from 1,048€

Perfect 4.6rating (30)

Natural Horsemanship & Classical Riding

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Learn Natural Horsemanship living and training with our freely living herd. Learn hands on during the daily care of our rescue, young or bred horses.
  • Immerse yourself into the study of classical horsesmanhip to learn how to train and ride a horse in order for him to be strong and enabled to carry us. Mobilisation, lateral movements, seat lessons...
  • Gain insides of horse keeping from barefoot trimming, to health checks and tracking the progress of a rehabilitation horse. Learn how horses like to be kept and why. Take use of our huge libary too!
  • Tours and free time activites in the area like: waterfalls, rafting, coffeetour, vulcany tour and much more.
  • Live in a community in our Volunteerhouse on our ecological family farm. Grow and learn about horses and yourself surrounded by the lush jungle of Costa Rica with amazing spots for yoga and mediation.

Especially suitable

Age 16+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Join us on our peaceful horse farm. Learn Natural Horsemanship, bitless riding and classical training. Horses, Nature and Farmlife. Spanish Course available too!

Surround yourself with the pure nature of our stunning Costa Rican mountain setting where a freely living herd of mixed horses from rescues to home bred, youngsters to shetlands is living in peace together. Learn how to communicate with horses using body language, psychology, energy and even more ...

About the program

Surround yourself with the pure nature of our stunning Costa Rican mountain setting where a freely living herd of mixed horses from rescues to home bred, youngsters to shetlands is living in peace together. Learn how to communicate with horses using body language, psychology, energy and even more getting your ideas and intentions clear. With the study of Natural Horsemanship you will not only learn to understand horses but will also learn a lot about yourself

Within in the Natural Horsemanship you can learn about the natural behaviour, herd behaviour, horse language, horses needs and how to become a great partner for your horse. 

After connecting to your horses mind and earning his friendship you will learn how to proper train his body in order for your horse to be able to ride with you with pride and honor and withour harming himself. Within the study of Classical Horsemanship you learn about the horses anatomy and how to use flexion, mobalisation, lateral movements and your seat to improve his balance and strengh. You can witness how rescue horses can become happy, self confident and strong again. 

Within the Classical Horsemanship you can learn about anatomy, flexion, mobalisation, lunging, balance, using aids in order to help your horse to balance, lateral movements and why to do what in order to help your horse to become stronger. 

The first week of your stay you will mainly work with the horses on the ground. Please consider the longer you are able to stay the more you will be able to learn and develop. When you are an expirienced rider you can help us training the horses from the saddle. Beginners might also get a chance to ride, but will be more working on the ground with the horses, learn confidence and get the first contact with horses. This program is not only about riding but about growing an equal relationship towards an equine friend. Some of our horses are in rehabilitation and cannot be ridden at all in the moment. But putting time and the correct training in, we hope to rehab all of them. 

With your stay at Finca Soley you will support our horse welfare program and live an absolut unforgetable expirience combining self growth, education and an vacation in one of the most beautiful countrys on our planet. 

As a volunteer you will be part of our team. You will be involved in the daily care of our natural herd. Mucking, grooming, hoof care, massages, energy healing work (touch for health) and training. On the afternoons you have time off to take use of our horse libary, observe the horses in their pasture, take a tour, book onside Spanish lessons or just relax and chill on our peaceful mountain farm. 

Finca Soley is a family run project established in 2014 and in continious growth. We love to put our hands on and have built all structures here. The farm counts with 3 houses, a 20x40m riding arena, a paradies paddock with shelter space for the animals, plenty of fruit trees, jungle, pastures and incredible views. Next to the horses our family remains of dogs, cats, chickens and cows. We try to keep our surroundings organic and natural and live a simple lifestyle in respect of nature and in harmony with the animals. 

 This is a great opportunity to learn new things to take home and experience real Costa Rica. Our main goal is to keep our horses happy and healthy and teach people how to form a relationship with horses and learn how to ride with finest aids in order to reach perfect balance. 

There is a wide range of activities you can get busy while beeing on our farm. Your time can consist of: 

  • natural horsemanship training 
  • bitless riding 
  • classical training: flexions, mobalisation, lateral movements
  • lunging
  • hike out with a horse 
  • spa day with horses
  • barefoot trimming 
  • theory lessons
  • tours and activities in the region (extra costs occur)
  • and just relax

The farm is a place where people from all over the world meet and share their passion for horses and traveling. The team of Finca Soley loves to welcome guests and volunteers and consits of a professional horse trainer and volunteer coordinator.   

