Come and help us on our Quarter Horse breeding farm in the beautiful Belgian Ardennes, Belgium

Belgium

Favourited 490 times

Host rating
Feedback
59
Last activity
16/04/2021
Nº of Facebook friends
515
Reply rate
91.7 %
Average reply time:
within 4 days
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Availability

2021

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What's this?

Details

Description
We are Ruth and Marja (Dutch from origin) and we live since 1997 in the beautiful Belgian Ardennes. Our house is an original Ardenner farm from 170 years old and we own 20 hectares of land, surrounded by wood and a small river.
We have a quarter horse breeding farm with 7 broodmares, 1 stallion and then the younger horses, app. we do have 20 - 25 own horses at our property. We have 3 lovely dogs, (2 jack russells and a dutch shepherd roughhair) we also have ducks and chickens.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Farmstay help
Animal Care
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
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What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are closeby touristic places like Durbuy, La Roche en Ardenne, Bastogne, you can for example kano, visit castles or famous caves and other beautiful places nearby. There is a busstop nearby us and we also have a bike.
Help
On a ranch there are always a lot of different things to do :)
Like f.e. helping in the garden, helping with the fences, cutting wood, helping with (re)-building, painting, etcetera etcetera. If you like to work/live in the countryside, and love the smell of horses then you are very welcome at our place!
We prefer one day work, one day free, but everything is discussable.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
English: Intermediate
French: Beginner
Accommodation
We offer a nice appartment with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, washingmachine, TV (Netflix), and free meals or pocketmoney if you want to cook by yourself.
What else ...
We are very close to beautiful touristic places in the Ardennes, like Durbuy, La Roche en Ardenne, Rochefort, Bastogne etc. We have a bike so you can do some biking. There is a busstop close by. The environment is really beautiful.
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
5

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Feedback left by and about host (59)

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

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(4.8)

Communication:
(4.9)

24/10/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Dominika)

Dominica is a super nice girl and pleasant company. She is always cheerful and sees work.
She has helped us very well with the horses, both with the care (cleaning the stables etc.) and with the lunging and groundwork from the youngsters.
Half a word is enough for her and she knows immediately what is meant, she learns very fast.
We warmly… read more

(Excellent )

21/10/2020

Left by Workawayer (Dominika) for host

I spent the first 2 weeks of October with Marja and Ruth but I wish I could have stayed longer! I helped out with feeding, cleaning the stables and exercising the horses as well as the odd maintenance job on the ranch. I learnt a lot about training as well as caring for horses and this is thanks to Marja and Ruth who took the time to walk me… read more

(Excellent )

05/10/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

I can say nothing but positive things about Jeff and Sylvie.
They have done a lot of work here. And always as cheerful and friendly. It was really nice to have them at our farm.
They helped us in the garden, they completely reorganized a whole piece of the garden, and also with (a lot of) weeding, according to Jeff it was addictive hahaha they… read more

(Excellent )

29/09/2020

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host

Our almost two month stay was a great experience. We had no knowledge of horses beforehand and ended up learning a lot. Our favourite tasks were feeding some of the horses and leading some from the pasture to a stable. Mucking the stables was calm and grounding and really felt like a form of meditation. We got involved in some regular maintenance… read more

(Excellent )

06/08/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Nicolas)

Nicolas, thank you for your feedback. It was nice to have you here.
Nicolas stayed with us for 3 weeks and luckily we had good weather to work outside. He has helped us very well with the construction of the new aviary.
He also sawed wood and cut grass with the brushcutter.
Nicolas is a very hard worker, he is very punctual, friendly and… read more

(Excellent )

06/08/2020

Left by Workawayer (Nicolas) for host

I stayed 3 weeks at Ruth and Marja's farm. It was nice. I learnt so much stuff. Work was unrelated to horses but interesting and diverse nonetheless. I followed Ruth and helped him with different projects.
I stayed in an apartment next to the house. I shared dinner with the hosts and cooked for myself breakfast and lunch.
The farm is located on… read more

(Excellent )

08/07/2020

Left by Workawayer (Dachelet & Audrey) for host

We had a really good time during our stay at the ranch quarterhorse.
The place is lovely, in the nature with a river and the horses. The place where we slept is really comfortable and nice.

We really liked the work, building the terrace with Ruth. We learned a lot.

