Equestrian Experience in Connemara in the West of Ireland

A cultural exchange experience in a Family run organisation In Connemara.

We have opportunity for more than one person to come and stay.

We have an Equestrian Yard (stables) where Connemara Ponies are bred, trained, competed and produced for Competition.

Opportunity to learn English, learn about our culture and Life in the West of Ireland.

Situated in Renvyle, Connemara, near the National Park, Kylemore Abbey, Clifden.

Close to beaches and mountains, if you like the Outdoors you will love Connemara.

Volunteers will be treated well and fairly and with respect and as part of our family circle while living with us. We encourage you to practice speaking your English and interact with us as much as possible. Lovely scenic area to explore when off. Immediate Vacancies Available

All experiences

Looking for an Experienced Equestrian

Animal Care

Connemara, Ireland

Yard Help with Horses and Ponies required for YARD/STABLES

Pet Sitting Building & Repairing Gardening Animal Care

Connemara, Ireland

Stud Farm and Horse Yard in Connemara

Farming Painting & Decorating Building & Repairing Gardening

Connemara, Ireland

Reviews

4.5
(36 reviews)36

Staff & Host

4.5

Hours & Tasks

4.0

Hostel

4.5

Learning & Fun

4.0

Brazil

5

Volunteering here was an amazing experience! The work is definitely very physical, but it’s incredibly rewarding to be around such beautiful animals and contribute to their care. The team is fantastic, everyone is so kind, welcoming, and supportive. They make sure you feel valued and teach you everything you need to know, even if you’re new to this kind of work. It’s a great opportunity to connect with nature, meet wonderful people, and gain hands-on experience. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and fulfilling volunteering experience!

27 days ago

Italy

4

I'll be honest: after the first week, I wasn't sure if I would stay until the end. The work is very demanding, and the weather doesn't help. However, I got to know the horses, Olga and Priscilla were a great help, and Breedge was always very supportive. For sure, experiencing this adventure with other volunteers made a big difference and made it even more unforgettable. Also, you'll be surrounded by beautiful landscapes. After a month, I can only feel grateful and happy!

about 1 month ago

Mexico

4

The experience was good thanks to the other volunteers. Teamwork helps the work not feel so heavy and is a bit fun, because the daily routine is tiring if you are not used to daily physical work.
The work schedules are 3 hours in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, I did not know this, but I was able to negotiate it with the administration.
I was able to be close to the horses and I lost my fear of feeding them and moving them from one place to another.
Breege is a kind and attentive person, but she is also strict and likes that the protocols are followed at home and in the stables.

about 1 month ago

Argentina

5

Thanks for taking me in at the yard, I learned a lot of new things about horses and how to work in a place like this one, even with no previous experience the staff was patient with me and taught me all I needed to know. Special thanks to Olga and Priscilla who were very patience with me and helped me during my time there.

3 months ago

Breege replied

Thanks Juan,
You were a pleasure to have here and a fabulous addition to the yard family. Best of luck with your travels.

France

1

I didn't want to leave a review, but given the circumstances of the experience, I feel compelled to do so for the sake of prevention. My experience lasted a week, and I met an incredible group of volunteers, but we found ourselves in a dangerous situation for our mental and physical health. Between the mold in the bathroom, the rat in our room, and the lack of heating, being treated like worthless, no training provided, being locked outside in the middle of the night, and being forbidden to speak to anyone other than them, it's abuse. We left without saying anything bc we didn't felt safe.

3 months ago

Breege replied

Jade, disappointed that you would write that you got no training, which is a lie, its the first thing we do here, you did get training and shown how to do things in detail and you signed paperwork that you were given this training. I can provide this for WP or indeed anyone that wants to see it.
How would we expect you to do work with no training?
The "locked out in the middle of the night"... if I do recall you were out 2 nights in a row, in a Pub, a working night curfew of 11pm was in place for the respect of others living in the accommodation both working and going to school and for the safety of those working around horses; unfortunately late nights, alcohol and horses do not mix well.
You returned from being out in the pub 2 nights in a row at 12.30 am, making noise, if this is the middle of the night to you??
The door is locked every night for everyone's personal safety - would you normally sleep in a house unlocked? You were let in to the house within minutes of arriving so making out you were locked out without clarifying that the door was only locked temporarily when you returned is a different story. There is CCTV proof of your return and entry time.
There was no rat either, maybe you saw a mouse? Definitely not a rat, you need to educate yourself on the difference. No one would be asked to live with a rat - anywhere. We have a pest control system in place throughout the yard and surrounds and there is no evidence of a rat anywhere. Another lie. There was plenty of heat available in the living accommodation, so that is another lie.
As for being asked to not speak to anyone else, another lie, considering you were here a week and out in the pub 2 nights in a row. Why would we suggest this?
I can safely say that you were one of the most unfriendly people that we had the misfortune of having come to the yard. As I mentioned in your review, you were quite good at leaning on the doors with the sweeping brush though not doing much sweeping and watching others work and if the work was in the bed you would sleep on the floor (to avoid doing the work)
Abuse? Really? A strange and slanderous statement to make given that so many people have come here and had a fantastic experience.
In fact as one of the others said here "you set the bar very low".
Hopefully you'll take some pointers from this and learn to be more friendly and helpful and try to be pleasant in your next adventures.

Perfect for you if you're looking for

Business

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

Beach

Family