Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
13 Jan 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
60
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Badges (3)
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Details
Description
What we do:
Find effective methods to train all ages of horses;
Facilitate successful placement of horses in adoptive homes;
Educate individuals in the process of training and placement;
Conduct scientific research into issues pertaining to horse taming and adoption.
You can help us with our ranch chores and projects and learn something about horses along the way. This is not a riding camp
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will have the opportunity to experience positive relationships with horses and learn something about training animals by observing animal training. The trainers may invite people to help them.
You will be in an incredible landscape along the old Spanish Trail original route.
Help
Our volunteer program has always been an important element in our operation. As a volunteer, you can be part of the support team to help get the wild horses trained and adopted. The support team maintains the corrals and helps move hay and horses. The support team might clean and cook, fix things, or work on developing projects. Lots of free time to engage with the local landscape or work on your own projects. Street shoes are not going to work out here. You must speak English well enough to follow directions, be safe, and fit into the community (if you can understand our profile in English, you will probably be okay).
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We provide room in the bunkhouse with all meals provided. Smoking is not allowed. It's dusty and rustic, but your efforts will make it less so. It's a non-profit animal training center not a resort. You will not be riding horses here.
IT SNOWS HERE. It gets down to -20C at times which is about the same as -20F. This is not a hot desert. We prefer volunteers from cold areas in the winter since we hate to hear people complain about cold or the wind. Hint: don't complain about stuff that can't be changed.
What else ...
Our facility is in the middle of nowhere. We have dark skies and no neighbors. It is an hour's drive to the nearest town.
We make a living training horses and training people, not entertaining volunteers. We expedite departures of anyone creating stress in the training environment.
The nearest public transport is Navajo City, NM.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
No sewage hookups but lots of space.
Can possibly accept pets
Dogs that don't chase goats, donkeys, or horses are okay.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 8557982744dd
Feedback (27)
11 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Michaela) for host
If you love seclusion and a life with nature, then this is the right place for you. My activities were helping with feeding/mucking out the animals and working in and around the house. If you know your way around horses, it's definitely even more interesting. Patricia and John are really helpful hosts and picked me up and took me to the train… read more
16 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Arnaud) for host
That was quite an experience! Being so far in the desert, in such a remote place, was not something I had ever experienced before but I loved it so much. The place is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life, and if you like to hike it is paradise for sure.
John and Patricia are both lovely people who I had a great… read more
John and Patricia are both lovely people who I had a great… read more
17 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (ScillaHuber)
Scillia is an extremely thoughtful and kind person. She was a joy to have helping me.
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
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:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.7)
11 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Michaela) for host
If you love seclusion and a life with nature, then this is the right place for you. My activities were helping with feeding/mucking out the animals and working in and around the house. If you know your way around horses, it's definitely even more interesting. Patricia and John are really helpful hosts and picked me up and took me to the train… read more
16 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Arnaud) for host
That was quite an experience! Being so far in the desert, in such a remote place, was not something I had ever experienced before but I loved it so much. The place is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life, and if you like to hike it is paradise for sure.
John and Patricia are both lovely people who I had a great… read more
John and Patricia are both lovely people who I had a great… read more
17 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (ScillaHuber)
Scillia is an extremely thoughtful and kind person. She was a joy to have helping me.
(Excellent)
21 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Vance)
Vance was an essential element to our spring mucking project. We moved almost 300 carts of horse poop!!! It would have been so difficult with out his cheerful get-it-done attitude.
(Excellent)
5 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Vance) for host
I learned so much about horses and their behaviour and what it takes to form trust and communication between wild mustangs and people, introducing them to being around people.
Delicious dinners as well!
Delicious dinners as well!
21 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Penelope)
Penelope was a pleasure to have with us. Her dedication helped us get through the spring mucking in high spirits. I would definitely recommend her if she wants to visit.
(Excellent)
29 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Ashley)
Ashley is a super calm person. She is kind of a go-getter at the same time. So not only did she endlessly help me train and care for animals, she kept me grounded. I miss her.
(Excellent)
14 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Molly)
Molly is a great team player, never complains, and shares my enthusiasm for training animals. I had fun, we hiked with the dogs, and trained some wild horses. I would highly recommend her.
(Excellent)
14 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Mathilda & Julián)
Mathilda is a fearless traveler who is drawn to authentic experience. She never complains, she just rushes forward to participate in what ever cards reality deals her. As such a person, you want her at your side when adventures overtake you. Gone to her ever-next destinations, we want to stay in touch with this fearless traveler.
(Excellent)
31 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Mathilda & Julián) for host
I stayed here for almost a month and really enjoyed my time there. I learned so much about the surrounding culture and history. Ate a lot of New Mexico's green Chile (which I loooove), saw petroglyphs, went on hikes in this beautiful place that is Largo Canyon. The place is in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of two dirt roads which can be… read more
6 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Rhiannon & Matteo) for host
We had a wonderful experience at the Camp. Pat and John are great people, very kind and interesting to talk to. We enjoyed learning about the training methods and trips in John’s truck to deliver horses! We had plenty of free time to explore what New Mexico had to offer, which is a lot!
Thanks for having us Pat and John!
Thanks for having us Pat and John!
5 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jennifer)
Jen was a very interesting person to talk to. Believe her when she says she is a good cook.
(Very good)
30 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
Michael has led a very interesting life and is so much fun to have around. He works hard and learns fast. He is a very generous soul. Toeff, his dog, is generally very well behaved, but cannot be trusted around unfamiliar cats. I feel very lucky to have had Michael show up at my door!
(Excellent)
29 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host
I just spent a week with John and Patricia. It was a very rewarding experience for me. John creates some masterful cuisine and watching Patricia work with the horses was a pleasure.
The first day I was working with the horses by feeding, watering and mucking. The Wild Mustangs were standoffish but by the second day a couple of them were… read more
The first day I was working with the horses by feeding, watering and mucking. The Wild Mustangs were standoffish but by the second day a couple of them were… read more
15 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ron) for host
I worked for Pat and John on their move to Milan, NM for a month and a half. This was my 1st WorkAway experience and I loved it. I had never worked with horses or on a ranch but was eager to learn and they were happy to teach me what I needed to know. Everyone works as a team and pulls together and you'll never be asked to do anything that John… read more
23 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ron)
Ron is incredibly smart and energetic. We severely over used him because we were in the middle of a massive move to Milan, NM. It was cold, brutal, and endless, and he is a trouper all the way. You will not be sorry to cross paths with this wonderful man.
(Excellent)
28 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
I only stayed at the camp for a week, but I had a lovely time.
The work was reasonable and was always followed by a hot cup of tea or a delicious home-cooked meal. The food really is terrific. There was unlimited reading material and I had some really wonderful conversations with both Pat and John.
The accommodations were pretty rustic but… read more
The work was reasonable and was always followed by a hot cup of tea or a delicious home-cooked meal. The food really is terrific. There was unlimited reading material and I had some really wonderful conversations with both Pat and John.
The accommodations were pretty rustic but… read more
28 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma helped me vaccinate 20 horses and held horses for farrier work. She is extremely reliable and very comfortable to have around. The only complaint is that she didn't stay long enough (which would be months or years), but she is welcome back any time!
(Excellent)
17 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Denise) for host
My stay here was an absolute last. I learned so much about animal training and I couldn’t have asked for better hosts. Patricia is a very knowledgeable patient teacher and John provides you with great New Mexican food. :)
Work really isn’t too hard at all, feeding and mucking in the morning is done in less than 2 hours and another feeding in the… read more
Work really isn’t too hard at all, feeding and mucking in the morning is done in less than 2 hours and another feeding in the… read more
13 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jasna)
Jasna was a particularly wonderful guest that had a lot of interesting stories. We learned a lot about Vikings and English archaeology from her. She is a super-diligent volunteer and is welcome back with us ANYTIME.
(Excellent)
24 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Jasna) for host
Staying at the camp was my first Workaway experience and I can only say I am glad I chose them! Everything people had written before me is true: observing Patricia working with horses is priceless, John's cooking will keep you well fed and happy, the Library is a treasure trove of books, and all their animals are very friendly.
I felt welcome… read more
I felt welcome… read more
12 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ramona)
Ramona was fun to have as a visitor. We wish she could have stayed longer.
(Excellent)
26 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Allison) for host
I worked for Patricia and John for 3 weeks and had an amazing time. It really exceeded my expectations and I couldn't have asked for more inviting and down to earth hosts. Patricia is full of knowledge, and I would highly recommend being open to listening and learning from her during your time at the Camp, because she has so much to share. Her… read more
26 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Veronica) for host
I stayed for 2 months and had the best summer of my life here. I learned so much about training with positive reinforcement and working with wild mustangs and burros. John and Pat are kind and generous hosts.
22 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host
Due to an overfull travel schedule I only stayed with Patricia and John for two weeks. Two months would have been better! Mustangcamp is a place where you can learn a lot about the way humans can interact with animals in captivity in a science based way.
You have to commit, but if you give your all, you will get so much in return. Patricia is a… read more
You have to commit, but if you give your all, you will get so much in return. Patricia is a… read more
17 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Valerie)
Abe and Val are hard workers, smart, and funny.
(Excellent)
17 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Mollie)
Very positive person and totally willing to pitch in and get the job done.
(Excellent)
13 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Alessandro) for host
I spent more than one month here, Patricia is a good trainer and she teach me so many interesting things about horses, John is a great man, really hard worker and an amazing chef !! I was in love with all the animals over there, this is a really special place, someday can be a bit boring but is definitely a great and unique exeperience if love… read more
8 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Alessandro)
We enjoyed having Alessandro stay with us.
(Very good)
23 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (susiundgeorg)
We loved having such motivated, smart, and helpful people with us for a couple of weeks.
(Excellent)
18 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Jia) for host
I spent 12 days at the camp in early November and it was a truly incredible experience. I went in with the intention to learn about the psychology of horse training and left with a deeper awareness of my own emotions and energy. I also learned that training horses is as much about technique, as it is about human patience.
Patricia and John are… read more
Patricia and John are… read more
8 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Jia)
Jia is one of the most positive people you will ever meet. She is very smart and totally engaged in the moment. We will miss her.
(Excellent)
10 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Libby) for host
I miss the Camp! Patricia and John were fantastic and generous hosts. I learned so much from both of them in such a short period of time. A highly recommended experience for anyone interested in learning positive-reinforcement animal training.
8 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Libby)
Libby is the kind of person that inspires trust in the world. We loved having her for a short stay and hope she can come back.
(Excellent)
28 Aug 2016
Left by Workawayer (Romain) for host
Great experience. Patricia and John were incredibly generous and interesting people and passionate about nature and animals. The landscapes are unique and sumptuous. The adventure is enhanced by other volunteers from around the world. If you are an open person, attracted by strong social experience, go for it!
Romain
Romain
26 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Romain)
Romain is funny and hardworking. He is very fastidious and was a great asset to our program.
(Excellent)
19 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Kamila)
Kamila is a very intelligent person with a lot of energy she does not hesitate to give to her hosts. She is a definite asset and now knows how to train animals.
(Very good)
17 Aug 2016
Left by Workawayer (Tabea) for host
I was there for 2,5 weeks and it was a really good time! Also a great experience and a beautiful landscape, sharing with all the friendly and different people.
13 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Tabea)
Tabea was a great person to have on our team. She learned to train mustangs with us and did a great job.
(Very good)
13 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Elizabeth)
Lizzie stayed with us a couple of short stays. She is funny, lively, and very intelligent. We can highly recommend her.
(Excellent)
13 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Luna)
Luna stayed with us and helped train mustangs. She is a very talented horsewoman and dedicated to making the world a better place.
(Excellent)
13 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Wade)
If Wade comes to your place, you better have a lot for him to do. He is a whirlwind!!! Your world will be improved.
(Excellent)
13 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Wade) for host
This really should be 5 "smilies" since this has the potential to change your life!!! I
I can think of few places that touch me as much as this little corner of the world
The previous poster "Melanie" does a good job in covering the things a volunteer should be aware of when volunteering for this posting. The directions are concise but very… read more
I can think of few places that touch me as much as this little corner of the world
The previous poster "Melanie" does a good job in covering the things a volunteer should be aware of when volunteering for this posting. The directions are concise but very… read more
13 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Melanie)
A very positive person.