Marja and Ruth are both really kind people, patient, and helped us a lot to… read more

(Excellent )

01/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Dachelet & Audrey)

I can say nothing but good things about Audrey and Francois. They're super nice people you'd like to have around you.
They've worked very hard in the two weeks they've been with us. We are really full of respect!
The first 2 days they were here they worked their way through a huge mountain of wood, cleaved, sawed and then neatly stacked up. We… read more

(Excellent )

01/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Laurel & Florian)

It was really nice hosting Laurel and Florian. It was a strange period with the outbreak of the Corona.
Laurel is super gentil with the horses, she was so lucky to be here while all the foals were born. We took turns waiting for another mare to give birth, and she was really very involved in the births.
It was great the way she helped us with the… read more

(Excellent )

23/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (Nathalie & Oscar) for host

I stayed on and off for a few weeks with Ruth & Marja. What an amazingly kind couple! They are one of the most fair people I have met on Workaway. They really make sure that you work the appropriate amount of hours. When I was there the tasks mainly consisted around the horses (stables, cleaning, feeding, brushing), but when the weather allowed it… read more

(Excellent )

11/03/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Eve)

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

(No show)

08/02/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Patrycja)

Patrycja is a super sweet and hard working girl. She has helped us enormously with the care of the horses. She is a hard worker, friendly and modest.
Too bad that her english is not so good that made it a bit difficult to have long conversations. But she understand quick and needs half a word. She is very responsible.
Thank you very much for all… read more

(Excellent )

08/02/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Tyler)

Sorry Tyler for my late reaction... you know horses... always busy :)
We can only give positive feedback about Tyler. He's a very hard worker, very friendly and polite and very sociable.
Tyler has helped us with the horses, mucking out, feeding, he helped us with plumbing and various other work.
He is great with animals.
We warmly recommend Tyler… read more

(Excellent )

09/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Tyler) for host

I just finished up three weeks working for and with Marja and Ruth.
Their farm is in the country of Belgium, but close to train stations and they are more than happy to give you a ride into town.
The work on a day to day business consisted of caring for the horses in the morning, and then working with Ruth on projects around the farm.
While I… read more

(Excellent )

13/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Rafael & Bruna de Lara) for host

Sorry to comment so late.

Marja and Ruth saved us from another workaway in England, we stayed with them 28 wonderful days, Marja picked us up in the center of Marche, since the first day treated us with great care and respect. She took us to the farm, and took us to our very well equipped accommodation, with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living… read more

(Excellent )

13/08/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Rafael & Bruna de Lara)

Two of the most wonderful people to get to know. Excellent workers, and so willing to try new things. We enjoyed visiting with these two people, and they are real team players. Rafael and Bruna helped us with a lot of things, like cleaning stables, cutting wood, weeding, cutting grass, building fences, and all other tasks you have at a farm. They… read more

(Excellent )

13/08/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica)

First of all I am very sorry for such late reply…
Jessy was a joy to have around. She fit in beautifully with our family, was willing and eager to help.
Jessy is a very kind and lovely person who loves animals. Our dogs loved het very much :)
Jessy helped us with the horses like cleaning boxes, working with the foals but also helped with weeding,… read more

(Excellent )

23/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host

This was my first Workaway and Solo Travel and I couldn't have wished for a better experience! I stayed for 9 days on the ranch and enjoyed every single one of it! Ruth and Marja are some of the nicest people I've ever met and the work was never too much and I always quite enjoyed my tasks. I mainly helped with weeding, cutting the grass/ the… read more

(Excellent )

23/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Javiera & Juan) for host

Stay with Marja and Ruth (and the dogs and horses) was a great experience! We really enjoyed everything there. The work sometimes was easy and others times harder, but Ruth always explained everything with patience and dedication. We worked repairing fences, weeding, cleaning, removing rocks, removing the wood wall of a stable, and more. We… read more

(Excellent )

15/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Javiera & Juan)

I can only write positive things about Javiera and Juan.
It was a pleasure to meet them and to have them with us to help. Javiera and Juan are super friendly, they work very hard, neat and fast and nothing is too much. Really great!
They are real animal lovers, and our animals loved them.
They helped us with garden work, with the horses, with the… read more

(Excellent )

15/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Irina & Veronika)

First of all, I'm sorry for my late reaction.
It was really great to be able to host you for a month, seldom seen 2 girls who can do such a lot of work.
Always cheerful, nothing was too much, pleasant conversations at the table and a lot of respect for the computer work you did in your 'free' time next to it.
Irina and Veronica helped us with many… read more

