Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
28 Sep 2022
Feedback
29
Email verified
Country info
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
Hello. We are Howard and Polly, a british couple in our 60s and have been in France for 27 years. We live out in the countryside near Valence d'Agen in south west France. We have 5 horses, one dog, so you really need to be an animal lover.
We are looking for a mature, competent horse person to come and stay. Duties include feeding horses , poo picking. Some medication for one. Generally keeping an eye on them. Ice our Husky needs feeding, cuddles and walks.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
Interests
Animals
Nature
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Bit less riding, natural horsemanship, barefoot trimming.French.
Help
We are looking for a mature person who is capable of helping to look after the place and the animals. It is vital that you have hands-on have experience with horses. If you can ride confidently, this may be possible after you have done ground work to get to know the horses. It is important to know that we only ride bitless and barefoot.
So once shown, you need to be able to work on your own initiative, to help with walking out horses in hand and also accompanying me. You need to be kind, attentive and willing to help.
If this kind of experience appeals to you, please get in touch for a chat.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
Guests will have their own room in a guest house.
There is internet connection in the accommodation via cable. Wifi is in the main house, which you are welcome to use and this is where the dog will be.
What else ...
Our property is set in 5 hectares of land with no close neighbours. The nearest small town is Valence d'Agen, 10 minutes drive away. This has shops, banks, cafés, cinema, railway station, post office etc.. The nearest airport is Toulouse which is one hour away. Bergerac is two hours away.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Dakota Bear Iro Mouse Gringo
5 retired horses. Live out with shelters
Host ref number: 211949993559
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+9
Feedback (15)
7 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Fanny) for host
Polly And Howard are great hosts! I spent around three weeks there with my friend Miguel in March. They needed help with the horses while Polly was ill, and we also had the pleasure of clearing an area of bamboo (two of the bamboos that we brought back are actually thriving and growing super fast in their pots! ;-)).
I really enjoyed taking care… read more
I really enjoyed taking care… read more
7 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Miguel) for host
I spent with Polly and Howard around three weeks, in the month of March til beginning of April. At our arrival (I was traveling with my friend Fanny by car), we got down a fairly steep downhill to an ancient house that was surrounded by vegetation. Never we'd have guessed what that place was going to mean to us. Both, the place and them, have… read more
24 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Annie)
Annie came early to us and she had the opportunity to familiarise herself with the routines before we left. She was a good worker, has a great sense of humour and attacked tasks which had been outside her comfort zone. She took good care of the property and all the animals. Even distrustful Gringo was happy to follow her at liberty and have all… read more
(Very good
)
22 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Annie) for host
What a caring generious couple my hosts Polly and Howard were for my month long stay. Even though l was house and animal sitting for 2 weeks of this time l did interact with my hosts before their departure and l was able to gain some valuable experience with their four legged family members comprising of 6 horses, Ice the young husky and the… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+9
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.7)
7 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Fanny) for host
Polly And Howard are great hosts! I spent around three weeks there with my friend Miguel in March. They needed help with the horses while Polly was ill, and we also had the pleasure of clearing an area of bamboo (two of the bamboos that we brought back are actually thriving and growing super fast in their pots! ;-)).
I really enjoyed taking care… read more
I really enjoyed taking care… read more
7 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Miguel) for host
I spent with Polly and Howard around three weeks, in the month of March til beginning of April. At our arrival (I was traveling with my friend Fanny by car), we got down a fairly steep downhill to an ancient house that was surrounded by vegetation. Never we'd have guessed what that place was going to mean to us. Both, the place and them, have… read more
24 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Annie)
Annie came early to us and she had the opportunity to familiarise herself with the routines before we left. She was a good worker, has a great sense of humour and attacked tasks which had been outside her comfort zone. She took good care of the property and all the animals. Even distrustful Gringo was happy to follow her at liberty and have all… read more
(Very good)
22 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Annie) for host
What a caring generious couple my hosts Polly and Howard were for my month long stay. Even though l was house and animal sitting for 2 weeks of this time l did interact with my hosts before their departure and l was able to gain some valuable experience with their four legged family members comprising of 6 horses, Ice the young husky and the… read more
8 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Marta)
Marta is a lovely, kind girl. She was very good with the dogs and horses. She even dealt with the dogs running off when we were away.She loved to walk around barefoot and share a book with a dog. Very polite and happy natured. All the best to you in horse physio college.
