset to any team. I feel honored that we got to be a part of her adventure and her learning process, and it was very sad to see her go!
Left by Workawayer (Sydney) for host
A sanctuary indeed! My three-month stay on the farm was a transformational experience that I will always hold close to my heart. If you are open to learning from animals nine times your size, working hard six days a week, and being entertained by the many charismatic cats running about (especially Mowgli, the most cuddly cat you'll ever meet),
… read more then this might just be the place for you.
I felt welcome on the farm right away, especially after being greeted by Heidi, the energetically friendly German Shepherd. Katie and Rose are both incredibly kind-hearted people who have cultivated a beautiful and healing space. As someone who had no previous experience with animal stewardship and very little farm experience, I felt confident in my day-to-day tasks thanks to Katie's detailed instructions, encouragement, and her willingness to answer any questions I had. Connecting with the wide variety of animals was so special, and it kept life interesting, to say the least.
During my stay, I shared space in the volunteer apartment with three other incredible women, with whom I was able to form lasting bonds. I will forever be grateful to Chanti, Sofie, and Lea—not only for their beautiful friendship and support but also for sharing their unique perspectives and knowledge of the world.
By the end of my brief summer on the farm, I felt stronger both physically and emotionally. The work was hard but definitely rewarding. I could go on and on about the magic of it all, but for now, I'll leave it at this: I sobbed for a good 15 minutes after I drove off on my last day. Lots of love to all the residents.
— SydFeedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Left by Workawayer (Nina) for host
I don't even know how to begin to describe my experience at the Sanctuary. It has barely been a week since I had to say goodbye and I'm already yearning to be back. Katie and Rose are such welcoming and deeply caring people that I felt at home from the day I arrived. They treat all of their animals with the upmost respect and love and give them a
… read more chance to live their best life on the farm. Rose and Katie truly want everyone to thrive and have successfully created a safe haven for both the animals and every person who visits the sanctuary for their individual needs.
I was on the farm from July until the beginning of November so I got to experience working in the dry heat as well as during the rainy colder days. Due to a very detailed and clearly structured list provided by Katie, I was able to complete my daily tasks with ease. Whenever I did have a question or there was any problem at all, Katie was fast to respond and help me which I appreciated a lot. I was at the farm long enough that I was able to experience what it was like volunteering at different times of day. From the peaceful morning feed at 7 AM while the sun is rising to calling in the goats, sheep and THE most precious dogs Meadow and Aspen from the forest late in the afternoon, I had the chance to get involved in almost all tasks that had to be completed every day during my stay and I loved every second of it. While the work is physically demanding and can get a little tiring in the beginning, it was so fun to see myself get stronger and faster every week! The work is so rewarding and I looked forward to the different tasks I had each day. I loved any special projects or helping out during an event held on the farm, I always felt accomplished and happy at the end of the day:)
Now to another crucial part of the farm; the animals.
If you're looking for the most amazing horses, loving miniature horses and donkeys, hilarious goats and sheep, cute rabbits, funny chickens, a friendly lama, curious geese and peacocks or adorable cats and dogs, look no further. They have it all! Each and every animal has their own unique personality and a very special place in my heart. One thing they all have in common is their readiness for love and attention. It doesn't matter if you're just sitting with them, petting them or grooming them, they are happy either way. Especially the horses give back SO much and are able to help clients in private therapy sessions in lots of different ways.
Overall, I could not have wished for a better first Workaway experience and I encourage everyone who is not afraid of physical work and has a deep love for animals to reach out to the Sanctuary. It truly is a one of a kind place that has taught me so much about myself and how special animals really are. I loved it so much that I have already planned another stay in the coming year, so if that doesn't convince you of how amazing this place is, then I don't know what can!
Thank you to all my wonderful roommates and thank you, Rose and Katie, for everything you have done for me<3
All my love and see you soon,
Nina:)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Irene)
Irene is amazing! She’s extremely versatile and competent. While she was here, she excelled at everything we had for her, whether it was medicating animals, helping run large events, helping with the daily and weekly chores for all the animals, gardening, socializing animals. She is somebody who really thrives when there are challenges and even
… read more when things don’t go according to plan, which makes her an asset to any team, and a great person to have around on a farm. She sees the big picture and knows how to prioritize and get things done, and she was very generous with her time and energy while she was here. Besides all this, she is a wonderful person to chat with, and has some incredible stories and life experiences to share. She has a true love for animals in need, and will go out of her way to show them love, kindness, dignity and respect. I highly recommend Irene for any project or farm that she is interested in joining. Thank you Irene for your time here, and we hope to see you again sometime!
