Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
10 Jul 2025
Reply rate
96.2 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
49
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Email verified
Badges (4)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
We are a full operating retreat center on a beautiful 80 acre property that caters to retreat experiences and accommodations. We run as a retreat rental facility and host retreats working with our herd of 29 horses!
We love hosting workaways and welcoming them into the community.
Please read the description of our workaway before you apply. If you do not read the description of our workaway and apply anyways we won’t host you. We do not ride our horses here and you must have previous horse experience to volunteer. If you are looking for riding we are not the place for you, if you do not have horse experience we will not offer you a placement.
Horse experience needs to include being able to and having experience handling a horse, haltering a horse, leading a horse, experience with feeding horses and caring for them. If you have ridden a horse a couple of times but have no handling experience this does not quantify as horse experience. If you do not have any horse handling skills or experience it is not a fit for us to host you.
We also have a strict no smoking rule at our facility.
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Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This is a great opportunity to experience the mountains of beautiful british columbia, we are 15 minutes from a ski resort town this is also a facility that has international guests come, we offer a variety of services at our retreat center so getting a glimpse and insight into running a retreat facility, managing a herd, learning about the equine experiential field will be abundant.
Help
We love welcoming workaways into our retreat center!
The primary volunteering at our center is for our herd of rescue horses that exist outside of running our retreat center. For the horses, our workaways must have previous horse experience to assist us for the general care of our herd, they live outside 24/7 so duties would include feeding, holding for the farrier and grooming and spending time with the herd. Our herd are mostly retired horses that are not able to be ridden, riding is not the focus at our retreat center and is not available as something to do with our horses here. This workaway is ideal for someone who loves being around horses but is not necessarily needing to ride.
We also recently had a baby and are looking for a workaway that has experience with child care to also help with looking after our 3 month old.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Apartment with shared kitchen, includes internet, phone, tv, private shower.
What else ...
Workawayers can visit the local mountain, tour the area and we are surrounded by crown land and trails we are in a beautiful valley that has an abundance of access to nature and wildlife!
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?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 375162495723
Feedback (35)
19 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Siri) for host
Hillary's retreat center was my very first workaway on my journey and I spent two wonderful months there in the autumn of 2024, making great memories and learning a lot for life. It was the best first workaway I could have imagined and it's definitely a good starter workaway for horse and nature lovers.
The living situation at the ranch has been… read more
The living situation at the ranch has been… read more
20 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Yasmin) for host
I stayed with Hillary & Sebastian at the end of my trip to Canada, so I already had a few experiences to compare it to. I can absolutely say that it's been the easiest workaway I've had so far regarding chores and work times. Everything is very fair, they're both really nice and make sure everyone is feeling at home. I liked how us workaways built… read more
30 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Vera)
Vera was a joy to have and we really appreciated her dedication to her tasks and also with helping our daughter. We were very sad to see Vera go and would recommend Vera to any experience that is lucky to have her. We will miss Vera dearly.
(Excellent
)
29 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Vera) for host
I have spent the past six months at Hillarys and Sebastians and it was definitely the highlight of my stay in Canada. The accommodation is everything if not more that you can imagine as a workaway. Waking up every morning and having this incredible view as the first thing you step out the door is just wonderful. Also, you are never alone as you… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.8)
19 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Siri) for host
Hillary's retreat center was my very first workaway on my journey and I spent two wonderful months there in the autumn of 2024, making great memories and learning a lot for life. It was the best first workaway I could have imagined and it's definitely a good starter workaway for horse and nature lovers.
The living situation at the ranch has been… read more
The living situation at the ranch has been… read more
20 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Yasmin) for host
I stayed with Hillary & Sebastian at the end of my trip to Canada, so I already had a few experiences to compare it to. I can absolutely say that it's been the easiest workaway I've had so far regarding chores and work times. Everything is very fair, they're both really nice and make sure everyone is feeling at home. I liked how us workaways built… read more
30 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Vera)
Vera was a joy to have and we really appreciated her dedication to her tasks and also with helping our daughter. We were very sad to see Vera go and would recommend Vera to any experience that is lucky to have her. We will miss Vera dearly.
