Help a disabled owner on their equestrian farm near Vire, France

France

updated Last minute

Favourited 571 times

Host rating
Feedback
40
Last activity
25/09/2022
Nº of Facebook friends
661
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 5 days
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This listing is a Last minute host. They have let us know that they are looking for help immediately as well as at other times of the year.

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Availability

2022

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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What's this?

Details

Description
First of all, we really could do with a second pair of hands for some manual (not heavy) clearing and constricting a large set of shelves/ also not afraid to use power tools.

If you can really ride and are experienced then we would like to hear from you we need people that are happy galloping out on tracks. Limited coaching may be given and is subject to time and health restraints of the host. THESE ARE BIG FIT HORSES 17HH PLUS. Our horses are medium level jumping horses.

We can offer a long term stay if required. A responsible , caring, efficient, SELF MOTIVATED person, who is able to follow and learn instructions, is vital for things to continue. I'm am sometimes now in a wheelchair so things have got tough.

I teach basic dressage, and advanced jumping and natural handling skills but this very much depends on my health now, hence not novice riders.

I really care for people. In return I offer a fantastic opportunity for the right person to live in a beautiful house nestled in a stunning valley not far from Vire, with all amenities.

You will be treated as a member of the family and English is spoken at home.

If you like good French baguettes, cheeses and basic home cooking we can accommodate. Vegetarians (please respect the fact that it's our choice to eat meat). If you would like to cook we can supply you with the fresh ingredients. (Veggies I will not fund your expensive seeds, nuts and pulses but plenty of of veg is fine. Having had some vegans stay we now know what to buy and cook. BUT I can not afford organic meat or vegetables).

We prefer longer stay people, but will welcome short stayers.

Looking forward to meeting equestrians from around the world!

NO heavy smokers or drinkers, we have strict rules on smoking . NO DRUGS. A video of your riding and a reference may be asked for, for our own planning.

IF YOU SAY YOU ARE COMING THEN COME. I have a disability, at the moment I am really poorly thus we need to know I have cover for the horses. If you change your dates or don't turn up, you leave us vulnerable and it's not fair when we have put off other more willing people, when you haven't tipped up. Negative feedback will be left in these circumstances.

If you are a VERY experienced equestrian then there is a small remuneration as supervision and coaching will not take up so much of my time.

This is not a riding school, but a privately owned competition yard. You will learn lots here.

Please read this twice or more so that you are aware of my health situation. A document will be sent to you stating what is expected of you so there are no misunderstandings and this false feedback left.
*Workawayers your passport will be scanned on arrival and luggage searched before leaving* this is due to theft from my property.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Well located for visiting war memorials and the beaches. Train station nearby.

Attending French showjumping and carriage driving shows.
Help
Land maintenance and collecting droppings from the paddocks. Helping us generally. There are just 3 stables to muck out and collecting the droppings from the turned out jumping horses only, We harrow the other fields. Other tasks may also be required around the farm and house.

If I do these tasks it takes me 2 hours.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
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
Accommodation in the house or hopefully a newly converted studio.
What else ...
We are just 8 minutes from the centre of Vire.

Many forest and beach walks. A great place to explore war memorabilia.

Plenty of local things to see and many International showjumping events to go and visit in the region.
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
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Photos

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Feedback left by and about host (40)

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

Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)

Cultural exchange:
(4.9)

Communication:
(4.8)

18/09/2022

Left by Workawayer (Vicky) for host

I have just come back from spending a month on Di's farm and it has been the absolute best. I have been blessed by a million amazing memories and huge amounts of equestrian and general life wisdom gifted to me by the incredibly talented Di and her lovely son Ed.

The animals on this farm have absolutely stolen my heart and I don't quite know what… read more

(Excellent )

18/09/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Vicky)

Omg, this girl is beautiful inside and out. She works very hard and is very methodical. She slotted in here as part of the family, It was like having my daughter here. Skills ONLY refers to her equestrian knowledge but she's an absolute sponge. I have a neurological disorder and having her here meant I didn't have to worry st all about my 15… read more

(Excellent )

28/07/2022

Left by Workawayer (Susan) for host

I had such a fantastic experience staying with Di and Ed on their farm in the beautiful French countryside! Their home is full of energy and is such a welcoming and comfortable place to stay.
I learned a lot about all of the animals on the farm, from horses to dogs, cats, goats and guinea pigs!
I unfortunately did not get the chance to ride very… read more

(Excellent )

21/07/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Susan)

Susan is an absolute delight, I decided to have 2 workawayers together. The other one was here first.

For a full 6 weeks my home was filled with love and laughter.

I had a broken knee that was operated on, and with Susan I didn't have to worry about what was going on outside. She always asked what needed doing. She's an absolute gem.

