Live and Learn at Natural Horsemanship Guest Ranch near Kamloops, Canada

Canada

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Feedback
15
Last activity
14/07/2020
Nº of Facebook friends
237
Reply rate
100.0 %
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within 2 days
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Availability

2020

Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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Description
A little introduction about us: We, Martin & Bernadette immigrated to Kamloops from Holland with our twin sons approximately 21 years ago. Before coming to Canada, Bernadette owned her own Health & Fitness Centre and also worked in the Music Industry. Martin’s passion and background has always been in the Restaurant Industry.
In Canada, Martin has specialized in Vegetarian / Vegan Cuisine and Authentic Ranch style meals , utilizing local products etc. Bernadette has always had a love for horses and with living in Kamloops her passion for these animals grew and she is now specialized in Natural Horsemanship, Nutrition, Holistic Care for horses and Barefoot trimming.
We built our dream guest ranch on our beautiful 160 acre property which overlooks Campbell Lake just outside of Kamloops.
Type of help
Gardening
Building
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Farmstay
Help in the house
Animal care
Language practice
Help with Computers / internet
Teaching
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
• Can be used to meet University requirements
• Natural Horsemanship builds your leadership abilities and develops self-confidence
• Live and learn in and from a Natural Herd environment that facilitates constant opportunities for real-world training and personal development
• Barefoot hoof care and Nutrition for Horses.
• Healthy cooking, Languages, Other Cultures, Team work emphasis and Camaraderie!
Host offers a wage in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
From May till October (Operating Season), we offer small all inclusive packages for our guests, up to 18 max. with horseback riding, hiking, ATV-ing, kayaking and mountain-biking.
We have 3 paid positions during the operating season May - October and max 3 Intern/Volunteer positions available for the off season when there is no help required with our business, who are energetic, have a positive attitude and who like to learn everything about the natural horsemanship philosophy, barefoot hoof care and nutrition for horses and healthy cooking!

For a paid position during operating season: Extensive Horsemanship, Wilderness First Aid, GPS knowledge and previous wrangler experience.
For the winter time (November - April)Interns/Volunteers position: We look for non smoking flexible volunteers with a working holiday visa for a min. stay of 2 months in winter. Preferably all candidates have a basic knowledge of handling / riding horses and natural horsemanship.

We have 25 horses and 2 dogs, so animal care is a big part of the job.
You need to be physical capable of lifting hay-bales, feed bags, heavy saddles, etc!
We practice natural horsemanship, which is very important to us, applicants need to have an open mind with this kind way of working/learning with animals. I love to pass on my knowledge to those who love to live and learn ! We all eat together with the guests in the Saloon or on the front porch in the summer!

After the operating season we focus our tasks in and outside of the ranch like NHS training & riding horses in the ranch indoor arena and outside in the snow when weather and terrain allows, snow shoveling, healthy Vegan & Vegetarian cooking, etc.

Be prepared for the weather: In the summer months it is hot and dry. In the winter
months it can be quite cold and snowy.

If you think you have what it takes, contact us to secure your spot (limited availability).
Warm regards, Bernadette & Martin
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Accommodation
You share the staff residence in the main house. 3 bedrooms plus living and full bathroom plus a separate bunk house. All Vegan / Vegetarian and Ranch Style meals, snacks and non alcoholic beverages are included!
What else ...
Our ranch is only 40 minutes from downtown Kamloops, which is a nice city around 90.000 people. University, Theaters, restaurants, mountain bike park, Live music in the park in the summer, biggest annual Pow wow on the reserve in Kamloops!
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours, 5days a week

Photos

Winter Wonderland at the ranch

Neighbour visit with little lam, and volunteers want to keep it!

Our volunteers and wranglers practice Western Line dancing

the horses love the indoor arena, when it is too hot in the summer!

Finding the good scratch spot for Ace!

Buck visits a guest at her cabin's porch

Ace enjoys the view at Campbell lake

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Riding with guests amongst the many lakes!

Spectacular clouds over Campbell Lake

View of the Thompson Valley

Volunteers riding on our property, through Fall colors.