(Excellent)
29 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Vera) for host
I have spent the past six months at Hillarys and Sebastians and it was definitely the highlight of my stay in Canada. The accommodation is everything if not more that you can imagine as a workaway. Waking up every morning and having this incredible view as the first thing you step out the door is just wonderful. Also, you are never alone as you… read more
8 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Nuria ) for host
I was with Hillary just for a month in July and I feel it was the perfect place for me, when people say this is a paradise it’s completely true!
The work you have to do is way easy, you have a lot of free time to enjoy yourself, the beautiful environment, the animals or the time with the other workaways. In my experience, all people there was so… read more
The work you have to do is way easy, you have a lot of free time to enjoy yourself, the beautiful environment, the animals or the time with the other workaways. In my experience, all people there was so… read more
20 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Maye) for host
I've just left my second Workaway with Hillary & Sebastian as I loved it so much during my first visit last summer. Previous reviews are completely accurate. I can't recommend here enough, Hillary & Sebastian are incredibly generous and kind. You are almost guaranteed to make great friends with the other Workaways, just as I did. It's a fantastic… read more
21 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Hillary and Sebastian rescued me after I had a really bad experience at another farm and I stayed at their farm for three months. I had the best time there and would always love to come back to see the people and horses!
Hillary and Sebastian are super friendly and really care for their workawayers and always make sure that everything works and… read more
Hillary and Sebastian are super friendly and really care for their workawayers and always make sure that everything works and… read more
30 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Zoe) for host
I stayed with Hillary and Sebastian for the last 5 weeks and had a wonderful time. The place is located in a beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains, green pastures and a creek. Together with another german workawayer I was responsible for the horses, ducks and chickens. We mostly had to do light work like feeding the animals, giving them… read more
28 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Fiona)
Fiona was with us for 4 and a half months and helped us with taking care of our herd and also helping around the retreat center. Fiona is very responsible and has a great positive energy and work ethic. We loved having her with us and would gladly host her again! She is an asset to wherever she goes.
(Excellent)
28 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Fiona) for host
Where do I begin? I stayed at Epona for almost 4 months over the winter, and came back for another two weeks in the spring, which probably says enough about how much I loved it here. The hosts Hillary and Sebastian are super nice, laid back people who care for their workers and ensure that everything works and everyone is feeling good. I came here… read more
16 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Moira) for host
It was just as magical as I thought it would be. This was my first workaway and I think it will be hard to beat! Hillary has created such a serene place for the horses and people. You will definitely change your perspective on how you interact with horses once here. I was used to approaching a horse on my terms without looking for the animals'… read more
17 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Joanna) for host
Hillary and Sebastian have created a magical and unique place that is a true haven for horses and guests. Hillary taught me how to be in relationship with horses in an incredibly meaningful way. The ranch is in a beautiful location, the accommodation was private and comfortable, and the other workaways were awesome.
This summer, the work was… read more
This summer, the work was… read more
20 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Mathilda)
We loved having Mathilda for the 4 months she was here. Mathilda is a very positive, happy and hard worker, she was very pleasant to have around and was always up for whatever we had going on at the retreat centre. Mathilda was wonderful with our animals, reliable and trustworthy and treated everyone with care and kindness. We loved hosting… read more
(Excellent)
19 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Mathilda) for host
This place is a small paradies on earth for horses and humans - and I was lucky enough to be able to spent four and a half months there. As a first time Workaway this was a 100% positive experience for me and I can fully recommend this magical place to everyone who wants to take some time for themselves and dive into a busy yet balanced farm life.… read more
30 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Natalka)
Natalka was a very hard worker that was able to work independently and always completed tasks as we asked her too. We appreciated her work ethic.
(Very good)
15 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Natalka) for host
This was remarkable opportunity for me to spend as much time with horses as I wanted and to learn so much about them in their natural social habitat.