You will be living on site in our self build volunteer house. Volunteers have their own kittchen and prepare their food. Also there is a libary, study room, big living room and gardens with hammoks . Our farm is located on top of a small mountain called Chucuyo, within a 30 mins hike or 2 mins in car you arrive in Tucurrique with plenty of shops, restaurants, a soccer field and wifi etc. 

What we require

  • Minimum stay of 2 weeks 
  • work around horses for 5 days per week includes: mucking, grooming, tack cleaning, arena mantaince + 2 afternoons helping with our sustainable projects like: fruit harvesting, garden, chicken cleaning etc. 
  • the will to learn
  • a positive attitude
  • teamplayer
  • love for animals

What we offer

  • Accomodation
  • Food
  • Daily interactions with our natural herd
  • Lessons in: Natural Horsemanship, riding with fine aids, seat lessons, lunging, horse massage and more
  • access to our big libery of videos and books
  • hikes with the horses 
  • theory lessons 
  • tours (extra costs might occur, depeding the tour)
  • an unique way to combine your travels with learning Natural + Classical Horsemanship




Typical day

6:00 - Take care of horses, mucking, grooming etc. 

8:00 - breakfast

9:00 - Equine Activity: horse hike, Natural Horsemanship Groundwork lesson, riding lesson, theory lesson etc. 

10:00 - Observe the other lessons

11:30 - Prepare hay for evening and release all animals into freedom. 

12:00 - Lunch ...

Typical day

6:00 - Take care of horses, mucking, grooming etc. 

8:00 - breakfast

9:00 - Equine Activity: horse hike, Natural Horsemanship Groundwork lesson, riding lesson, theory lesson etc. 

10:00 - Observe the other lessons

11:30 - Prepare hay for evening and release all animals into freedom. 

12:00 - Lunch Break/ Siesta 

15:00 - Project Work on two afternoons (harvest fruit/ bake bread/ making cheese/ clean tack/ garden etc.)





Free-time activities

Our peaceful farm is the perfect place to relax and observe our freely living herd, birds and with some luck a sloth. We have 5ha of primary rainforest with a trail that leads you to a tiny private stream of cristal clear water. Space to breath and reset. There is a fruit orchard with hammocks to ...

Free-time activities

Our peaceful farm is the perfect place to relax and observe our freely living herd, birds and with some luck a sloth. We have 5ha of primary rainforest with a trail that leads you to a tiny private stream of cristal clear water. Space to breath and reset. There is a fruit orchard with hammocks to listen to the sound of birds, observe the butterflys finish the guayabas or the colibris drinking from the colorful flowers. On the mountains you find precios spots to bring your yoga mat and observe the sunset watching the horses grase. 

For more active afternoons and/or weekends book a tour with a local guide. Hike up the waterfalls, learn about Coffee, take a Chocolate tour, visit a local farmers market or hike up a vulcano. Also both costsides can be visited. We offer to swap a day if you stay longer and like to take a long weekend to chill on the beach. 





Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 16 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Required Documents

sign up sheet and

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

Helpful skills are previous horse expirience, even though you can also arrive as an beginner. Expirienced riders will have more chances to ride then beginners. positive attitude. the will to put the horses need above yours. team spirit and a kind attitude.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 06:00 - 12:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Finca Soley

  • Accomandation in our cofortable newly built Volunteerhouse, 
  • Food (3 vegetarien meals)
  • Access to our huge libary of horse books and dvds
  • Natural Horsemanship course, 
  • Lessons in Classical Horsemanship, understand anatomy and biomechanic and learn how to train a horse for his own physical wellbeing
  • horse wellfare, massages, hoof care etc. 
  • Project Work, 
  • Organisation, 
  • Certification, 
  • donation for horse welfare project
  • help by planning your trip
  • help with organisation of week end tours

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

Pick up at Juan Santamaria airport in San Jose

We can alternativly pick up in San Jose. or elsewhere in the country at an extra cost. 

(drop off is not included, but can be arranged)

Accommodation

Stay in our beautiful and spacious Volunteerhouse - Casa India. 

Each room counts with a private entrance, has space for up to 4 people and each bed has a high quality matrace. All rooms have a delux bathroom privatly used with hot water showers and some with bathtub. We offer private, semi private and couple options on an aditional cost. The Volunteer House has a huge kitchen, dining and living area were volunteers prepare their meals, share evenings and travel stories. 