The ranch with Campbell Lake in background

Winter wonderland magical sunset at the ranch

bernadette with volunteers Sarah and Lara

trail ride along the lake with guests

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our games room is for all to use, guests and volunteers. we have a pool table, air hockey, foosball and more. its always a great way to unwind after a big day.

molly and daisy our beloved ranch dogs

bernadett and storm look very relaxed after a short ride on the property to unwind.

Martin our chef, not only cooks healthy, gourmet amazing food, he also joins us on the trails when he can!

story telling at the campfire

Martin & Bernadette surrounded by their animals

Feedback left by and about host (15)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)

19/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Thita) for host

I had been at the ranch in summer 2017, sorry for the late feedback. My account was inactivated at that time. I suppose that a lot of construction happened there for good, Like new arena and things. But the friendly atmosphere and educational experience they gives should be the same. Thank you very much. You make my first workaway to be my best… read more

(Excellent )

17/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Claire & Hazel) for host

I volunteered here this summer and had the most amazing time. Bernie and Martin are so lovely and really make you feel part of the family. All the volunteers I worked with were also amazing, it really is like a family and I feel I have made friends for life here.

During my time at the ranch I have learned incredible amounts about natural… read more

(Excellent )

16/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Lilly) for host

Working at the ranch was a great experience for me, as you not only learn a lot about yourself, but especially about handling horses in a fair way. You’ll learn to communicate with them on their level using the seven games of Parelli as well as skills in hospitality and housekeeping. It’s not a job you can do desultory as you are working hard in a… read more team, being able to rely on you taking the job serious and being passionate about your work with horses is essential to make this experience a successful one. The owners Martin and Bernie both have high standards and especially in the work with the horses you have to work hard to fulfill them.

Working with Bernadette you can learn heaps about horses, their communication and trimming. Working with her during arena sessions, even just watching her practicing natural horsemanship is very inspiring. It can change your mindset completely about how to to work with these great animals.
I can’t put into words how grateful I am for having the possibility of working with Raven. He taught unbelievably much and with the advices and knowledge from Bernie you could see a real progress from the work in the beginning til the end. Practicing the seven games of Parelli on a daily base were helping a lot when it came to reinforcing him and helping him with his sometimes nervous character when it came to cows and cars :) Bernie gives as many information as possible about natural horsemanship in general, specific topics like trimming or whatever you want to get into...its amazing how much effort she will put in you, if she’s sees you’re passionate and interested about natural horsemanship!!!

Martin is an amazing cook, always fun to be around and an outstanding foosball player (unfortunately we had to beat him a couple of times in the end as playing every evening with the team is great practice ;)). He makes the most amazing meals, the food is always fresh and his pancakes in the morning are outstanding, just as the veggie burgers and his Pesto Penne...( you can tell there is loads of good food on the table!)

Bernie and Martin will give you lots of great experience on this ranch, as long as you have the right work attitude. It is a job that asks a lot from you, learning about your own limits and boundaries. You will learn so much in return and if you are passionate about ranch work and open to learn natural horsemanship you are gonna have a great time working here. It was a hard decision for me to not come back next season, but I’m looking forward to come to visit to see everyone again!
Lilly

(Excellent )

22/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Grenier) for host

Helping in a ranch in Canada always been a big dream for me, well going here went beyond my expectations.
I just ended my second summer season at the ranch and the experience and the knowledge i acquire is just priceless. If you are really passionate about horses, and really interested in learning natural horsemanship than Bernadette will give… read more

(Excellent )

18/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Klara) for host

Simon and I stayed here for 2,5 months (February-mid-April 2018) and we loved it! Bernadette and Martin are a great and hard working couple and welcomed us as a part of their family. I learned so much from both of them! Bernadette is just amazing when it comes to Natural Horsemanship and explaining things, she's a great teacher and will always… read more

(Excellent )

21/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (James Horatio )

Where to begin.......James is a wonderful, genuine and positive young man, who embraces every job you ask him to do! Very responsible independent worker! A great entertainer, very versatile, topped of with tons of interesting conversations and stories! Thank you for not only being a great volunteer, co-worker, animal lover, gifted horse person,… read more

(Excellent )

20/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (James Horatio ) for host

***Not to be Missed***

Wonderful does not nearly come close to complementing Bernadette Martin & their ranch