Hillary is treating the herd with respect and creates for them the best conditions which something to admire.
We had great facilities and all necessary for comfortable stay and I had interesting… read more
Hillary is treating the herd with respect and creates for them the best conditions which something to admire.
We had great facilities and all necessary for comfortable stay and I had interesting… read more
23 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Luisa) for host
I stayed at the retreat centre for 2.5 months and absolutely loved it. It is in the middle of the mountains surrounded by forest where you can actually see wildlife like moose and deer while sitting at the breakfast table. They have 28 beautiful horses that love lots of scratches and attention (especially Jet, Louie and little miss Shadow).… read more
31 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Anara)
Anara was a wonderful workaway who became like family to us and our animals.
Anara was responsible for helping for the care of our herd of rescue horses and other animals, as well as help with our gardens.
Anara formed special connections with our herd, was trustworthy and capable of the work and was a pleasure to have as a workaway.
We loved… read more
Anara was responsible for helping for the care of our herd of rescue horses and other animals, as well as help with our gardens.
Anara formed special connections with our herd, was trustworthy and capable of the work and was a pleasure to have as a workaway.
We loved… read more
(Excellent)
6 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Anara) for host
I am forever grateful for this magnificent experience. I stayed for almost five months and would recommend everyone to take their time here. You don`t often find a place where the horses live so free, are treated with so much respect and love, where you get the chance to spend such precious time with the herd.
Hillary and Sebastian are very… read more
Hillary and Sebastian are very… read more
8 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte ) for host
I enjoyed every day spent on the ranch, an experience I’m sure to remember always as one of the most wonderful periods of my life.
Hillary and Sebastian make you feel totally comfortable and really go above and beyond to ensure you enjoy your stay with them. The work was fulfilling and accommodations are great as well.
I made friends from… read more
Hillary and Sebastian make you feel totally comfortable and really go above and beyond to ensure you enjoy your stay with them. The work was fulfilling and accommodations are great as well.
I made friends from… read more
4 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Andréa) for host
I had a really good time at the ranch !
Hillary is very nice and welcoming, and Sebastian too :) I stayed there with 2 other workawayers that also made me feel at home as soon as I arrived.
Feeding the horses and other animals was really nice and it also didn't take a lot of time so we got plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and… read more
Hillary is very nice and welcoming, and Sebastian too :) I stayed there with 2 other workawayers that also made me feel at home as soon as I arrived.
Feeding the horses and other animals was really nice and it also didn't take a lot of time so we got plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and… read more
27 Feb 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Izzy)
Izzy was a wonderful workaway and person to have here, we enjoyed having her here! Izzy always was on time and did what was asked and often went above and beyond our expectation. We felt very safe with her with our animals and trusted her with all of the responsibilities on the ranch. She is a wonderful and positive person to have. Thank you Izzy… read more
(Excellent)
27 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Izzy) for host
I had such a lovely time staying with Hillary and Sebastian, they are wonderful hosts ! The location is beautiful, such stunning views and surrounded by nature, and it's a great feeling to be out with the herd. The work expected is not difficult and there is lots of time to relax after doing chores. I'm incredibly grateful to have stayed here and… read more
9 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Kaat & Lode )
We loved having Kaat and Lode at our retreat ranch for a month, we so appreciated your positive energy and attitude and great work ethic. Kaat and Lode brought such a great energy to our place, we were sad to see them go, amazing workawayers and also human beings, we were lucky to have them for a month.
