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Join our family and help us with rescued horses in Sao Teotonio, Portugal

Portugal
Last activity : 15 Jul 2026

Profile information

Host rating

70 %
Last replied

8 Jul 2026
Reply rate

73.5 %

Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback

18
ID verified
Email verified

Country info

If you are from outside of the EU and planning to visit Portugal to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information please contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.

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Availability

2026

Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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What's this?

Details

Description

We are a family living in the SW Alentejo, Costa Vicentina, running a small rescue horse sanctuary in the middle of a forest, 12 km from the ocean. Our main passion is the care and rehabilitation of rescued horses — providing them with a safe and loving home for life.
We also do pedagogical work with teenagers, and in the winter season we work with medicinal & entheogenic mushrooms.
Types of help and learning opportunities

Creative DIY projects

Animal Care

Farmstay help

Light maintenance
Interests

Sustainability

Self development

Pets

Animals

Outdoor activities

Nature

Yoga / Wellness
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

We offer riding lessons to you, or if you are experienced, trailrides.
you will learn some horse training basics based on the FBT (freedom based training)
you will learn about medicinal and editble mushrooms.
you might have some fun with some teenagers
you will learn how to slowly change a pine monoculture to a living, divers forrest.
and beside of that we will have fun at the beaches and lakes..... or some quiet evenings in front of our fireplaces (in winter).
Help

Please note: Workawayers will not be asked to help with any paying guests or any kind of paid activities. Their involvement is purely in the day-to-day care of our rescue horses and general upkeep of the sanctuary.
We welcome you even if horse work isn't your main focus — there's always something to do around the property. Horses will always be around, and you'll have plenty of opportunity to connect with them.
We're looking for people who love being around animals and enjoy doing tasks outdoors. If you enjoy simple hands-on tasks like helping maintain fences, clearing paths, basic gardening or forestry, you'll fit right in. Couples or close friends are particularly encouraged to apply.
For the summer months (June to September) we are looking for longer-term helpers.
As a thank-you, we offer riding lessons and relaxed hacks on horseback. If you're curious about the magic of mycology, we might have something to share with you too.
Languages

Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Portuguese: 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

You will have a huge american RV mobilhome for your self and a shared bathroom.
we will cook and eat together.
What else ...

on your free days we will provide you a lift to the stunning beaches in Zambujeira do mar or Odeceixe. You can go by bus to the citys of Lagos or to the sights at the south algarve.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads

we have glassfiber internet, so if you need a fast connection for your studies/business, be welcome on the fast track
Space for parking camper vans

your own campervan is welcome.
How many Workawayers can stay?

Two
My animals / pets

Brahma, Bär

Host ref number: 798666267166

Website Safety

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Feedback (14)

26 Mar 2026

Left by Workawayer (Kadin & Breanna) for host

Chris and Patricia took wonderful care of us during our 45 day stay and were very patient and understanding.
The exchange was honored to the letter, all of our food was provided along with a private personal space to sleep and spend time.
They even insisted on accomodating our personal dietary choices despite those being different than most people … read more

(Excellent )

3 Dec 2025

Left by Workawayer (Jutta) for host

I stayed for five weeks, and I would like to start with a deep thank you to Chris, Patricia and the rest of the family. Even though we had a few small communication issues in the beginning, we were able to resolve these quickly. I soon felt completely settled and welcome.
All animals are exceptionally well cared for. Every horse and dog has its … read more

(Very good )

26 Sep 2025

Left by Workawayer (Lotte) for host

I had an amazing experience with Chris and his family in Portugal. If you love the outdoors, horses (and other animals) and some quiet time this is the place for you! Even if you are experienced you can learn a lot about horses and everything around them. You also get to live in a cool spacious retro camper, which was clean and tidy. If you like … read more

(Excellent )

25 Sep 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Lotte)

What a great experience we had with Lotte. She was not only an attentive, interested, and skilled worker, but also part of our family from the very first moment. So easy-going – we all (including all our animals) loved her and already miss her. She worked with all our horses and was open to learning new things. She also proved to be a responsible … read more