(Excellent )

07/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Irina & Veronika) for host

We spent with Maria and Ruth for almost a month. This was our first experience and I want to say that it was wonderful. These are very kind, lovely and pleasant people. The work was varied and interesting, sometimes easy, sometimes a bit difficult, but Maria and Ruth always made sure that we worked no more than the prescribed hours, and were also… read more

(Excellent )

10/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (Natalie) for host

I am sorry this is so late! My friend, Grace, and I stayed with Ruth and Marja for a few weeks at the end of September- beginning of October. We helped with their foals, and did some powerwashing and weedeating. I had a great experience working on their farm and learned so much from them. They are very patient and understanding people and I had… read more

(Excellent )

07/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Manuel) for host

I stayed three weeks at Marja and Ruth's place, and I had great time there. The place is very nice and I made different tasks like cutting the grass, removing the barbed wire, chopping woood, and a bit of construction. Marja is a great cook, and we had great dinners outside.
A very nice experienced in general!

(Excellent )

18/07/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Manuel)

Manuel helped us 3 weeks with the most different jobs. He is a very hard worker, very modest and very pleasant to deal with. He works super neat, is careful with the tools and very precise. We are sorry that he leaves but understandably if you want to discover as much of Europe as possible. Manuel you are always welcome at our ranch, we hope to… read more

(Excellent )

03/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Anna & Jacqueline) for host

We have a lot of Workaway experience but we have to say this was our very BEST! Helping and living with Marja and Ruth was just amazing and we are only taking positive memories back home. Beneath the delicious dinners and good conversations they gave us advises what we can do in the enviroment and also taught us about horses, breeding and wood… read more

(Excellent )

01/05/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Anna & Jacqueline)

We were so lucky to have Anna and Jacqueline on our ranch. Unbelievably so much work they have done here in such a short time. Always cheerful and positive, they have helped us with almost everything, such as caring for the horses, (they really LOVE animals), gardening, weeding, sawing wood, sawing wood and sawing wood with all kind of machines,… read more

(Excellent )

02/10/2017

Left by Workawayer (Mateja) for host

I really can not describe how beautiful people Ruth and Marja are. I was feeling so welcome entire time when I was staying on their ranch. It was my first workaway experience and I really could not choose better! Marja is a great cook and I was very thankful because I’m a vegetarian and she was so understaning all the time. And the horses, and the… read more

(Excellent )

03/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Ada) for host

Marja and Ruth are very hospitable, caring and honest people! Thank you once again for our time together at your beautiful ranch:)

(Excellent )

07/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Carl) for host

My stay with Ruth and Marja was truly a fantastic experience. The surrounding area is simple and beautiful, dotted with farms and small villages. Volunteering on the farm included learning about and working with horses, but leaving enough time to explore the area. The hosts were kind enough to take me to a few of the attractions in the area. My… read more

(Excellent )

23/07/2017

Left by Workawayer (Eduardo) for host

How to start describing such an amazing experience? Well, I am so thankful for the opportunity of being hosted and volunteering with my Dutch parents, they are peaceful people, they make moments unique and full of joy, they took me to beautiful places, I was so spoiled but we also have done a lot on the farm! My work there was diversified! I had… read more

(Excellent )

20/07/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Eduardo)

Ed is the EXCELLENT example for a great volunteer, very friendly and joyfull, he is a VERY hard worker and was always there when needed, we wish he stayed longer but in those two weeks he spent over here he was hands down one of our favorite, he is so funny and he will lighten up your life, he did with ours and if he apply's to any establishment I… read more

(Excellent )

13/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Craig) for host

Ruth and Maria are two of the nicest people on work away! I stayed with them for one week and helped them with construction on their property. Marja was always friendly and willing to teach me about life on a horse ranch as well as the culture of Belgium and Holland! Ruth is one of the most patient people I know. I was constantly facing… read more

(Excellent )

14/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Craig)

It was a joy to have Craig at our place. Allthough it was a bit short, only one week, we achieved a lot with his help.
Craig is a VERY hard worker and he helped us with demolition, cleaning, building, woodwork etc.
He is uncomplicated and funny. We highly recommend him for future hosts, you will not regret it!
You are always welcome at our… read more

(Excellent )

14/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Bálint)