(Excellent)
7 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Melanie) for host
I spent four weeks with Patricia and John in March and recommend them as hosts for anyone who wants some experience with mustangs or is just interested spending time in a remote and beautiful place.
The work was not difficult (mostly feeding horses and mucking the pens) and everyone worked together to get the job done. John and Patricia are… read more
The work was not difficult (mostly feeding horses and mucking the pens) and everyone worked together to get the job done. John and Patricia are… read more
25 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Sandra) for host
First of all - sorry for late feedback! I stayed a month in December 2014 with Patricia, John, the dogs, cats, Angel (sudoku book eating goat) and all the lovely horses, mules and Spot the Zebra. As I've been telling people: It's been a once in a lifetime experience getting to train wild mustangs in the middle of nowhere. I learnt a lot - though… read more
28 Dec 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Sandra)
Sandra stayed with us for a month and was a consistently companion and roommate. She did more than her share of the chores and always had a up beat attitude. She worked with the horses every day and managed her time to always be ready to assist. I highly recommend this young lady!!!
(Excellent)
12 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Katie)
Katie is a real pleasure to have around. She is smart and hard working.
(Excellent)
12 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Morgan)
Morgan is a lot of fun to have around and she knows how to work!
(Excellent)
4 May 2015
Left by Workawayer (Morgan) for host
Staying here was definitely a different experience. I'll start by saying I'm a city person so being around a bunch of animals, semi isolated, and being around horses was a new experience for me. John and Patricia are so welcoming! John is a great cook, and Patricia is passionate about what she does. Their home has alot of things to do there,… read more
12 May 2015
Left by Workawayer (Camilla & Maisie) for host
We spent a lovely two weeks in John and Patricia's home in Largo Canyon. It really is out in the middle of nowhere but we loved going on hikes with one of their dogs Annie and being able to explore the area, enhanced greatly by the local knowledge from John and Pat. John and Patricia are very welcoming and Johns cooking is absolutely brilliant. He… read more
21 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Silvano)
Silvano was a lot of fun and a very interesting guy. He did some repair and maintenance to our building and helped us with the horses. The best thing is that he became part of our extended family!
(Very good)
18 Feb 2015
Left by Workawayer (Silvano) for host
Well this is very late reply so here we go. I visited Patricia and John in September 2014 and was pleasantly surprised by their little ranch in the canyon and the horses. What fascinated me was that horses are not much different in their behavior than horses. By talking with Patricia i realized some things when it comes to dealing and training… read more
21 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Anne-julie)
Anne-Julie was a wonderful guest and has a lot of talent with horses.
(Very good)
3 Oct 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Armina)
We have a big mustang that misses his training sessions with Armina! She is an interesting person and a very pleasant helper.
(Very good)
22 Dec 2012
Left by Workawayer (Armina) for host
Patricia and John welcomed me very generously into their home-school-ranch, despite my complete lack of experience with horses. For this and for everything else that they (and their animal companions) have taught me, directly or indirectly, in the two weeks I spent in Largo Canyon, I am very grateful.
The work was often monotonous, and quite… read more
The work was often monotonous, and quite… read more
3 Oct 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (lisalena)
Lisa is totally inspiring and we feel very lucky to have shared a few weeks of her life. We would love to have her come back!!!
(Excellent)
3 Sep 2013
Left by Workawayer (lisalena) for host
Patricia and John taught me many things I hadn't known, even though I've spent all my life around horses. Training wild horses is such a unique experience, they look right inside your soul. I had a very special connection to the 4 Mustangs I got to train on my own. Patricia's training methods are a wonderful way to get a wild horse to trust you.… read more
3 Oct 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Gina & Lewis)
Gina and Lewis were excellent helpers and maintained a positive attitude despite the precipitation.... actually, come to think about it, Brits are probably the very best people to have around when it is raining!
(Excellent)
24 Sep 2013
Left by Workawayer (Gina & Lewis) for host
We spent 10 great days living and working with Pat and John at their amazing ranch/school/creative space, totally isolated and surrounded by beautiful canyon landscapes. Don't come here if you want to just chill out and do your own thing, but definitely DO come here if you want an opportunity to learn some fantastic skills, meet some welcoming and… read more