(Excellent )

View all 14 feedbacks

Photos

$The image shows a horse\'s head sticking out of a car window, wearing a red halter and looking directly at the camera with a curious expression.$

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Feedback

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

Accuracy of profile:
(4.6)

Cultural exchange:
(4.1)

Communication:
(4.4)

26 Mar 2026

Left by Workawayer (Kadin & Breanna) for host

(Excellent)

3 Dec 2025

Left by Workawayer (Jutta) for host

(Very good)

26 Sep 2025

Left by Workawayer (Lotte) for host

(Excellent)

25 Sep 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Lotte)

(Excellent)

5 Sep 2025

Left by Workawayer (Clémentine) for host

I understand that other volunteers had a very good time at Chris's place, and I'm sure they had nice horses related experiences and talking.
Horses does have a great environment and are well treated on the place.

However, from my point of view, the cleaning was inadequate in the share's areas and in the caravan I was supposed to live in.
I … read more

(Neutral)

12 Mar 2025

Left by Workawayer (Diane) for host

I stayed with Chris, Patricia and extended human and animal family for around 6 weeks over during the winter.

I stayed in my own campervan in a quiet space near the lake with my dog Rosie. It was the perfect balance of community and privacy. There was another Workawayer who stayed in the rv.

The work mainly entailed feeding horses in the … read more

(Excellent)

9 Feb 2025

Left by Workawayer (Esmée) for host

I stayed with Chris and his family for about 1,5 months. Overal I've had an educative experience around horses, which was amazing! Chris taught me some of his knowledge about horses, and even some horseriding. I got to help with giving tours and preparing horses for riding lessons. I enjoyed doing this. I also learned some basics about farmlife, … read more

(Excellent)

12 Oct 2024

Left by Workawayer (Eduarda) for host

My second volunteering was at Chris's farm. I really liked the experience because I learned a little bit of everything about horses. I helped feed the horses, taking ticks out of them, everything that was related to horses.

The place is amazing, a lot of nature around.
I went in the low season (February/2024), so Chris even gave me some lessons … read more

(Excellent)

18 Jun 2023

Left by Workawayer (Rita & Andrea) for host

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

(Negative)

29 Dec 2022

Left by Workawayer (Alice) for host

I had the chance to stay with Chris and family for a month and a half around August/September and I am very grateful for them to give the opportunity to work with them and spend beautiful moments that became joyful memories. The place is located in a very nice area surrounded with Eucalyptus forests.
The feeding work with the horses is pretty … read more

(Excellent)

7 Oct 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Liv)

LIv is a truely extraordinary helper.
Not only that she is very practical, she also is an emphatic animal lover and sensibel rider.
She is responcible and and realiable, hard working ranchhand.
Our horses enjoyed her loving caring and our family her heartfull presence and her humor.
Next time she comes around, we won´t let her go again.

(Excellent)

7 Sep 2022

Left by Workawayer (Liv) for host

I had a wonderful month being part of this amazing family, learned a lot about a different approach to horses & life, had countless laughs and great food, explored beautiful beaches as well as eucalyptus forests, caught sunsets and waves and spent many hours in the saddle.
I am beyond grateful for Chris' trust in me concerning the horses and … read more

(Excellent)

10 May 2022

Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host

I stayed with Chris and his family for 3 weeks and I had a great time taking care of the horses. Other than that I helped with some tasks around the house and working with one of the teenagers. The food was great and for me it was the perfect mix of day trips to the beach on my off days and time to relax on the farm. Thanks again :)

(Excellent)

1 Dec 2021

Left by Workawayer (Nicola) for host

During the two months I spent on the farm I learned a lot about horses and enjoyed a quiet life away from the hustle and bustle. Although lots of people visit throughout the riding season there are times you’ll be on your own reading a book or taking a swim in the nearby lake. Apart from feeding, the tasks vary depending on what needs to be done … read more

(Excellent)

23 Jun 2021

Left by Workawayer (nataliewardo) for host

Thank you Chris, Patricia and family for our 3 month stay over winter 2020! We only planned to stay 1 month initially, but ended up staying for 3! Partly due to Covid lockdown, but mainly because we were having such a great time. And we were very grateful that they accommodated us for so much longer, without question.

