Immersion with free-roaming horses in the heart of the Vercors

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About the experience in: Isère, France

Palestinian Territory, Occupied

5

Our stay at Bernard and Martine's farm was truly unforgettable! They welcomed us with open arms and made us feel right at home. We gained so many new experiences, from learning how to ride horses and care for animals to helping with different tasks around the farm. Every day was a chance to learn something new. Bernard and Martine are incredibly kind and generous, and we're so grateful for their hospitality and all the wonderful memories. We couldn't have asked for better hosts and would definitely recommend this experience!

3 days ago


Bernard replied

Thank you again for your generous help and for all the good moments and conversations we shared together.

About the experience in: Isère, France

Israel

5

It was amazing, bernard and martine are very nice and welcoming and flexible I totally recommend

10 days ago

About the experience in: Isère, France

Czech Republic

5

I worked in the garden and had a great time caring for animals. Bernard taught us how to ride and care for horses, and i went from nothing to being able to trot, gallop and ride on my own. There is no set schedule and you are not forced to work. Bernard and Martine were very helpful towards my needs, even took in more volunteers for me.
Unfortunately still, Bernard had a few inapropriate comments about me, which could be fine if you're not too sensitive about this, but I was. I talked with him about it and he kind of understood, but did not stop entirely.
Despite this, i liked my stay.

3 months ago


Bernard replied

I know that your past experiences have made you sensitive to certain subjects, since you confided in me about them when you hadn't told anyone else. I have a free tongue and ideas more unconventional than what one might expect from a 72-year-old man, but also an English that is insufficient to address certain topics with more delicacy and restraint than some people may hear. I wish you the beautiful life you deserve and thank you for your seriousness and for your particularly effective help.

About the experience in: Isère, France

Netherlands

5

Bernard and Martine are two wonderful people. They really made me feel at home during my stay. They always make sure you eat enough and that you feel okay. You can fill your days up whichever way you want. You're not obliged to work, only if you want. Bernard is very experienced and knows a lot, he is always open to explain the things when you don't understand something. If there is time, chances are that Bernard will show you local things (e.g. the local theater) or teach you to ride horses. I had a great time. I would definitely recommend coming!

7 months ago


Bernard replied

A wonderful experience with this polite, motivated, available young man, always with a smile on his lips and the desire to do well, to help, to give affection to animals and a strong desire to learn.
Syljijn, we miss you!!

About the experience in: Isère, France

Finland

4

The place was super beautiful and the animals were cute. There was no set schedule and sometimes the farm life can be hectic. We got to eat delicious and organic food. I learned a lot throughout my stay. I also loved my room!

27 days ago


Bernard replied

Indeed, all these health problems in the old mare (31 years old) have been a trial for her and also for all of us. In breeding, not everything is idyllic... Fortunately, it doesn't happen every day. Breeding is about births, youth, the education of foals, but also illness, accidents, old age and death. It has nonetheless been a valuable experience for you. It is sad as well. That's life...! Thank you again for helping me and supporting me through this ordeal.

About the experience in: Isère, France

Finland

4

The place is beautiful with very impressive mountains. The horses were lovely. There was no set schedule and sometimes the life on a farm can be hectic. We got to eat great food straight from the garden and our room was really cozy. We enjoyed our stay.

27 days ago


Bernard replied

Indeed, all these health problems on the old mare (31 years old) have been a trial for her and for all of us. In breeding, not everything is idyllic... Fortunately it doesn't happen every day. Breeding is about births, youth, the education of foals, but also illness, accidents, old age and death. It has nonetheless given you a meaningful experience all the same. Sad as well. That's life...! Thanks again for helping me and supporting me through this ordeal.

About the experience in: Isère, France

Germany

3

My experience at the farm was a mixture of emotions.I startet the journey alone and 2 days later i was joined by another volunteer that i am glad i can call a great friend now! The scenery is impressive and the animals are precious.Problems were :the communication/discussions about the execution of Tasks and working hours;strange comments, sold as Jokes.When we adressed that we were often met with: i dont care, do as you please and other stuff. Sometimes i felt disrespected but i think that bernard just simply has a different way of communicating his needs and the organisation. No space left

3 months ago


Bernard replied

With Marion you have behaved very badly toward us. Always together, watching horror films late at night and not being able to get up early to enjoy her freshness before the heat became unbearable, which made every activity too painful and dangerous for your health. After five days, Marion was still citing the 6-hour time difference. I had to ask you to shorten your stay. I can publish your apology note revealing your hypocrisy and your abuses.

About the experience in: Isère, France

Ireland

4

I enjoyed the experience, and I learned a lot about horses and farm life in that area of France. Bernard and Martine were very generous and good people, and they let me do as much work as I felt like doing. It was not very hard work and the days are flexible, which I liked. Bernard is very particular about how he wants things done, so it’s important to fully clarify tasks before doing them.The horses are well trained and the area is very safe. Bernard and Martine would buy any foods I wanted. I gained lots of experience from my stay, and they let my friend visit for 3 days. Thank you!

3 months ago


Bernard replied

Thank you to you and Deirdre for delighting us with your friendly presence. Your help has been invaluable. The garden vegetables also thank you!! The animals have been pampered!!

About the experience in: Isère, France

United States

2

I have very mixed feelings about my stay here. Bernard and Martine are very welcoming, generous, and want you to feel like you are at home. I had good moments with Bernard, but I cannot overlook the other side of the stay. Whilst Bernard can be fun to be around, he is also extremely volatile and screams where there is even the slightest bit of misunderstanding. Not to mention, he would repeatedly make inappropriate comments about many things. When I put my limits and said this is not something I'm comfortable with him saying, he would respond with ‘ I don't care’. Straight disrespect.

4 months ago


Bernard replied

When you're upset and tired, it's not always easy to step back and find the strength to stay calm. I see that you don't accept that we think and act differently from what you believe is right. I have never disrespected you and I have always spoken truthfully with my own view of things, rougher and more down-to-earth. On the other hand, by recognizing that your stay enjoyed you while discouraging people from coming to stay with us, you now show us a lack of respect. What a pity!

About the experience in: Isère, France

Spain

4

It was a very pleasant stay where I had the opportunity to disconnect from my daily routine and reconnect with nature. If you are looking for an experience surrounded by nature and animals, this is the perfect opportunity.
Bernard and Martine are kind and open people. I felt comfortable with them and really enjoyed my stay in their home. Everything agreed upon beforehand was fully respected, and the work was always clearly voluntary. Bernard always made it clear that I could skip any task if I didn't feel like doing it.
I highly recommend this experience for nature lovers!

7 months ago


Bernard replied

Jana ...we miss you!! I don’t regret having broken my rule about short stays by accepting you for only one week... Your smile, your enthusiasm, your love of animals, your seriousness, your sense of autonomy, your initiatives, your sincerity and all these other qualities make you the person who brightened the farm. I would have loved to have had more time to enjoy together, you, us and Silvjin, for more horseback rides... Until next time, I hope.

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