I do… read more

(Excellent )

24/07/2022

Left by Workawayer (June) for host

I had the most amazing 6 weeks at Di and Ed's. I had so much fun being surrounded by all their animals and learned a lot about horses. Di is such a good teacher, that my riding started to improve from the very first jumping lesson on.
Ed and Di are both very caring people and will make sure that you feel comfortable and are never excluded from… read more

(Excellent )

21/07/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (June)

Oh my this girl is a machine, she works way to hard, her smile and laughter was contagious. She doubts the level of her riding, but apart from that, she's amazing, a sheet not ton have around.

I so so want her to come back again.

(Excellent )

13/12/2021

Left by Workawayer (Sanna) for host

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

(Good )

10/11/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Sanna)

Sanna is an absolute joy. She's very funny and very fit. I've been doing workaway for 5 years now and she's the second best that we've ever had. Please don't be put off because she's vegan, she is very laid back about it and we had a great time making meals that respected her wishes.

Sanna did leave early and I've not been able to fill the other… read more

(Excellent )

28/09/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Elisa)

Elisa was very charming, worked heard and learned things really easily. He riding and confidence improved really well and I was glad because she had a goal in her mind anf achieved it. She also mixed in as part of the family cooking and cleaning too. She doesn't live that far from me so hope she will visit again.

(Very good )

09/04/2021

Left by Workawayer (Elisa) for host

I had a very sweet 2 weeks stay with Diane and Ed. I loved being surrounded by all their animals, and there was always something I could do to keep myself busy. Diane and Ed were also amazing at coaching my riding, they were always insisting on the positive part and that was exactly what I needed to get my confidence back. I hope I can visit you… read more

(Excellent )

16/09/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Alina)

Alina is a lovely caring person who needs to acknowledge more the positive side of herself. I very much enjoyed her company.

(Good )

06/08/2021

Left by Workawayer (Beatrice) for host

I spent only 3 weeks with Diane and her family, but it seemed like I never left home. They're all very caring and understanding, they helped me when I needed and taught me a lot about horses. Definetly an experience I'm gonna remember.
I miss them already

(Excellent )

03/08/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Beatrice)

Bea is absolutely adorable and has a head older than her years. I was ill when she was here but she did gardening and painting the house, she cooked and cleaned, she was excellent with the horses. Ours were a bit forward going for her but we had great fun in her lessons. I don't think I've had 2 weeks of solid laughter, Bea is so upbeat and funny,… read more

(Excellent )

02/06/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Shoshana)

We had Soch stay with us for a month. She's an absolute delight. She was very professional in her work, has a brilliant sense of humor, and all the animals adored her. She would be welcomed back here with opened arms.

Soch is quite good at dressage but wanted to learn more about jumping. I hope she continues in this field. It was such a shame… read more

(Excellent )

08/10/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Roxane)

Roxane is a very chilled soul with a mission in life. I was very I'll at the time she stayed and she was an absolute god send. If she wasn't with the horses she would be out repairing something or making things better. We spent many hours talking. Her riding improved greatly with the few sessions I managed to give her. She learnt there is a… read more

(Excellent )

07/10/2020

Left by Workawayer (Roxane) for host

Living with Diane is a true human experience. How to look after each other. How to keep the group together. How to support and care for each other. Everybody needs everybody, animals humans and plants (she has an orchard and a garden to be created soon hopefully). it feels like family. And Diane is very good fun! The horses and the dogs (most of… read more

(Excellent )

28/09/2020

Left by Workawayer (Camille) for host

I had a great week at Diane's farm. Diane and her son Ed are very welcoming and nice people. They make you feel at home. The work is typical stable / farm work (mucking out, feed animals, put water etc..). There is plenty of animals (horses, ponies, goats, dogs, lots of cats) to take care of and cuddle with. I even got to ride a horse.
Thank you… read more

(Excellent )

26/09/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Camille)

Camille is an absolute whirl wind, she just doesn't stop working. I suggested maybe she should sit and admire the horses and dogs instead of working sometimes.

I spoke to her just the other day and bless her she offered to come back and help.

We only had tugged pleasure of Camille for one week. Her riding is poor when it comes to technical… read more

(Excellent )

23/01/2020

Left by Workawayer (Manon) for host

It was my first workaway experience and I'm not disappointed at all !
I spend almost two beautiful months with Diane and her family. She welcomed me warmly and took care of me like a real mom. She is a generous person who alway want the best for you !
I learnt so much with Di, she teach me self-confidence, to take care of horses properly, I… read more

(Excellent )

23/01/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Manon)

I wanted to cry when Manon left, she was an absolute joy, from the moment she stepped into the house she was part of the family. Despite her age sure id extremely mature and has an excellent work ethic. We worked on Manons riding and jumping whilst she was here, she never said that she was scared she trusted my judgment and arrived jumping 70cm… read more

(Excellent )

03/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Elena) for host

I've spent some wonderful months with this family. They're such nice people, indeed treated me like a family member and made me feel very welcomed, the animals as well;). I have learned so much regarding horse maintenance, riding and about myself. The work outside is a great substitute a work-out, so be ready for that.
I will truly miss this place… read more

(Excellent )

14/04/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Nora Marie Haune)

Nora is an absolutely delightful energetic conscientious girl. Her help was top quality. I would loved Nora to stay longer but she after booking in for four months let me down very badly and left after not even two weeks.