(Very good)
25 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Marta) for host
I spend one week with Polly and Howard and another one week I was taking care of the house during their absence, with their fantastic, friendly and exceptional animals.I enjoyed both weeks very much! Polly and Howard were very caring and made me feel like home.They also have good sense of humor:) I had also some Opportunity to join them on… read more
12 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Ellen)
Ellen came to help at very short notice and was thrown in the deep end! She coped wonderfully well and was such an amazing help when I came out of hospital. We couldn't have managed without her. She is very good with the animals, cooks well, washes up and was lovely to be with. Ellen is welcome back for sure.
(Excellent)
4 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Ellen) for host
Howard and Polly are the best! Really enjoyed my stay with them. They proved that workaway could be a great succes too, after I had a rather bad experience.
I was looking for a last-minute host and became their lifesafer! Poor Polly felt and broke her hip, so they needed someone to take care of the animals when Howard was working.
But not… read more
I was looking for a last-minute host and became their lifesafer! Poor Polly felt and broke her hip, so they needed someone to take care of the animals when Howard was working.
But not… read more
7 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Krista & Ellen)
Ellen came to help at very short notice and was thrown in the deep end! She coped wonderfully well and was such an amazing help when I came out of hospital. We couldn't have managed without her. She is very good with the animals, cooks well, washes up and was lovely to be with. Ellen is welcome back for sure.
(Excellent)
18 Dec 2013
Left by Workawayer (Tess) for host
I stayed with Polly and Howard for 4 1/2 weeks this past September. They were absolutely lovely hosts, and truly exemplify what the Workaway program is all about. I learned so much about natural horsemanship during my stay, and it was my first experience with bitless and shoeless riding. I absolutely LOVED their philosophy about riding, and the… read more
27 Oct 2013
Left by Workawayer (JuliaHu) for host
This is a long-overdue feedback! I hope you can forgive me ;)
I spend three weeks with Polly, Howard and their animals in spring this year. It was such a great time! They are really lovely and so kind. I quickly felt like part of the family because they shared everything with me. And I got along well with the animals as well, they are great! I… read more
I spend three weeks with Polly, Howard and their animals in spring this year. It was such a great time! They are really lovely and so kind. I quickly felt like part of the family because they shared everything with me. And I got along well with the animals as well, they are great! I… read more
16 Apr 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (JuliaHu)
Julia was the perfect workawayer! As a vet student she took an active interest in all our work with dogs and horses. She is a calm and competant rider and i trusted her to take a horse out alone; She soon learned the rudiments of natural horsemanship and clicker training. In addition she was a great help in the kitchen and would happily do any… read more
(Excellent)
4 Oct 2013
Left by Workawayer (Corinna22) for host
I spent one month with Polly and Howard and it was a great experience. They are wonderful people who taught me a lot about communication with horses and body language. I also learned so much about hoof trimming from Howard. Thanks for that. For me, all we did did not seem like work and it was always a lot of fun. I wished I could have stayed… read more
27 Sep 2013
Left by Workawayer (JaynMichelle) for host
Polly and Howard are AMAZING! They welcomed me into their home with open arms and lots of love. I was so well taken care of, including being searched for after getting lost on a run :) Both of them are spectacular with horses and have taught me so much more than I ever could have imagined learning at a work-away having to do with horses. They have… read more
19 Aug 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (JaynMichelle)
Michelle was great fun to be with and worked hard. Sometimes a crazy girl running in blistering heat. She loved the horses and dogs and was a help with preparing meals and washing up. She got on great with the other volunteers here. Michelle picked up the basics of horse training and was always willing to have a go at something. She is so helpful… read more
(Excellent)
3 Aug 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (María)
Maria was an excellent volunteer. Polite, friendly, happy, fun to be with, worked hard and once she knew the routine just got on with it. She handled and rode the horses well and soon picked up the elements of training and hoof care. When she arrived she had barely cleaned out a hoof, by the end of her stay she could boot horses and even had a go… read more
(Excellent)
25 Jul 2013
Left by Workawayer (Mederic) for host
