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Host rating
65 %
Last replied
11 Oct 2022
Feedback
4
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Description
Zdrasti! We are a small family and friends run horse stables in the beautiful Sakar Mountain area of South-East Bulgaria. We'd like to welcome volunteers to visit us who not only have an interest in horses, but those who have experience in (and a passion for) establishing and running eco-tourism activities, organising and running outdoor activities for kids and any interesting and applicable community regeneration projects.
On the farm we have 10 horses, two mini-goats (who think they're dogs), chickens, rabbits, and Zippy our Jack Russell.
The Sakar region is depopulating rapidly, and remains one of the least explored regions in Southern Europe. The area boasts hectares of nature reserves with over 300 endangered species of flora and fauna and an abundance of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Bulgar monuments.
Our small business is based on ethical animal care, (horses live out 24/7 according to recent scientific research, they're all barefoot, with well fitting, humane and modern equipment, feeding based on locally sourced natural products etc.), but it is also to develop environmental projects around our village- with the aim of encouraging tourists (Bulgarian and those from further afield) and new residents to our village and, in the process- strengthening our local community.
If you think this is something you might like to help with, or you have ideas and experience you'd like to share with us, please write and we will get back to you.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Explore beautiful rural Sakar.
There's vineyards, fishing on the Tundja river, hanging out with our amazing self-sufficient neighbours, plus cycling, walking and of course horse-riding.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We're moving into the summer season now and as well as the usual activities listed below, we're also looking for people who have experience working with children in an outdoor activity setting. We offer archery, arts and crafts, children's eco-projects, horse-care and management, English language programmes, and numerous other farm-based activities- and we'd like to offer more. If you have experience teaching this type of programme or think you have the skills- we'd love to hear from you...
General Duties:
Helping with the animals, feeding, cleaning etc.
General farm maintenance and cleaning.
If you speak Bulgarian, basic communication/translation with clients and language practice.
Helping with horses, to whatever level you are comfortable (brushing, feeding, training etc).
Helping to develop eco-tours, (route planning, SOPs, marketing materials, training, etc), plus community development ideas for our small village.
There will also be the normal shared cooking and cleaning of your room and communal spaces.
Languages spoken
Afrikaans: Fluent
Bulgarian: Fluent
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Off season we have a spare room in the house, with a heater/fan and double bed. Kitchen and bathroom are shared. During high season, we have two-single beds in our gorgeous recently converted barn. This also has a shared mini-kitchen and all-new outdoor toilet/shower complex.
Main evening meals will be with us, and based around simple local produce, however please note, this is not veggie friendly! There is also a large stone BBQ area and smoker available to use.
What else ...
As part of Natura2000, the area is packed with amazing flora and fauna. Our area is covered with Thracian/Roman remains and monuments, plus its home to numerous eagle and bird reserves. We also have regular buses to the local towns of Elhovo and Topolovgrad.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have fibre optic cable plus Vivacom wifi as back up.
Space for parking camper vans
We can accommodate (and have in the past) campervans. We can offer a space to park, plus toilet and shower facilities, BBQ area
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (1)
We were lucky enough to have Anoop join us on the farm for a week, during a break in his culinary school. Anoop helped out on the farm with a variety of tasks, and got really involved with the horses. He was a great student, and picked things up very quickly.
He is also an AMAZING cook!… read more
Jolene threw herself into all the jobs and tasks around the farm. She learnt very fast and was trustworthy to leave working unattended. From cleaning stables to handing horses, assisting with lessons and helping with clients. The days can be long, varied and very… read more
Photos
Feedback
We were lucky enough to have Anoop join us on the farm for a week, during a break in his culinary school. Anoop helped out on the farm with a variety of tasks, and got really involved with the horses. He was a great student, and picked things up very quickly.
He is also an AMAZING cook!… read more
Jolene threw herself into all the jobs and tasks around the farm. She learnt very fast and was trustworthy to leave working unattended. From cleaning stables to handing horses, assisting with lessons and helping with clients. The days can be long, varied and very… read more