(Excellent)
8 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Kaat & Lode ) for host
Oui! We stayed a month at Hillary's and Sebastian's place and it went by so quickly! We had a wonderfull time out here with the horses, and on top of that you also two amazing dogs to make your day. The work mainly contained out of outdoor chores, which is lovely because you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the valley! (You will get to see a… read more
19 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Nele)
Nele was one of the best workaways I have ever had in my 4 years of hosting. She is responsible, reliable and amazing with animals. Nele is hardworking has a positive attitude and is capable of many things. I loved having Nele at my retreat centre helping with my horses and other tasks, she was always happy to do anything and incredibly efficient… read more
(Excellent)
21 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Nele) for host
I stayed at the Retreat Center for two wonderful months this summer, and I can only say, I loved every second of it! The ranch is beautifully set in a quiet valley far enough away from busy roads, so you can really enjoy the nature and wildlife, watch hawks and eagles fly around and Chipmunks play in the sun. The apartment for the workawayers is… read more
21 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna & Lukas)
Anna and Lukas were excellent workaways and we truly enjoyed having them at the ranch. They stayed here for a month and where a great addition to our team, friendly, hard working and always do the tasks and chores with a smile on their face. We would recommend Anna and Lukas and would have them back anytime!
(Excellent)
8 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Anna & Lukas) for host
Every day at Hillarys Ranch was an adventure and we made so many new experiences! We learned so many about the horses and what it means to work on a ranch in the nature of Canada. It is a wonderful place to stay. The landscape is unique and you can always see a beautiful sunrise or lots of stars in the night. It's a special experience to see… read more
14 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Katharina) for host
Hillary's place is awesome! I had a fantastic time there at this beautiful ranch, I wished I could have stayed longer. I learned a lot about and from the herd. My main tasks were to look after the horses, to mow and the cabin turnover. I loved every minute at this wonderful ranch. Thank's for everything, especially to Jenny!
15 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Lok Man) for host
I am sooo happy to have a chance staying here for 2 weeks and it is not enough!! I should have stayed for longer time!
It is really fun and happy to be with all the horses and thank you Hillary for teaching me how to take care and be with horses even though I do not have horse experience before. The other workawayers I met there are awesome too.… read more
It is really fun and happy to be with all the horses and thank you Hillary for teaching me how to take care and be with horses even though I do not have horse experience before. The other workawayers I met there are awesome too.… read more
4 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte & Jarre) for host
This was our first workaway and we loved it! We were there for 3 weeks and in that short period, 2 new horses arrived. This sets the number of the herd to 26. It was great to see how the new horses integrated each in their own separate way. We were lucky that we had the opportunity to participate in one of the workshops. We learned a lot! We… read more
28 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Carlotta) for host
I have spend 5 weeks at this beautiful place! And I just loved it. Hillary and Jamie (the manager) are lovely people. Our little apartment with a private room and bathroom for each workaway allowed time for yourself but mostly I spend the free time in the herd. 25 horses, living in a horse paradise. I loved going out into their big big field and… read more
10 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Marion) for host
Last summer, I spent one month in paradise. Peace, mountains and amazing horses are the perfect recipe for an experience I'll never forget.
Thanks too a beautiful bracelet I got there, the horses of the herds are with me everyday.
I'm so grateful for this time I spent with Flicka, Louie, Tareena, Martini, Chief, Cheveyo, Jet, Happy, Kali, Aries,… read more
Thanks too a beautiful bracelet I got there, the horses of the herds are with me everyday.
I'm so grateful for this time I spent with Flicka, Louie, Tareena, Martini, Chief, Cheveyo, Jet, Happy, Kali, Aries,… read more
19 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Denise & Leonie) for host
I spend almost 5 weeks at Hillary’s retreat center! Hillary is a lovely but busy person with a big heart! Jamie the new manager is great with workaways and makes sure you feel welcome. You can laugh a lot with both of them.
