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Excellent 4.80rating (194)
Volunteer video
  • Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand

Horse Ranchstay

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Canadian ranching, gaining firsthand experience of the country's rich culture.
  • Improve your horsemanship skills and enjoy exhilarating horse riding adventures throughout your stay.
  • Enhance your language proficiency by actively engaging with native English speakers in an immersive environment.

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Canadian ranching, gaining firsthand experience of the country's rich culture.
  • Improve your horsemanship skills and enjoy exhilarating horse riding adventures throughout your stay.
  • Enhance your language proficiency by actively engaging with native English speakers in an immersive environment.
  • Develop valuable farming skills through hands-on experiences and guidance.
  • Embrace an amazing opportunity to visit and explore the breathtaking beauty of rural Canada.
    • 🔥 In High Demand
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Are you looking for a project that takes you away for your everyday life? Then travel to Canada and take part in our amazing Horse Ranch Canada project.

    Our Ranchstay program was designed for the cowboy/cowgirl at heart looking to spend some time on a ranch or farm away from all the bright lights and big cities. This program is for people looking to learn something new and about the community where they’ll be placed. It also enhances your skills ...

    About the program

    Our Ranchstay program was designed for the cowboy/cowgirl at heart looking to spend some time on a ranch or farm away from all the bright lights and big cities. This program is for people looking to learn something new and about the community where they’ll be placed. It also enhances your skills and knowledge about farming. 

    This experience gives participants a chance to become involved with family activities. Volunteers have all access to all facilities of the farm, i.e. riding their horses, driving the tractor and so much more! The program is not only about farming, it also entails a cultural exchange criterion where candidates get a real inside feel of Canadian culture, mentality, etc. The family also takes participants along with them when they visit neighbors, do their grocery shopping or when they go to events like rodeos and community festivals. 

    For a minimum duration stay of 4 weeks with a maximum duration of 16 weeks. Come now and be surrounded by nature & wildlife and enjoy your everyday life in a farm! 

    Typical day

    As a volunteer at the ranch you will have some of the following responsibilities:
    • Feeding and grooming of the animals
    • Exercising horses
    • Cleaning barn and stables
    • Gardening
    • Some farm maintenance like checking and repairing fences
    • Light household chores
    • You will learn a great deal about horses and farming in ...

    Typical day

    As a volunteer at the ranch you will have some of the following responsibilities:
    • Feeding and grooming of the animals
    • Exercising horses
    • Cleaning barn and stables
    • Gardening
    • Some farm maintenance like checking and repairing fences
    • Light household chores
    • You will learn a great deal about horses and farming in general.
    This experience gives participants the chance to become involved with family activities of a horse ranch. Participants can utilize all facilities of the farm, i.e. riding their horses, driving the tractor etc. 

    The program is not only about the horses; it is a cultural exchange program where candidates get a real inside of Canadian culture, mentality etc. The family takes candidates along when they visit neighbors, when they do their grocery shopping or when they go to events like rodeos, community festivals.  

    Daily chores: Feeding and watering the animals cleaning of kennels & stables. Grooming during the spring and summer, walks during the spring and summer, maintenance of the stables (straw, fixing houses, cleaning up). There are additional daily duties which change with the seasons. Wood must be put on the fire first thing in the morning and last thing at night during the colder months.

    Free-time activities

    The activities differ depending on the location of your ranch. most of our ranches are in the countryside of British Columbia or Alberta. 
    This will depend on your preferences and on the ranch that will accept you.
    For more information about the locations of our Horse Ranches please contact us.

    Free-time activities

    The activities differ depending on the location of your ranch. most of our ranches are in the countryside of British Columbia or Alberta. 
    This will depend on your preferences and on the ranch that will accept you.
    For more information about the locations of our Horse Ranches please contact us.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    CV, Letter of motivation, Application Form, 2 pictures and Liability Waiver and Volunteer Policy forms (provided during application process)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Outgoing, Initiative, Flexible, At least intermediate level English speaking and understanding.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Placement
    • Canadian Horse Ranch
    • Accommodation
    • Private room in house or trailer
    • Meals
    • 3 meals a day included
    • Airport pick  up and transfer back to the airport
    • Mail-holding service
    • You can use FRONTEERINGS office as a reliable address to have your mail delivered
    • Ongoing service
    • If there are any problems with your volunteer project we are always there to help you and mediate between yourself and the organization.
    • Tours
    • Through FRONTEERING you have the possibility to book tours in Canada after you have finished your volunteer project.
    • 24/7 Emergency contact
    If there are any problems during you stay in Vancouver you can reach us 24/7 to assist you.

    Airport Pickup at Calgary International Airport

    We will pick you up from the airport and transport you to the ranch. At the end of your program we will transfer your back to the airport from the ranch.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will have a private bedroom situated in the ranch or in a trailer at the ranch with linen and towels, (please make sure that your room is cleaned before you leave) together with (usually) a shared bathroom.  You are responsible to clean and tidy your own room.

    Food & Beverages

    Dinner and most of the time breakfast is eaten with the family. You may have to prepare your own breakfast and lunch once in a while. There is no specific catering for vegetarians, and they cannot accommodate picky eaters; however the meals are wholesome and nutritious. You will eat what everyone else eats. 
    If you require additional food outside of the meal times, you will need to provide this yourself. You will be required to wash and dry dishes. On the ranch they love to experience different foods, so if you would like to cook or bake, this would be just wonderful. There is a limited amount of snacks, soda drinks and fresh fruit provided. 
    You are more than welcome to travel with the family to town, if you need to do your own personal shopping.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Calgary. We assist you to find cheap flights to Canada. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Canada provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Canada you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Canada. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Depending on the ranch you will be staying at your itinerary will differ, for more information please contact us.

    This program can be started all year round and any day of the week. 

    We do recommend to stay between the end of March and the end of October as winter can be very cold and will limit the daily activities at the ranch. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $274 per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Volunteer photos

    •
    2026
    I had an amazing time at the ranch with adele and her lovely family, they were all so welcoming, I learn all about western riding and got to ...
    Kate Anderson

    Horse Ranchstay

    •
    2025
    I stayed with Amy at her ranch and she tought me so much. I thought I knew a lot about horses but she really took what I know to the next ...
    Sonje Lang

    Horse Ranchstay

    •
    2025
    Firstly I just want to thank Lisa for the most wonderful experience I could have asked for and the opportunities I gained from volunteering ...
    molly mcnamara

    Horse Ranchstay

    •
    2025
    Being only 17 I was worried I was not able to take part in the program but Fronteering helped me get an expectation (with some proof I had ...
    Wibeke van Strien

    Horse Ranchstay

    •
    2025
    My time in Canada was great I loved my host family at the ranch, they made the trip so nice and my room was very nice. Tanya my host was ...
    Helma Mayer

    Horse Ranchstay

    •
    2025
    I stayed at the horse ranch for 8 weeks in Alberta not too far from Edmonton. The family was very nice and involved me in many different ...
    Sabine Esser

    Horse Ranchstay

    Location

    Americas > North America > Canada > Calgary

    Meet your project coordinator

    Patrick
    194
    reviews
    4.80
    Excellent
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: German, Dutch, English
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