🐴 Equine Care Specialist & Basis Trainer
Experience Costa Rica and Immerse Yourself in the World of Horses at Finca Soley!
Step away from the everyday and dive into a meaningful journey in the tranquil beauty of rural Costa Rica.
Finca Soley offers a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of horse care through our Equine Care Specialist Certification Program. Whether you're considering a career in equine therapy, veterinary studies, riding instruction, or planning to keep horses in the future, this program is designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge.
Beginner-Friendly - High-Expirienced Curriculum. We pick you up where you are at.
No prior experience with horses is required, though of course it is a plus! Our program is tailored to accommodate individuals to learn from A to Z about horse care, ensuring a supportive and educational environment.
Comprehensive Horse Care Training:
Learn about feeding, grooming, mucking out, and maintaining a clean, healthy environment for horses. Gain insights into equine nutrition, health checks, and hoof care.
Classical Horsemanship:
Under the guidance of Isa, you'll be introduced to the art of classical riding. While riding is included, the primary focus remains on horse care and well-being.
Liberty Training Experience:
Engage in liberty training to build trust and deepen the bond between you and the horse, fostering a harmonious partnership.
Sustainable Living Practices:
Participate in sustainable farming projects, including cheese-making and food production, contributing to a holistic learning experience.
Weekly assignments and certification of completion: Equine Care Specialist and Basis Trainer.
📋 Program Details:Stay: 4 weeks - 12 weeks.
Work Schedule: 5 hours per day, 5 days per week
Location: Finca Soley, Costa Rica
🎓 What's Included:Room and Board
Certification:
Receive an Equine Care Specialist Certificate upon successful completion of the program.
Lessons: herd management, horse care, horse training, teaching lessons
Educational Materials:
Access to comprehensive resources covering horse care, equine behavior, and sustainable practices.
Language Course:
Optional Spanish language classes to enhance your cultural immersion.
Affordable Pricing:
Cost-effective program fees, ideal for students, gap-year travelers, and individuals passionate about animal welfare.
🌍 Ideal for:This program welcomes individuals from all walks of life, including:
University students seeking practical equine experience to complement their studies
Gap year travelers eager to explore nature, animals, and cultural immersion
Sabbatical-takers looking for a meaningful escape and personal growth
Future horse owners wanting to build a strong foundation in equine care
Anyone passionate about horses, animal welfare, and sustainable living
Join us at Finca Soley to contribute to sustainable farming practices while learning the art of horsemanship in an idyllic rural environment. Whether you're preparing for a professional career in animal care or simply wish to immerse yourself in the Costa Rican lifestyle, this program offers a truly transformative and enriching experience.
Spots are limited and fill up quickly—secure your place today!
Beyond the Horses
Engage with the Local Community and Explore Costa Rica
At Finca Soley, you will not only gain valuable experience with horses and sustainable farming but also have the chance to make a positive impact on the local community. We encourage our volunteers to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of rural Costa Rica and connect with the people who call this place home.
Opportunities to engage with the community include:
Teach English: Share your language skills with the local community, helping improve English literacy while fostering meaningful connections with the people.
Organize Activity Afternoons for Local Kids: Spend time with the children in the community by organizing fun, educational activities. It's a great way to engage with the next generation and share your creativity.
Assist with Kids' Riding Lessons: If you have an interest in teaching, help out with kids’ riding lessons and share your love of horses with the younger generation.
Learn Traditional Skills: Get hands-on experience in cooking by learning to make bread, cheese, yogurt, and other delicacies.
Explore Costa Rica:
When the workday is done, the adventure continues! Finca Soley is located in a stunning part of Costa Rica, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore.
Hot Springs: Relax and unwind in the natural hot springs nearby.
Rafting: For the thrill-seekers, enjoy the adrenaline rush of white-water rafting in the stunning Costa Rican rivers.
Chocolate Tour: Discover the rich history of Costa Rican chocolate and even try your hand at making it yourself.
Weekend at the Beach: Take the weekends off to explore Costa Rica’s world-renowned beaches, where you can relax, swim, or try surfing.
Please note: tour costs are not included in this program, but we are happy to help you book a tour.
By staying longer, you’ll not only deepen your knowledge of horses and farming but also immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Costa Rica. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the local community, learn valuable skills, and experience the authentic Costa Rican way of life.
Animal Rescue and Rehoming Program:
At Finca Soley, we are dedicated to providing a safe haven for animals in need through our animal rescue program. Our farm is home to several rescued dogs, cats, and horses that have been given a second chance at life. Many of these animals have been rehabilitated and successfully rehomed through our efforts, finding loving homes where they can continue to thrive.
As a volunteer, you will have the unique opportunity to be involved in their care and rehabilitation, contributing to their recovery and helping them find their forever homes. Whether it’s assisting with the rehabilitation of a rescued horse, spending time with our dogs and cats, or supporting the rehoming process, your presence and care make a significant impact on their lives.
Support and Mentorship
At Finca Soley, we are a family-run operation, and we take great pride in offering personal, hands-on mentorship throughout your stay.
Isa, our founder and lead horse expert, is an exceptional and passionate horsewoman with over two decades of professional experience in working with horses. She is not only skilled in natural hoof trimming and basic veterinary care, but her true expertise lies in rehabilitating horses, bringing them to their best health, and educating young horses. Isa loves sharing her knowledge, and you'll have the chance to learn from her experience in these areas.
Milton, originally from Nicaragua, is the heart of our farm’s infrastructure. He is incredibly handy and has personally built all the structures on the farm, from the stables to the farm’s facilities. His expertise extends to sustainable practices and using local resources to create the farm’s sustainable and practical spaces.
Together, Isa and Milton have built their dream from scratch, and they love to inspire others to dare to achieve what may seem out of reach. Whether it’s through lessons, farm tours or making cheese together, they are always ready to encourage and guide you.
Safety and Well-being
At Finca Soley, your safety is our top priority. Our horses are extremely well-trained, and we adhere to the highest standards of care and safety in all activities. The foundation of our horsemanship practices is centered around safety training, ensuring that our horses are calm, responsive, and easy to work with, whether you're involved in groundwork, liberty training, or riding.
Additionally, our farm is located in an extremely calm and safe area, surrounded by the peaceful natural beauty of Costa Rica. This tranquil environment contributes to both the well-being of the animals and the volunteers, offering a serene setting for learning and working.
Throughout your time here, you will receive detailed instruction on how to approach the horses, how to stay safe while working with them, and how to perform your tasks responsibly. We take the time to ensure that all volunteers, regardless of their experience level, feel confident and prepared. Isa will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand the practices and techniques that will keep you and the horses safe.
By the end of your experience, you will have learned safe handling practices, horse behavior, and how to properly care for and train horses—skills that not only ensure safety but also deepen your understanding of working with animals in a respectful and effective manner.