Left by Workawayer (Irene) for host
What a time! If you love dogs, horses, cats, sheep, goats, chickens, and more, this is your place! The ranch is such a peaceful place, giving you a nice break from the city life if that's what you are used to. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and Rose and Katie are just so lovely!
I'm very grateful I got to see the Oregonian spring (btw such a
… read more stunning state!!) and I got to learn so much about the ranch life! From herding sheep to shadowing a farrier. A very special shout to the baby fillis, to the unforgettable Heidi, Mowgli the tiger, Aspin the sweetest handsome doggo, and also Daisy the goat definitely needs a mention lol (and all of the rest of course;) )
Hope to see y'all again soon!!
Love from all over the world, IreneYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Sydney)
Syd was an awesome addition to our farm! She is kind and compassionate, a fantastic listener, and a deep thinker. While she was here, I saw a transformation in her, and I was very happy to see how she really thrived and leaned into the challenges of farm life and animal care. Over time, she began to take on more depth and responsibility in her
… read more tasks here, and really became in tune with the animals that she was caring for. She was able to master all the tasks on the farm, from feeding and medicating, to handling horses, to supporting our therapy program, and gardening. She did everything with a kind heart and was always very engaged and present. I highly recommend Syd for any project or farm, and I think that she would be an asset to any team. I feel honored that we got to be a part of her adventure and her learning process, and it was very sad to see her go!
Left by Workawayer (Sydney) for host
A sanctuary indeed! My three-month stay on the farm was a transformational experience that I will always hold close to my heart. If you are open to learning from animals nine times your size, working hard six days a week, and being entertained by the many charismatic cats running about (especially Mowgli, the most cuddly cat you'll ever meet),
… read more then this might just be the place for you.
I felt welcome on the farm right away, especially after being greeted by Heidi, the energetically friendly German Shepherd. Katie and Rose are both incredibly kind-hearted people who have cultivated a beautiful and healing space. As someone who had no previous experience with animal stewardship and very little farm experience, I felt confident in my day-to-day tasks thanks to Katie's detailed instructions, encouragement, and her willingness to answer any questions I had. Connecting with the wide variety of animals was so special, and it kept life interesting, to say the least.
During my stay, I shared space in the volunteer apartment with three other incredible women, with whom I was able to form lasting bonds. I will forever be grateful to Chanti, Sofie, and Lea—not only for their beautiful friendship and support but also for sharing their unique perspectives and knowledge of the world.
By the end of my brief summer on the farm, I felt stronger both physically and emotionally. The work was hard but definitely rewarding. I could go on and on about the magic of it all, but for now, I'll leave it at this: I sobbed for a good 15 minutes after I drove off on my last day. Lots of love to all the residents.
— Syd
Left by host for Workawayer (Philipp)
Phil is amazing! He spent 4 months here, and became an integral part of our community and daily life, and we were all very sad when he had to leave! His bubbly and conversational spirit was contagious, and brought joy to all his interactions. I loved how he put energy into ideas to build community and connection on the farm, like organizing
… read more cooking nights, baking bread from scratch, and bringing people together over food and conversation. As a volunteer, he is energetic and capable, able to do things very well on his own and also with others. While he was here, he was competent at every task we had for him, from medicating animals, to handling horses, to evaluating animal health, and even dealing with crisis situations. He is extremely efficient and has a great mind for how things could be better. He would come to me with solutions rather than just problems, which is above and beyond what I expect from Workaway volunteers (but it was appreciated!) He actually went above and beyond in many ways, and it was obvious that he came here to be with animals, learn animal stewardship, connect with people, and do it all with a joyful heart. If you are lucky enough to get a request from Phil, don’t pass it up! He would be an excellent addition to any project or organization that he chooses to participate in.
Left by Workawayer (Philipp) for host
I can't believe almost 3 months past since I left the farm. I want to thank Katie and Rose for the wonderful time at their place from December until April. Even though I missed most of the beautiful weather Oregon has to offer in spring, I enjoyed my stay during the one week freezing cold period (smash those icy water buckets!), the wet rainy
… read more days, and the few sunny days we got. It's all about opportunities and how you embrace them... oh, and that you wear good boots!