At the ranch we worked 25-30 … read more hours per week, each, over 5 days, with 2 days off. We preferred to have the weekends off but Chris is very flexible and happy for you to take whatever days/ half days off you like if you prefer another arrangement. In return we received very comfortable lodgings and all of our food.

Our tasks to begin with were to feed the horses in the morning, and do other tasks for the rest of the day. Feeding time required us to learn all of the different diets of the 10 horses, and to remember which order to feed them in. But this was the hardest part, the horses helped us with the rest! They are very kind and obliging and walk up and put their head into the harness when it’s their turn! We really got to love them. I had absolutely no experience with horses prior to this and was a little frightened in the beginning, but I was soon very comfortable with them all. They are treated so very well by Chris and have so much space and freedom – truly happy horses. He has created a refuge for rescues and does his utmost for the horses’ wellbeing. Chris uses the Freedom Based technique to train the horses and this was very interesting to learn about. We also got to ride the horses – only a few times, because of the rain – however, had the weather allowed it Chris would have happily taken us riding a lot more. This is the perfect Workaway to work with, and learn about horses and how to treat them well, in beautiful surroundings.

The other tasks that we filled our days with included clearing land and making fires, chopping wood, constructing a sweat lodge, making bio-coal, and cleaning and laundry. The days could be quite long but every evening we were rewarded with a delicious home cooked meal. There is always plenty of food, freshly made with organic ingredients. Every night the dish was our new favourite, we didn’t eat one thing that wasn’t amazing in the whole 3 months! Chris and Patricia are very obliging with dietary requirements too – we don’t eat meat and it was never a problem. The children do eat meat so if you are meat-eater you also won’t be disappointed!

We cooked for the family once a week each as well, Patricia bought us any ingredients we needed. The washing up is on a rota and the whole family contributes, so you only need to do this once a week too!

The whole ranch is quiet and secluded from the world and there are lakes to swim in. That being said, the nearest shop is just a 10 minute drive, and the beautiful beach is only a little further!

Patricia and Chris were both very happy to answer any questions we had about Portugal, the surrounding area and the horses. We also learned a lot from Chris about Oyster mushrooms and he was very generous with his time and knowledge in telling us how to grow and take care of them. They were also extremely tasty!

With children, horses, dogs and mushrooms to look after, and with Patricia’s full time job, they have a lot going on! But we were made to feel a part of the family immediately and thoroughly enjoyed our time on the ranch.

Thank you Chris, Patricia & family!

(Excellent)

24 Feb 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (nataliewardo)

Natalie & Joe spent nearly 3 month here on our horse ranch and we enjoyed every day. Such a pleasure to host them. Beside of the great time we had together they where helpfull in every field of work. Realiable animal takers, hard working farmers, handy men and even helping in the household. These two will light up the home of every host. 5 stars … read more

(Excellent)

24 Oct 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Monika)

We were very sad to let Monika go again. She is responsible and helpful. She enjoys learning and also works well alone. But not only at work .... it was fun to share a part of our life with her. We wish her all the best on her way.

(Very good)

16 Oct 2019

Left by Workawayer (Monika) for host

If you are looking for a proper immersion into the wild landscape of Portugal and real connection to the nature than you are at the right spot. The horses are amazing - very lovely creatures, with a lot of joy to give. While being here you are independent and able to do the job rather in your own pace. You have a lot of time for yourself and to … read more

(Very good)

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Join our family and help us with rescued horses in Sao Teotonio, Portugal

Profile information

Host rating

Last replied

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ID verified

Email verified

Country info

Badges (3)

Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

Interests

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Help

Languages

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

Can host digital nomads

Space for parking camper vans

How many Workawayers can stay?

My animals / pets

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (14)

Photos

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback