Help with horses, dog and housesitting close to Marburg in Germany

Details

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  Description

  Hi! I’m Marie and I live in Kehlnbach, a small village in the beautiful countryside of Hesse, Germany. I share my home with my dog and three horses: two Quarter Horses and a Shetland pony.
  
  I’m looking for a female or a couple who would enjoy a longer stay with us.
  
  This is a private home, not a commercial stable. The horses live right next to the house and are part of my everyday life. I am looking for people who would like to join in with our daily routines, learn about keeping horses in a small private setting, and experience rural life in Germany.
  
  Typical tasks include helping with mucking out, preparing feed, filling water buckets, bringing the horses in or out together with me, grooming, and keeping the stable and surrounding areas tidy. Depending on the weather and the day, there may also be small tasks around the house or garden, and occasional help with the dog. I will show you everything step by step.
  
  Some practical horse experience is very welcome, especially if you already feel comfortable around horses and know the basics of leading, tying and general stable routines. Two of the horses are still young, so a calm, attentive way around animals is important. However, this is not a position for a professional stable worker, but horse experience is beneficial. The focus is on sharing everyday life, learning from each other and enjoying time together.
  
  I have been a Workawayer myself in several places across Europe, the United States and Canada. For me, it was one of the best ways to get to know a country beyond the usual tourist experience: through everyday life, local people and genuine connection. I would now love to offer that kind of stay here.
  
  Kehlnbach is peaceful and rural, surrounded by forests, fields and small villages. I’d be happy to show you the area, share meals or little outings when it suits us, and introduce you to life in this part of Germany. At the same time, you will have plenty of space and time to yourself and can explore independently.
  
  If this sounds like a good fit, please tell me a little about your previous experience with horses, whether you are travelling alone or with someone, and your available dates.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Light gardening

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house
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  Interests

  

  Charity work

  

  Pets

  

  Nature

  

  Art & design

  

  Books

  

  Astronomy

  

  Animals

  

  Outdoor activities
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You can experience everyday life in a small German village and discover a quieter, more rural side of Germany that tourists do not usually get to see. I would be happy to spend time together, share meals, have conversations and take you on trips or show you interesting places in the surrounding area.
  You can learn about caring for horses during the German winter, including feeding routines, stable management, checking water in freezing temperatures and assessing weather and ground conditions for safe turnout. However, previous practical horse experience is strongly preferred.
  
  I am also happy to help you practise German and explain German customs, everyday life and local traditions. At the same time, I enjoy learning about other countries, cultures and ways of life. I have travelled as a Workawayer myself in Europe, the United States and Canada, so I understand how valuable a genuine exchange and a welcoming atmosphere can be.

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  Help

  – Helping with the horses –
  
  Depending on the day, you may help me with simple routines such as:
  • Mucking out and keeping the stable area tidy
  • Preparing feed and water buckets
  • Grooming and spending time with the horses
  • Clean buckets or keep water areas free from ice
  • Assisting with small tasks around the stable or paddock
  
  I will show you the routines step by step. An interest in animals and a careful, calm approach are important.
  
  
  – Spending time with my dog –
  
  My dog is part of the household and enjoys company. You may occasionally go on walks, prepare his food or simply spend time with him.
  
  
  – Time commitment and days off –
  
  The help is usually around 2–3 hours per day, 5 days a week, with two full days off. The exact tasks and schedule are flexible and will be agreed together in advance.
  There may also be light help around the home, such as watering plants, keeping shared spaces tidy, or small seasonal tasks in the garden.
  
  
  – What I hope to share –
  I would like this to be a genuine cultural exchange: life in a small German village, time with animals, shared meals or conversations, and occasional activities or trips when it suits us. You will also have plenty of free time to explore the region or relax independently.

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  You will have your own private room for the entire duration of your stay.
  We will share the kitchen, bathroom and other living areas.
  In the house, I ask you to water my orchids when necessary and to keep everything clean and in good condition.

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  What else ...

  The closest bus station is 2 kilometres from my house (Busbahnhof Gladenbach). From there you can go to Marburg (train station), Bad Endbach, Niederweimar and many more.
  
  - HIKING -
  Hinterländer Schweiz (Hinterland Switzerland) is a beautiful area, pure nature! With its massive slate rocks, it is located directly in the forest between Gladenbach and Kehlnbach. It is particularly easy to reach from our house and is perfect for a short afternoon walk of around 3 km.
  
  
  - RELAXATION & LEISURE -
  The "Lahn-Dill-Bergland Therme" is a thermal bath (indoor pool) and sauna are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday women's sauna. The thermal baths also have a wellness area where you can really pamper yourself with a massage or other treatment. It is best to book appointments in the Meine Insel wellness center in advance.
  
  The lake "Aartalsee" is very nice to go for a walk, enjoy nature or go for a swim at the beach. The bathing season usually begins on May 1st of each year. The "Seeterrasse" restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday is a rest day.
  
  The "Seepark Niederweimar" is another lake in the area and has a large beach with fine sand and a large, soft sunbathing area, which is usually open between May and September. There is a water playground for children on the shore of the lawn. There is a nudist area in a cordoned off area at the back of the beach.
  The Seepark has the largest aqua park in Germany, with floating trampolines, slides, climbing walls and a mega blob. The floating BLOB catapults people up to 10 meters high, who then land in the water.
  In addition to water skiing, you can also ride wakeboard, monoski and kneeboard on the water ski facility. The facility is also equipped with a ski jump.
  
  
  - MARBURG -
  The city of Marburg is definitely worth a visit! The old town (also called "Oberstadt") is beautiful and there are many shops to go shopping and just as many small, winding streets and old, listed houses.
  The Landgrafenschloss (Landgrave's Castle) can be reached easily by foot from the old town. The view from up there is gorgeous during the day and also by night!
  
  If you're looking for the best vantage points, you absolutely have to go to the Kaiser Wilhelm Tower (also known as the Spiegelslust Tower). It is a bit higher than the Schloßberg and you have a fabulous view of the entire city including the Landgrave's Castle!
  
  The Elisabeth Church is Marburg's most famous building. It doesn't matter whether you are a guest in Marburg or a local - hardly anyone does not visit the Elisabethkirche. Only a few know, at least beforehand, that it is actually a Marienkirche.
  Opening hours outside of church services:
  1.11. until 30.03. daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
  1.04. until 30.09. daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m
  1.10. until 31.10. daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
  Public guided tours of the Elisabeth Church:
  Every Saturday at 3 p.m. as part of the guided tour of the Elisabeth Church and old town up to the Landgrave Castle.
  Church leaders offer special tours of the Elisabethkirche from April to October from Sunday to Friday at 3pm; and on Sundays after the service at 11:15 a.m.
  
  
  - GIESSEN -
  The city of Gießen offers guided tours. You can find the current schedule of events here. The city also offers a wide range of opportunities for young people.
  The historic city theater in Gießen delights visitors with a changing schedule and a revolving stage. On the other side of Berliner Platz in Giessen, all moviegoers will get their money's worth in KINOPOLIS.
  The Dachcafe is not far from the cinema and the municipal theater. The restaurant and bar has a lot more to offer than a café. Here you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner and cake! It's definitely worth a visit because, as the name suggests, it's "on the rooftop" of a high-rise building and offers a wonderful view of the city. Make a reservation for a table with a view by the window (in summer on the Skybar roof terrace), preferably on a Sunday or public holiday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for brunch!
  
  
  - FRANKFURT -
  Frankfurt is Most likely the most famous city in Hesse with lots of things to do.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  High speed internet access is provided and unlimited.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have enough space for parking your van, close enough to the house so you will have electricity and access to wifi. It’s also possible to camp in my families fields and enjoy the silence (for max. 3 nights in a row by german law).

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Sami (5 years)

  Sami is a small shetland pony. She's not ready for kids yet because she is still young. Sami has had some problems with laminitis.

  

  Lou (5 years)

  Lou is a young Quarter Horse mare. She's sweet but can be a little diva sometimes ;)

  

  Milo (8 years)

  Milo is my sweetheart, a true loving soul. He is a Quarter Horse gelding.

  

  Taco (2 years)

  Taco is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mixed with 1/4 Labrador. He loves everyone and keeps you company on walks.

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