Thank you so much guys for this time with you , was just perfect , you make me feel so welcome , miss to pass time with you working and learning , and i hope that we ll see each other in the futrur to practice some counter with dakota . I ll always remenber my first time ever trying mok duck and these crazy chili experiment ;)
24 Jul 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Mederic)
Médéric was a smiling happy joy to have around! He worked well and handled the horses confidently and with empathy. He learned some new techniques and was always happy and cheerful.He made a good start on our "jungle" and could be trusted with power tools. He got on well with the other workaway here. His scrambled eggs and harisa dip are now part… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jun 2013
Left by Workawayer (Shari) for host
Howard and Polly were wonderful hosts. I felt so welcome from the very first day. Learning horse care and training was exceptional. Polly gets so much pleasure from working with the horses you can just see it on her face. She was very patient with teaching me and allowing me time to gain confidence with the horses. Howard is passionate about… read more
18 Jun 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Shari)
Shari was a pleasure to have with us. She is funny, cheerful and an interesting person to meet. Shari has an amazing work ethic. I just had to think about doing a task and Shari had already done it. She was kind and loving with the horses and dogs and her confidence in riding and training the horses grew during the time she spent with us. An… read more
(Excellent)
15 Jun 2013
Left by Workawayer (Clare) for host
My time at Touron with Polly and Howard (and Iroquois, Bear, Mouse, Dakota, Emerique, Gringo, Toffee and Guinness) was so fantastic, I stayed nearly 3 times longer than originally planned!
They are both exceptionally welcoming and quick to have a laugh, making the workaway experience stress free and enjoyable.
I learned so much while I was… read more
They are both exceptionally welcoming and quick to have a laugh, making the workaway experience stress free and enjoyable.
I learned so much while I was… read more
21 May 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Clare)
Clare left today and we miss her already! She came for 10 days and stayed a month. At all times, even when the weather was unseasonably cold and wet, she did not once complain. She was a pleasure to have around and a hard worker; Clare helped diligently with the horses and also tidying outside. She cooked well (now we have "Clare's risotto")… read more
(Excellent)
14 May 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Maddi)
(Negative)
8 Apr 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (ClementineMercedes)
Clementine was very good at looking after the horses and always happy to help in the kitchen. She was quite able to get on with jobs on her own and was always cheerful and fun to be with. We really enjoyed having her stay and would happily welcome her back.
(Excellent)
21 Mar 2013
Left by Workawayer (ClementineMercedes) for host
Howard and Polly were brilliant hosts. They were so genuinely welcoming, making me feel right at home for the three weeks I spent there. I learnt so much about the natural horse lifestyle from Polly with their own six horses and from watching Howard's hoof-trimming work (which took us to at least seven different Départments!). Can't recommend them… read more
1 Mar 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia-Marie)
Julia worked very hard together with Merle and got straight on with tasks once she knew what to do. Never having done any horse training she soon learned how to go about it and was always keen to get out there despite the weather being dreadful. Used her own initiative a lot.She was also a good washer-up! Would be very happy to have her again.
(Excellent)
28 Feb 2013
Left by Workawayer (Julia-Marie) for host
I had a great time with Polly and Howard! I stayed at there little farm for one month and I really enjoyed these weeks.:) They are lovely people and it felt like home from the very beginning. With Merle it was like a little family.;) The horses are great and it was fun to train them. ( Thanks for your trust with that!)
I learned a lot about… read more
I learned a lot about… read more
24 Feb 2013
Left by Workawayer (MerleW) for host
It was a great experience staying with Polly and Howard. They are lovely people with a very interesting background and a good sense of British humor. I have learned a lot from their amazing work with horses. Their horses are really nice and good teachers, too! I only stayed for three and a half week but I would have liked to stay longer. The work… read more
21 Feb 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (MerleW)
Merle was great company and a very talented horseperson. She loved being with the animals and helped with everything working much more than the "prescribed" hours. She was keen to learn from us and we in turn learned from her. Was quite able to plan horse training and just get on with it even if we were not there. very trustworthy. A pleasure to… read more
(Excellent)
