Beautiful Quiet, Rural, Multi-Animal Pet Sit Over Christmas in South Kilkenny

About this assignment

This sit would be most suited to an animal loving, energic, single person or a couple, who like the quiet, outdoor life in middle of the countryside. You will be sleeping in our spare bedroom which has one double bed.
You will need to be organised, neat and practical and have knowledge of handling horses and large dogs. Put the needs of the animals first, able to keep to a regular routine.

Be ok with getting up early every morning to see to the animals.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Horses - Dallas is an 18-year-old Polish Arab. We have had him since he was 1 year old. He is trained for western riding and also as a therapy horse. He is a bit of a diva but loves people and attention.
Izzy is an 11-year-old rescue pony, I have had her for 6 years. She is easy going and her favourite thing is eating.
Pamela is a small Shetland pony, 18 years old, she is very quiet and gentle, loves eating and attention.
Little Prince is a miniature horse, he is also a rescue, he was quite shy when I got him, but is much better now, very gentle and loves scratches.
The horses are well trained and easy going but do need their regular routine.
Daily jobs: In December the two larger horses are in the barn at night. They need to be turned out into the field in the morning at about 8am, they come in again around sunset (4pm) and then need checking again at 8pm. The two small ponies live in an enclosure outside with their own shelter, which needs daily poop cleaning and hay. In very bad weather all the horses stay in the barn and will also need checking at lunchtime.
Mucking out stables/field/enclosure.
Turing horses out to field and putting on rugs in bad weather.
Picking out feet daily.
Feeding horse and checking water.
Occasional grooming.

Dog:
Bella is an 18-month-old Labrador/Golden Retriever cross. We have had her since May. She loves company and her walks and runs around the field. She gets on well with the horses and is happy to accompany you as you do the horsy jobs around the yard.
Jobs: Feeding twice a day, walking, playing and just hanging out with her during the day.

Cats:
Toby and Luna are 9 years old and brother and sister. They live mostly indoors and love cuddles and company but are also happy to do their own thing as long as they have food!
Jobs: Feeding the cats and cleaning their litter tray.

I will provide more details about their needs and routines before you come.

The house is easy to look after, just regular vacuuming, etc. We rebuilt and renovated the house 7 years ago from a 200 year old ruin. It is well insulated with underfloor heating and warm and cosy in the winter.

What are the good features of the property and location

Lovely, isolated rural property on 5 acres in South Kilkenny. We have a long 0.5km driveway ideal for short walks when the weather is bad. The property is high up on the side of a hill with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. We have a woodland just beside us ideal for walks without needing a car. Approx. 30 mins drive from Waterford city, Kilkenny city and 40 mins to Clonmel town. Nearest shop is in Piltown, 5 mins drive and larger supermarkets in Carrick-on-Suir 20 mins drive. Nearest beach is 40 mins drive away. Numerous other forest walks a short drive away.

There is quite a lot going on in the locality over Christmas, local Christmas festivals in Kilkenny and Waterford and smaller local markets. We have a local grower of Christmas trees just down the road where you can pick out your tree and he will cut it for you.

My parents live in their own separate house adjoining ours, they will be here during the sit, but you won't notice them there most of the time. They are are in their late 70's and completely independent. They are on hand if you have any problems or need a lift to go shopping.

The barn and fields are right beside the house, and easy to access without getting muddy in the winter.

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

Must have experience with horses and dogs.
Very rural and isolated you will need a car. However, if you are not able to have a car, my parents drive and can bring you shopping with them if you do not have your own transport.

The weather can be cold and unpredictable in December, you do need to be ok with working outside in bad weather, and checking on the horses in the evenings. We have a nice big barn to shelter from the worst of the weather. Warm clothes, boots and waterproof clothing is essential.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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