5/5 Stars for Friendliness
5/5 Stars for Accomdation
5/5 Stars for Location

I was lucky to spend their winter season volunteering here with three other volunteers in the snowy capped mountains and lakes. Its easy to forget your… read more

(Excellent )

29/12/2016

Left by Workawayer (Wiebke) for host

We have worked two and a half months at the ranch and it become kind of a home for us. The work was sometimes hard -especially at -25 degrees - but it was all doable. We enjoyed our stay and got along with everyone. Bernie always gives you important advices to improve your work, however she explains everything well. We enjoyed working with her!… read more

(Excellent )

27/12/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Wiebke)

Wiebke & Lukas were a wonderful addition to our team, got along very well with everyone; They are easy company with a good sense of humour, smart and hard-working. Hope to have Wiebke back for her natural horsemanship journey some day! Happy travels to you both!

(Excellent )

06/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Franziska & Florian)

Franziska and Florian tried hard, but sometimes it is just not the right fit within the team of volunteers and owners. We work in a small team and communication is a very important tool to accomplish the tasks. We hope they found a better fit / host family where they can show their qualities.

(Neutral )

18/07/2015

Left by Workawayer (Franziska & Florian) for host

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Negative )

06/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Audrey)

Audrey has come a long way since she arrived at our ranch. The language was kind of a barriere for her in the beginning, but she showed us true character by trying hard every day. She learned fast and was even able to joke around with us. She is a great horsewoman who soaks up everything there is to know about horses. Lovely hard working young… read more

(Excellent )

04/12/2015

Left by Workawayer (Audrey) for host

I had a very good time at the ranch with Martin, Bernadette and the other volunteers. I learned a lot about handeling horses in a natural way, which was very helpful for me. We worked hard, but we also had time to go on trips to Vancouver and Kelowna. Martin is a very good chef and he makes a lot of funny jokes, which is really nice!:) The ranch… read more

(Excellent )

06/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)

Sarah has been truly an amazing delightful volunteer. It feels like she became our daughter. She is not only an excellent horse woman but great with all customers as well. A real genuine positive person you just have to love. Our ranch has become her second home and secretly we hope she comes back for another season.!

(Excellent )

07/09/2014

Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host

i have had the absolute pleasure of volunteering here at the guest ranch for the summer and have enjoyed every second of my time here. From the moment i met Bernadette and Martin i was welcomed as part of the family instantly. They are warm, kind, generous fun hosts, who work extremley hard, but have alot of fun doing so. Since being here i have… read more learnt an incredible amount about natural horsemanhsip from Bernadett, a true horse lover and a wonderful teacher. She has such a huge amount of knowledge and so willing to share all she has learnt, one of the most patient people i have met, and watching her with the horses is like watching an artist! truly inspiring. Martin is the husband of bernadette and the chef here at the ranch. We eat like kings, martin prepares three meals a day for us, all healthy (accept the cheese cakes and chocoloate fondu) fresh, local and absolutley divine, i have never been so well fed! and as a travelling back packer it really is a luxury!
As a volunteer, you will start your day with a beautiful breakfast of fresh fruits, yoghurt, free range eggs (that you will collect every day from the 60 chickens) toasts and the odd pancake and omlette. There is always a few house cleaning chours, when we have guests we clean the accomodation (cabins and lodge) a few things like vacuming, and bedding etc. once the rooms are done we help martin with any kitchen prep he might need (this is rare as Martin normaly always has things under control) and make sure the lodge and the saloon are tidy. Then its things like fetching the horses (theres 160 acres of forrest to find them in, we normally take the dogs and the quad) grooming and checking the horses, cleaning the chicken pen, tidying up the tack room, sweeping the tack stalls etc. theres always something to do, we check the trails regurlary to make sure there are no broken fences or fallen down trees, we excersize the horses daily to keep them fit and healthy and they absolutely love it!
we can always find something to do, but Bernie and Martin always make sure we have spare time to relax with the horses, read, watch a movie, or play a game of pool. we go out on trail rides daily with guests, we ride different horses every day to make sure we are calm and confident no matte which horse we are on, and getting to know them and all their quirks is the best part about this place! its hard not to have a favourite though!!
i can promise you will not regret volunteering here, its paradise, and absolut dream, and i am coming back next season!

(Excellent )

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