It’s a quiet beautiful place where you can learn a lot about horses but also the dugs, chickens, cats and dogs are friendly… read more
It’s a quiet beautiful place where you can learn a lot about horses but also the dugs, chickens, cats and dogs are friendly… read more
5 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Céline) for host
Thank you for this amazing experience! I waited a long time to let a feedback but it was a good time spent with Hillary and her horses, you have to take care of them morning and afternoon, dogs are funny and cute even if oden is huge haha ! Carson and maddy were super nice and we had good time together, skiing, playing games and tubbing! Carson… read more
2 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
This was a really nice place to work at. The landscape is amazing and there's lots of different things to do including some horse chores, cabin turnover, washing dishes... The new managers are just getting started and I know that Carson and Madison are going to take the lodge to another level! Hillary and her horses are super nice and it's fun to… read more
8 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kristyna) for host
The Retreat Center is a beautiful, peaceful place which is surrounded by amazing nature. I'm so happy that I could meet Hillary, the owner, and Teresa, the manager. Thank you, Teresa, for taking care of me! Hillary is a nice and pleasant woman who has a smile on her face every day. If you have any problem, you can be honest and speak with her… read more
19 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
Sarah was an exceptional workaway for us! She has a lovely attitude and demeanour was eager to do the tasks that was put before her and always had a smile on her face while she did it! We loved her positive energy and her excitement and care that she extended during her stay with us at the ranch for the people and the animals! She would be an… read more
(Excellent)
9 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host
The Ranch is a wonderful place to be, surrounded by beautiful nature, animals and people. It was such a great experience hanging out with all the wonderful horses, learning about the hospitality routines and working outdoors in the garden.
Thanks for hosting me Hilary and Teresa
:) :) :)
Thanks for hosting me Hilary and Teresa
:) :) :)
12 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Amy) for host
I'm a little late on this review, but I had a truly wonderful experience at the ranch! Hillary and Teresa were both so warm and welcoming and made me feel very at home the entire time. The accommodations and food were great, not to mention the beautiful view everywhere you look. I went to the ranch to gain a new experience, and thanks to Hillary… read more
21 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Kyle)
Thanks Kyle! We miss you gals too! Loved having you and hope you will come again and visit one day!
(Excellent)
15 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kyle) for host
An amazing experience! Hillary and Teresa are both lovely teachers and I learned so much from them during my time at the ranch. The horses are so sweet and unique and were fun and easy to take care of. I miss you all, humans and animals, already!
14 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Bara Camilla)
Thank you Camilla for all of your positivity and creativity and commitment you brought to our ranch! You were a joy to be around and we loved having you!
Camilla is a wonderful girl who is positive, hard working and super creative, we loved having her at the ranch and would welcome her back anytime!
Camilla is a wonderful girl who is positive, hard working and super creative, we loved having her at the ranch and would welcome her back anytime!
(Excellent)
8 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Bara Camilla) for host
I couldn't ask for a better experience.
From the first moment Teresa (Lodge Manager) picked me up, I felt welcomed.
You have your own luxury room with a big wardrobe and bathroom!!
Hillary also welcomed me really warm-hearted and introduced me to the two lovely dogs and later the cat.
Besides that you Hillary got awesome dogs and horses.… read more
From the first moment Teresa (Lodge Manager) picked me up, I felt welcomed.
You have your own luxury room with a big wardrobe and bathroom!!
Hillary also welcomed me really warm-hearted and introduced me to the two lovely dogs and later the cat.
Besides that you Hillary got awesome dogs and horses.… read more
13 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
To make a long feedback short:
I feel so fortunate for being able to stay at your place, so much love and space, it was really a gift for me. I'll miss you aswell! Hodor<3
I feel so fortunate for being able to stay at your place, so much love and space, it was really a gift for me. I'll miss you aswell! Hodor<3
8 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Jonas was an absolute pleasure to have at our retreat center, he has the most amazing open and kind energy and we enjoyed having him here. We will miss his smile, laughter and positive energy he brought to our space, anyone who gets the opportunity to have Jonas come and spend time with them will be fortunate! We will miss you Jonas!
(Excellent)
25 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
We love you Anna! We are so lucky to have you and you bring such great energy to the ranch!
(Excellent)
18 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
I was hired by Hillary (the owner of the centre) to help with the horses and the horses are wonderful. It is a great responsibility to take care of them and it would be the wrong place for a person who sees horses just as things or who is not willing to engage herself to the horses, the amazing people and the incredible piece of earth, where the… read more