Infront of the house there is a fire place to spend nights around the barn fire playing guitarre and making stick bread. 

On the farm we have many fruit trees, egg hens and some vegies to harvest. 

We keep 5 ha of rainforest on our homestead with a private trail that leads you to our tiny stream with purest water.


Food & Beverages

Volunteers receive three vegetarien meals per day. Snacks have to be paid by themselves.  

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. 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 Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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

Details on arrival

Every Sunday

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

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 1,048€
2 weeks 1,911€
3 weeks 2,774€
4 weeks 3,638€
5 weeks 4,501€
6 weeks 5,364€
7 weeks 6,227€
8 weeks 7,091€
12 weeks (max. stay) 10,360€
Average fees 955€/week

Program fees

955€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Finca Soley during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Finca Soley

Perfect 4.6 rating (30 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2014

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

isa

Spoken languages: English, Spanish, German

About the project

Here at Finca Soley we share our passion and love for horses and natural horsemanship. Come to enjoy, learn and develop.

Meet your organization

Finca Soley is a horse project and volunteers are completly involved in everything. Our volunteers recieve natural horsemanship lessons and a spanisch course in order to activly help in the training of the horses and the teaching (weather in the school or riding lessons for kids).


Finca Soley is a very small project that really tries to change something here in the area but also for the horses that get in touch with people that have been with us. We will touch your idea about horses and horse training. Spread the word to create a better world for our beloved horses and the people around them.

Finca Soley is a beautiful Guestfarm in the mountain area of Cartago, Costa Rica's best kept secret. Enjoy seeing and hearing horses neighing outside my balcony doors, watching the volcano smoke early in the morning, cooking over a beautiful fire pit.

LEARN NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP & ART OF RIDING 

We use Natural Horsemanship to understand and comunicate with our horses and learn about their body and how to teach them to use it properly using the academic art of riding without the need of a bit. 

At Finca Soley you will:

  • learn the essential communication with horses on the ground
  • Start to understand what horses are telling you!
  • Learn to play with them in a understable Language
  • Become safe & smart around horses in the field and barn
  • Learn about your Horse’s unique character 
  • Learn to use psychology depending on horse-character 
  • Improve your drive & respect level

All you need to know about the Courses Finca Soley offers

  • We refine our Communication skills on the rope and in liberty.
  • We built a loving friendship & become creative with our games.
  • We improve our riding communication skills & test our relationship by starting to ride brideless
  • We built up our skills on the rope and start to work on our draw system 
  • We will apply what we have learnt on the ground into the saddle
  • Learn to ride using Breathing & Engery techniques
  • Learn about principles of Natural Horsemanship
  • Discussions about various horsemanships from different Nations

30 reviews · rating4.6

Dounia Dinar Bakri rating1.4

2024 at Natural Horsemanship & Classical Riding

*****Statement of the organization below***** Accommodation: I paid extra for the private room, which was fine, but the washing machine and dryer were right against the outside wall so I had constant noise while everyone was washing their clothes sometimes in the evening. The bed was full of bugs ...
Everyone at Finca Soley was truly amazing. Isa and Milton were wonderful hosts, and we truly learned a lot about Costa Rica, the people, the surrounding environment, and caring for the horses. Being in the mountains, away from the "rest of the world" allowed us to focus our daily tasks, and ...
Viviane Voemel rating5

2021 at Natural Horsemanship & Classical Riding

I stayed almost 3 months at Isa‘s and Milton‘s farm as a volunteer and I loved it. The family is super nice and welcoming. Already after a short time I felt like a part of the farm and team - exactly what I was hoping for. You can see and feel how much love and passion the family has for ...
Madeleine Dacre rating5

2021 at Natural Horsemanship & Classical Riding

I loved my stay with Isa and her beautiful family. Surrounded by such a beautiful part of Costa Rica it was hard not to be blown away by the experience. It was exactly what I wanted, a week with horses, quiet moments and great people. The accommodation is really beautiful, created by past ...
I had a great time with all the volunteers and they made me feel at home right away. I did not think I would leave learning so much even after just 1 week of stay. I should have stayed longer! It was a very rewarding experience learning about horsemanship and about what it takes to take care of ...
I can highly recommend this natural horsemanship holiday. It is a beautiful Ranch in the middle of nature with lots of cute animals and wonderful people. I am fascinated how everything on this farm is going so well and works hand in hand. I had very interesting riding, groundwork and also theory ...

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