Location: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Eden Ranch is a private, 25 acre horse ranch/ equestrian retreat nestled on top of a mountain in the beautiful Dominican Republic overlooking the city of Puerto Plata and the ocean beyond. Our land consists of horse pastures, numerous organic vegetable gardens, tropical fruit trees, flowers and ornamental shrubs. The ranch is also the home to 21 horses, egg laying chickens, 5 dogs, 2 budgies and 1 really cool cat. Our countryside lifestyle is simple and peaceful, living harmoniously with nature.
We would be grateful to have an individual join us in the efforts we put into our little piece of paradise to become a self-sustaining way of life. Duties include helping out in the gardens, preparing soil, working the compost heaps, maintaining the landscapes, harvesting fruit and vegetables, clearing pastures of weeds, feeding the horses, overall general farm maintenance, adding new garden plots, building with concrete (tack room, round pen, additional housing), planting new trees and propagating all types of tropical plants. Of course, we don’t expect to get all these tasks accomplished all at once. This is more of a learning vacation in which we exchange knowledge, ideas, advice and fun times.
We eat healthy and enjoy the many foods that the land provides us with. We occasionally enjoy meats, fish and poultry. Fresh garden picked salads, pastas (with homemade tomato sauce or fresh garden pesto), soups and fresh baked bread are some of the meals we enjoy. Saturday night is usually pizza night , all made here from scratch. Also, we cook many Dominican meals such as rice and beans, yucca, auyama and other local traditional meals.
Currently we are planting coffee, cacao, tamarillo, cherry and avacado trees to expand our ever increasing harvests. Any and all help with permaculture is highly appreciated as we continue to grow and learn ourselves.
Staying and volunteering at Eden Ranch is a great opportunity to experience the Dominican Republic in a safe and quiet environment away from the tourist attractions. If you do wish to venture out, there is plenty of culture for one to experience, just a 20 minute drive down the mountain: stores, beaches, local music and authentic Caribbean food, tourist attractions and adventures.
There is also a natural horsemanship trainee program (check for availability) that is offered at our farm. This includes learning basic natural horsemanship theories, techniques and methods. This is offered at a special discount, only for volunteers and needs to be discussed in detail prior to visiting with us.
Volunteers:
Cost: $195USD per week contribution to help us offset costs incurred during a stay. This includes a comfortable, private cottage with full bathroom and utilities, all homecooked meals and WiFi.
Natural horsemanship training program:
Cost: $495USD per week. This includes lodging, meals, WiFi, 30hrs. of instruction per week
If this sounds interesting to you send us an inquiry at: edenranch@gmail.com for more information. Availabilities are limited.