If you're taking Nora you wouldn't be disappointed. But don't take a booking longer than two weeks and turn down other people… read more

(Good )

19/02/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Monica)

Monica was never sick or sorry even if she did feel poorly some days. The work here is tough and she always did it with a smile. The horses loved her she's a beautful character. You won't be disappointed.

(Very good )

11/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Rhonda & Scott)

We had this couple for a month. Their professionalism was second to none. Extremely hard working in all weather's I had to tell them to stop working. They muck in with all household chores and Scott loves to cook which was greatly appreciated.

Rhonda is very good with the horses. All were cared for to a very high standard cuddle included.

I… read more

(Excellent )

07/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Esme) for host

This was my first workaway experience, and it could not have gone better. This family was helpful from start to finish, always seeing that I had everything I needed. They were extremely welcoming and made me feel at home, catered for al my needs and never made me want for anything.
The work was not too difficult, but being fit for the work is… read more

(Excellent )

15/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Esme)

Esme is a beautiful soul with a beautiful voice. She's very helpful and reliable outside with the horses so much so I went away and left her with my yard as I felt completely at ease that things would be done. - and they were.

I would put her at a French Galop 4 for riding level. But more than. Competent from the ground. She never moaned about… read more

(Excellent )

08/06/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Mark )

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(No show)

27/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Marjolein) for host

I had a great experience at this lovely family. They were very warm and welcoming, from the second I arrived I felt welcome at their home. This family is friendly, open, hardworking and they have also lovely animals next to their horses. The room they provided for me was very clean and comfy. The work is really doable, once I knew the routine I… read more

(Excellent )

23/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Marjolein)

Marj is an absolutely delightful young lady. She is fit, funny, hardworking and very responsible.

My mother died and we have a yard of 9 horses, we were very stuck to have someone to care for them whilst I was sorting and attending my mothers funeral (in another country). Marj listened to my plight and insisted on coming when she was actually… read more

(Excellent )

23/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Cassandra)

I have Cass at the moment. I would thoroughly recommend her to any host, This girl is full of energy and life. She's responsible and extremely hard working, always aims to please. Is open and honest about her limitations, of which she does herself an injustice. You have to make her take a rest, she has an absolutely fabulous sense of homour. I… read more

(Excellent )

01/06/2016

Left by Workawayer (Yasmeen) for host

This was a great experience! Diana and her family (and the animals)were incredibly warm and welcoming. I really felt like one of the family. The work is not bad at all, and even quite enjoyable so long as you don't mind a little labor. Usually, I was done everything that I had to do by 1pm or so, even with a leisurely breakfast. One thing though,… read more

(Excellent )

21/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Yasmeen)

Yasmeen was an absolute delight to have here. She was relaxed, funny, hardworking, conscientious, thoroughly professional. Although her riding wasn't as good as we needed, she soon came up to an acceptable level. BUT, her level of horse and animal management is extremely high. You only have to tell her once how to do something and it's done and… read more

(Excellent )

30/05/2016

Left by Workawayer (Sabine) for host

It's a very nice Family with lovely horses, dogs and cats! The tasks are not difficult, but you should know about horses and are able to help for your own. Riding on the beach is the best thing that can happen to you! :-) I was very sorry that i had to leave earlier than expected. But still i am in contact with Diana.
Gini

(Excellent )

21/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Tina Maria)

Mia is a lovely woman. Very helpful, very keen, will try and do anything. Good entertainment and conversation. Fab cook. An asset to any host.

(Very good )

14/10/2015

Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host

I was made one of the family here and it was a great experience for me. My background is Western riding but I learned to jump with Di and Charlie who were great teachers. The work is typically two hours of hard manual labor requiring muck boots and some muscle. Then riding time on spirited but well-trained horses. You will need riding boots.… read more

(Excellent )

13/10/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Sam)

For a young guy, Sam is extremely useful, don't let his age put you off. He is hard working and very capable. You have to direct him, but when on his path off he goes until the work is done. He is responsible, polite and very quiet; apart from when he's working, you really wouldn't know he's there. He learns very quickly and strives to improve… read more

(Excellent )

10/09/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)

What a wonderful young lady, very polite, extremely hardworking, excellent horse rider, scared of nothing. Never had to chase her to do anything, had to force her to take rest time. I would have her back in a flash. A total asset.

(Excellent )

13/07/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Paul)

A totally awesome guy, not workshy, self motivated, good conversationalist. Cleans up the place after himself, totally trustworthy. He has been a total asset here and will be truly missed.

(Excellent )

13/06/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Shanti)

Both Shanti and Cal worked very hard, did everything asked of them, they are also very polite. Shanti very quite you hardly know shes there, Cal makes up for this and is very entertaining. These two were no bother at all and totally trustworthy. I would love them to come visit again.

They are just two friends travelling together and not an… read more

(Excellent )

11/05/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (DANIEL)

(No show)

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