Rockin' Horse Ranch

We are generous and easy-going and provide mostly organic food. We have 4 horses, 40 chickens, 2 dogs and 3 cats, and a big comfortable house with beautiful views. Our property backs to the US Forest Service so there are endless trails to ride the horses or hike. There are rivers, lakes and a ski hill nearby (Lost Trail Powder Mountain). During the warmer months, there are fun rodeos in the town of Darby and other events and fun things to do, We prefer to host intermediate to advanced horse people and/or people with handyman and gardening skills.

My husband Jim and I treat our volunteers like family. We need at least one volunteer to help out at all times of the year (but we usually have at least 2-3 at a time). You will have your own private bedroom and two of the bedrooms have a television in them. There is a great room with a large screen TV as well where the volunteers hang out. We allow volunteers with a driver's license to use our car for short excursions, like to the lake, river, and town of Darby. Experienced volunteers can ride as much as the horses can tolerate, although we only give credit for 1 hour a day of riding/working with the horses unless you are a qualified horse trainer and there is a special training project. As soon as the dates are confirmed, I send the volunteers a more detailed/full description of the volunteer program.

Top Host
This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.

Reviews

5.0
(27 reviews)27

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

France

1

I did not expect that at all and was very disappointed. She never spends time with us, is constantly either in her bed or desk. Doesn’t respect our time off, she will never to do anything would make us do everything including stuff that wasn’t said on WP she also said that we could ride as much as we wanted but we couldn’t as we had to much to do for her. And the arena and the trails weren’t unpractical so she lies when she say we can ride all year round. She also comes across quite argumentative. For my first experience I was extremely disappointed do not recommend do not come here.

9 days ago

United Kingdom

5

This experience is the best thing I’ve ever done, I loved it from the moment I got there, it felt like my second home! Donna and Jim are amazing people & make you feel so at home, they have the best personalities and are so generous with the exchange, There home is gorgeous, they have four lovely horses who are all a pleasure to ride! There are so many trail rides with stunning views, The work load is very reasonable, and I enjoyed feeling useful and loved cooking for everyone, I’d recommend to anyone and I can’t wait to be back! Thankyou so Much for having me🫶🏽

3 months ago

United Kingdom

5

I had the most amazing time staying with Donna and Jim. I felt homesick at first which affected my stay for the first couple of weeks but meeting other amazing volunteers in the same boat as me really helped and it ended up being a life changing experience and I was heart broken to leave 💔 I will return to Darby one day!!! Thank you Donna, Jim and gorgeous Fiona xx

3 months ago

United Kingdom

5

This experience was one of the best things I have ever done! Donna and Jim are the most lovely people and so kind and generous. The hours we spent completing tasks around the ranch were more than fair for the free time we had in return. The ranch is beautiful and the bedrooms are large and well kept. The horses are so gorgeous and I am missing them all so much already. I made so many great friends here that I will be in contact with for life!!! :) This experience was truly life changing and I hope to go back soon. Thank you so much for everything Donna!!! xx

4 months ago

United Kingdom

5

I’ve had an amazing time at Donna and Jim’s ranch! Their home is beautiful and so are their horses, dogs and cats. I couldn’t recommend a stay with them enough. Donna is very generous, there’s always a fully stocked pantry, and we get lots of opportunities to explore the area, going to nearby lakes and into town! The other girls volunteering were also great and made my time extra special! Will miss everyone and hope to be back one day.

5 months ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

Mountain

Wilderness

Snowy