Emma and Bálint are the BEST a host can ask for. They are both social, friendly, outgoing, creative, and helpfull. The did amazing job helping in maintance , helping in the garden, with building etc. We highly recommand them to other hosts!
It was really nice to have you at our place, the dogs and we miss you!!
Please come back if you have the… read more

(Excellent )

21/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (Bálint) for host

This was our first workaway experience, and we could not believe it how lucky we were to end up with Ruth and Marja. We spent an incredible 10 days in the beautiful Ardennes.
We only had to work every other day, so we had opportunity to visit the nearby villages, our hosts even provided a ride for us!
On a working day, we had to work about 6-8… read more

(Excellent )

27/12/2016

Left by Workawayer (Esther & Alejandro) for host

It was our first experience as workawayers and we couldn't choose a better host.
Ruth & Marja are this kind of people who make you feel at home. We spent there one month and we have the intention to come back again the next year.

- Work: It was more related to learning about horses than hard work. We cleaned stables, moving horses from/to… read more

(Excellent )

20/12/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Esther & Alejandro)

It was a JOY to have Alex and Esther at our ranch. We really loved to have them as workawayers...
They are VERY hard workers, always happy to do the tasks you ask, and also when you don't ask, they do something :)
Alex and Esther helped us with a lot of things, like cleaning stables, feeding horses, put horses in and out, brushing horses and… read more

(Excellent )

08/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Francesco & Yanilette) for host

We were very happy to go to marja and ruth . It was our first experience and we are very happy to have done with them . They are very friendly and welcoming. Ruth is a fantastic teacher, teaches everything there is to know , and with great sympathy. Marja is a very great cooker, and make you feel like you're home. We stay two months in there and… read more

(Excellent )

29/06/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Francesco & Yanilette)

We were very happy to have Francesco and Yani at our farm. They both are VERY hard workers, willing to do anything you ask without hesitation. They helped us with A LOT of different tasks, always in a good mood, rain or sun, if they work, they work!
Francesco and Yani helped us f.e. with building fences, grass mowing, chopping and cutting wood,… read more

(Excellent )

07/05/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Franco & Natasha)

Thank you so much Franco and Natasha for all your help and your company! We were very lucky to have you at our place, you were amazing people to have around. So cheerful and easy going!
Natasha and Franco helped us with a lot of tasks like working in our garden, they helped us with the horses and with the concrete for a new building, and with… read more

(Excellent )

07/05/2016

Left by Workawayer (Franco & Natasha) for host

Ruth is fun and taught us a lot about construction. Marja is very nice and cooks so good! We had fun working together and learning about each others cultures. They were flexible with working hours and told us the places we could visit during our stay. The accomodation is perfect, we were very confortable at all times. Marja, Ruth! thank you for… read more

(Excellent )

24/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Aleksei & Alexander)

When you get a message from Alexander and Aleksei, don't hesitate and say yes. They are just great.
We really enjoyed the time they spent with us. Two very nice guys, VERY hard workers, nothing is to much, I love their humor, they are polite, very easy going, they love animals, our dogs loved them we had nice conversations and just had a great… read more

(Excellent )

04/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Brooke & Danny)

Brooke and Danny were great, just great! They build us a whole new kitchen in the appartement and Brooke painted the walls, she also gave my whole vegetable garden a wonderful new look and did all the planting. Danny has really great building skills, the kitchen is amazing and build in so short time!! We are so thankful for your help and kindness… read more

(Excellent )

28/06/2015

Left by Workawayer (Brooke & Danny) for host

This was our first work away experience and it has set the our expectations so high for the next one. We had our own private accommodation in a self contained apartment adjoining the house. We helped with a large vegetable garden, cutting back overgrown grass, installing a kitchen and concreting. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and… read more

(Excellent )

04/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (andrew)

First of all I am very sorry for such late reply…
We were really lucky to have Andrew with us. He fulfilled all our expectations. His interest, dedication and good attitude to hard work were amazing. We laughed a lot and had much fun. His scottish accent is so nice :) unfortunately he could only stay with us for one week....
Andy helped us with… read more

(Excellent )

07/07/2015

Left by Workawayer (andrew) for host

marja and ruth were amazing! such welcoming people that loved smiling no matter what happpens! even when poor fifi gets lost haha work was very varied and i loved every minute here and hope to get back for another workaway experience =D The work is depending on you but no matter what it is at a good and enjoyable pace! the whole place is amazing,… read more