Life on the farm is not always easy, but you will get many chances to grow and learn plenty of life skills. If you just look for a cheap way to stay in the area, this is not the place for you. But I recommand everybody who loves animals and is not afraid of some physical work to get in contact with them. The work is demanding, but never to much, and Katie will always check that it's appropriat for your abilities. She is not only a wonderful "boss" (haha, she doesn't like to be called boss :-P) but also a wonderful person to be around, always looking out for everybodys well being. You will either get assigned the morning or afternoon shift, and have the other half day off. You might need a car to explore the surrounding. Katie and Rose might be able to take you to town, but this is not guaranteed.
Things you learn during your stay:
- Fight the poop!: Plenty of horses mean plenty of poop. Get your muscles to work and scoop them up. Most of the workawayers were never in better shape!
- People skills!: You will share the apartement with three other people in two bunk beds. It's a great opportunity to improve your communication skills and taking care of each others needs. You will have plenty of time to get new impressions from different culture. Embrace it. Oh... and Mogli (a cat) owns the apartment. Your just a guest. Never forget that ;-) He will pay you with tons of snuggles for your service.
- Chick-assic Park!: Chickens ARE little dinosaurs. If you are lucky enough to be in the chicken feeding shift, they will run towards you with joy, finally getting fed. Don't worry, they won't eat YOU. But they will follow you to their coop. Your own little private dinosaur army.
- Aspen + Meadow = Love: If you are a dog person, these two will steal your heart. Definitely embrace it!
- Donkey and Minis: They might be smaller and horses, but they get equal amount of love (poop smaller though).
So... what are you still doing reading this review! Click the "Contact" button and write them already. You will not regret it.
Katie and Rose, thank you so much for everything. I had a wonderful time. And who knows what destiny has in mind... our path might cross again :-)
Left by Workawayer (Lilly & Leonie) for host
Guten Tag, we are the germans Leonie and Lilly, and we were volunteers at the sancturary in early 2023.
We learned a lot about life, how to take care of animals and were able to improve our English skills at the farm.
We had a great time working here because of all the friendly and helpful people and the other volunteers we‘ve met .
The animals
… read more are all unique and wonderful, which makes it really easy to remember their names. But every animal ALWAYS wants to be loved!
The beautiful landscape and meeting all the new people with their own stories made working here so interesting and fun.
We absolutely recommend helping here.
But be sure: some animals will definitely steal your heart!!!
Best wishes
Leonie and LillyYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Lilly & Leonie)
Both of these young women were incredible assets to our team while they were here, and wonderful additions to our community. They arrived with so much positive energy to contribute, and integrated flawlessly into our operation. One of their best attributes is their adaptability and ability to learn fast. I truly believe that they could learn any
… read more job and do it well. Lilly and Leonie would be a lovely addition to any team, and I believe they could be successful on any Workaway farm or operation!
For Lilly specifically: With her positive attitude and easy smile, Lilly has been a wonderful addition to our community during her time here. I appreciated how she would look ahead at the schedule and ask clarifying questions in advance of the day’s activity. This kind of foresight really helped me as her manager, so that I had time to answer questions that came up, instead of being asked right in the moment for a quick answer. With a constantly changing environment on our farm, sometimes I forget to give all the necessary details in my instructions. Lilly was really good at asking important questions to make sure she could do the job correctly, instead of just making adjustments and doing whatever she thought was right. I really appreciated the checking in and that she made sure things were being done the way we wanted them done. We have a lot of animals, and we have a busy therapy schedule that we maintain for our equine therapy program, so her attention to detail was perfect for our operation. Lilly is absolutely trustworthy and reliable. She showed up every day with energy and focus, and she did an excellent job with everything we gave her. Her true love and care for the animals showed through in the attention she gave them both during work hours and outside of work hours. She went above and beyond by also spending time grooming the animals during her free time.
For Leonie: Leonie was an amazing addition to our community during her time here. She is competent and learns fast. She took to her new responsibilities quickly and with ease, and I found early on that she maintains a level of excellency in her work without supervision. She has a meticulous and detail-oriented nature, which is perfect for our operation. She played an important role here, feeding the horses their daily dinner, which required individualized care for each animal, medicine for some, and an observant eye. She proved to be a great observer of animals, often noticing signs of illness or injury. She learned to handle horses, and to assertively uphold their training on a daily basis, and she took to this new challenge like a natural. She came to me with good ideas to make things more efficient, and has great communication skills. Leonie got along great with the other volunteers here, and easily made connections with others. This is an asset to a team where lots of people’s jobs overlap and intersect with each other. Diligent and respectful, she did not make assumptions about how things should be done. She was reliable in all of her work here, and overall an awesome part of our team. She stepped up to the work with maturity, willingness, positivity, and true care for the animals and the people here.
Warmly,
KATIE
Left by host for Workawayer (Lila)
Lila was an awesome addition to our community during their time here! Lila had a genuine interest in the work we do and a true love and care for animals and the people here. They did very well with the horses and the other animals, and were not afraid of difficult challenges that the horses sometimes present. Lila communicated with management
… read more about important things and always kept us in the loop about situations that we needed to know about. They were somebody who enjoyed exploring ethics and learning new skills. They were very conscientious and got along really well with the variety of people who come here. Lila is dynamic. I saw them grow and change a lot while they were here. Things that used to be difficult for them became much easier, and they were able to handle more complex tasks and responsibilities. Lila had a good attitude about the work, and was naturally good at building community. Without me asking them to, they helped get new volunteers settled, and made sure that everyone was included. They took to leadership roles naturally, and without causing tension with the other volunteers. Overall, Lila is a deep, compassionate, perceptive person who has a lot to contribute to any farm or homestead. They contributed so much time and effort here for the animals and for our community, and we, along with all the animals, are very grateful for all the care they put in! 🙂
Left by Workawayer (Lila) for host
My time at the host was incredible! This is a place where I felt really safe being myself. Katie was so welcoming and made me feel at home on the farm and in the wwoofer apartment. Her training approach was concise and thorough, plus she provided a written schedule that broke down the day + individual tasks in a way that made it impossible to get
… read more something wrong. She was very diligent in updating the schedule as things changed. I always felt confident in what was expected of me while on the farm. Katie was always understanding and encouraged me to reach out with any questions or concerns, as well as if I noticed any injured animals. I was always thanked for reaching out and in my time here I felt genuinely appreciated for my hard work on the farm. Katie was also really good about giving me tasks that I liked or that interested me which was a lot of fun! I originally committed to 2 months on the farm, but it went by really quickly. While I learned a lot in that period I felt that it wasn’t time to go yet. I stayed for a total of 9 months, and it left me feeling transformed and prepared to face anything! It was such a positive experience to adjust to the routines, build a relationship with all the animals and learn about the overarching themes of farm life over that period of time. Katie, Rose, Diego, and Federico made me feel like part of the family. We had family dinners as well as potlucks and game nights which were a lot of fun! The cleanliness standards of the apartment were reasonable and helped keep living spaces comfortable and welcoming, which I really appreciated. The animals were all cared for with love and respect, and the property is stunning. I have the utmost respect and trust in everyone here. Overall, I would enthusiastically recommend Healing Sanctuary.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Ashleigh) for host
I had an amazing time! I got to explore my love for animals and learn so many things! Everyone was so accommodating and welcoming during my stay. I enjoyed our family dinners during the week and being able to explore the town on my time off. Be ready to work when you come; but it is so rewarding! The horses were amazing and I felt a bound to them
… read more that I've never felt with any other animal. I recommend then this place to anyone who is a hard worker, loves the outdoors and needs a break from the rest of the world! Thanks so much Katie and Rose!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Ashleigh)
Ashleigh has been a great addition to our farm and homestead! She is a natural with the animals, and her assertive nature has helped her in handling the horses and even medicating them. She is observant of the animals, and consistent in her work. One thing I have especially appreciated is the ability to handle small changes to her job on a regular
… read more basis. She has the organizational skills to be able to integrate daily changes, and that has been super helpful for us. Not only that, but she is sharp and focused enough to notice when things are off, and always reaches out to fix them, ensuring that the animals get exactly what they need. She has been feeding grain recipes and hay to over 20 horses, and each horse gets specific care, specific food, and a specific portion. She has handled all those details seemingly with ease. Towards the end of her stay, she had time for more projects, and she flew though the projects I gave her with an awesome work ethic and fast pace. She’s an asset to any farm operation! Thank you Ashleigh!Help us with Korean lessons while living life as a local, with our family in Southern California USA
Help to renovate an old house, create content and get fit in Alliance, USA
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If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling. Do NOT attempt to enter the USA without the correct visa!
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