Horses and Ponies Farm

CODE: ICJA2607

Work:

We would like you to join us at an international camp to help us improve shelters on the horse fields, build fences around the meadows and tidy up some invasive plants, and help with our small, self-sufficient field. You can also do some creative work, painting some signs, walls etc. You can also learn about our work with the horses, e.g. grooming, feeding, walking, or perhaps helping with therapy with children.
Some jobs require a lot of physical effort, but you can learn many new skills. We work about 3-4 hours every morning, and after lunch and a break, we continue working another 2 hours. On some days we offer excursions, e.g. to the lake, a castle or a small town. Saturday and Sunday are free days. During the 2nd week you will be experiencing helping on an organic farm with cows, sheep and chicken that are kept in very human way. There you can help with more meadows that show a plant life with some rare plants. This farm looks after the meadows with principle of holistic grazing and thus helping plant life and animals equally. Harvesting and Distribution is organised according the principles of “community based agriculture”.
There is also paint work to be done and garden chores.

Study: Volunteers can gain a small insight into a small, young community and how it is organised. We are happy to show you how we consider our animals and the nature around us as equal living beings. Our horses are our very special partners at work, so we provide them with the most species appropriate husbandry possible. You are also welcome to gain an insight into the equine language.
We begin the day with a small spiritual ritual.
We will also visit the larger organic farm in the neighbourhood as mentioned above.

Accomodation and food

We have various options for accommodation. If the weather is fine, you will sleep in 3-4 person tents with tarps in the garden. In bad weather, there is a large room where everyone can sleep together. Please bring warm sleeping bags and sleeping mats. It is essential that you bring mosquito repellent, as we have a lot of mosquitoes. Please also remember to bring rainwear and sturdy, waterproof shoes. In our area, it can rain even in summer and it can be chilly. The garden also has an outdoor kitchen, and meals are mainly eaten outside. With our help, the volunteers will prepare the food from mostly certified organic vegetables and fruit. The food will be mainly vegetarian and vegan.

Location and leisure

The Lichtpferdehof is located in the region called “Bergisches Land” and is near a small, beautiful castle town (Hückeswagen) and an old castle, 'Schloss Burg', nearby. A little further, but easily accessible, is the lovely cathedral city of Cologne. A large lake is relatively close by, which is great for swimming when the weather is nice. Please bring swimwear. We can sit around a campfire in the evening and admire the starry sky.

Project hosted by

Lichtpferdehof is a small community with 8-9 horses and ponies, founded in summer 2023. Four adults take care of the small farm with horses, dogs and cats. Three of our horses are therapy horses and are mainly used with children. Unfortunately, we cannot offer the horses for riding. We have many meadows and a small field for self-sufficiency.
It is important to us that we are in harmony with nature and all visible and invisible beings. We create places of silence and contemplation but also places to celebrate.
Our farm is a 10-minute drive from the nearest town and more than an hour's walk away.

Directions to meeting point

Additional comments

This camp is perfect for nature lovers and anyone who love to get in close contact with animals. Please bring warm sleeping bags, sleeping mats and swimwear. It is important that you bring mosquito repellent, as there are many mosquitoes.
Please also remember to bring rainwear and sturdy, waterproof shoes. In our area, it can rain even in summer. After registration, we require a self-declaration concerning the children and youth protection.