(Excellent )

29/05/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Tanguy)

Tanguy is the workawayer you hope for.. We have had a really nice time with him, he's easy going, great to work with, hard worker and he can cook!! He cooked us a delicious meal (Gents stoofvlees) and a jummy Orange cake. He can also play the guitar!
Ruth and I really hope to see you back, you're always very welcome here.
We highly recommend… read more

(Excellent )

20/05/2015

Left by Workawayer (Tanguy) for host

After arriving at the ranch I felt I had come home to my long imagined country horse ranch and Marja and Ruth were so nice and welcoming that I just dropped into a 'this is my home' now mode for the rest of the week.

Making a mold for a concrete wall was an interesting job and Ruth was ready to explain everything and is a great person to work… read more

(Excellent )

28/12/2014

Left by Workawayer (Maisie) for host

I stayed with Marja and Ruth for about 3 weeks in Belgium and had a great time. The stables and surrounding area is beautiful, surrounded by woodland and fields, if a bit isolated. The accommodation is lovely and spacious with everything you could need. Marja's cooking was wonderful and cooked something new every night! They were very welcoming. I… read more

(Very good )

13/09/2014

Left by Workawayer (Hannah & Andrew) for host

We spent just one week with Ruth and Marja at their wonderful Horse Ranch.

As it was our first Workaway experience we were unsure what to expect. As mentioned in previous feedback, we had our own fully equipped apartment next to the main house. We ate dinner with Marja and Ruth and sorted our own breakfast and lunch in the apartment's kitchen.… read more

(Very good )

01/08/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Krisztián)

Sorry for the delay.... Kris has helped us with sawing and cutting a lot of our trees (he did an EXCELLENT job!!), building fences and helping with a lot of things around the barn. He is a very hard worker and very nice to have around. We highly recommend him to everyone for every kind of job. He is a pleasure to have around. Thanks again… read more

(Excellent )

17/02/2014

Left by Workawayer (Krisztián) for host

I spent about one and a half month at Ruth and Marja's place.
This was my first Workaway experience.
I had my own apartment (well equipped). Marja is an excellent cook, she made always healthy delicious dinner. We went to the nearby town for shopping, usually twice a week. We went together to Durbuy to the Christmas market to have a dinner, that… read more

(Very good )

01/08/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Adam)

Our experience with Adam was just awesome. He is a hard worker, willingly to learn about everything, interested in people and in the work. He is very polite and a pleasure to have around. He loves also animals and has a good sense of humor. We highly recommend Adam as a workawayer! Hope to see you again!

(Excellent )

01/08/2014

Left by Workawayer (Adam) for host

I’ve spent two awesome weeks with Marja and Ruth, and two interns, Michelle, and Amber. My best workaway experience so far. The project we were working on was building a roof. Ruth taught me a lot about building, tools and materials. It was really interesting, not to mention the great time we had talking and joking while working. Marja is also… read more

(Excellent )

12/12/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin)

Our experience with Ben was A+++++
He was a pleasure to have around, he stayed at our place for three weeks and did a lot of great jobs here. He helped building a roof and building a fence, he helped with the horses, he has our hifi reconnected on a splendid way, he saw the work and was always there with a helping hand.
We felt very lucky to… read more

(Excellent )

05/12/2013

Left by Workawayer (Benjamin) for host

Wow! Where do I start? Ruth and Marja are great people, so friendly, welcoming, everything you could want in a host! Marja would cook lovely meals for us each evening and would take me shopping for things to eat for lunch.

They were always more than happy to take me anywhere I wanted to go, because they are somewhere a bit rural (although the… read more

(Excellent )

07/09/2013

Left by Workawayer (André & Andries) for host

My friend and I stayed with Ruth, Marja and Amber for only about a week, but we enjoyed it immensely. They were so friendly and understanding all the time, even when our train arrived an hour late on the first day. We had our own apartment with all the utilities we could have wanted. The food that we had was wonderful and really filling. The work… read more

(Excellent )

08/08/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (André & Andries)

Andre and Andries where our first workaway'ers. Both are very nice boys, very polite and hard working. They are very interested in the things we do. Always helpfull and neat. They stayed at our place for only 8 days, but they are welcome to come back anytime they want. I hope we have give them a good impression of our part of Belgium. They did… read more

(Excellent )

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