Français
English
Join a family-run organic farm that practises classical and natural horsemanship in the Costa Rican mountains. See all programs with horses
Sign up to volunteer at a horse farm in Costa Rica
Join a family-run project where the days are filled with horse riding and life on an organic farm. The farm, situated in the heart of the jungle, comprises three houses, a 20x40m riding arena, numerous fruit trees and pastures. The farm’s aim is to practise traditional and natural horsemanship. Natural horsemanship allows you to understand horses better. Through this technique, you can learn the natural behaviour of the herd and the language of the horse, enabling you to become a good partner for your horse. You will learn how to train your horse’s body correctly so that it can ride with you without getting injured.
A holiday in Costa Rica with a positive social and environmental impact
As well as horses, the farm is home to dogs, cats, chickens and cows. The whole family strives to maintain a simple lifestyle that respects nature and lives in harmony with the animals. The equestrian farm offers various accommodation options, including eco-volunteering stays. With the Horse Volunteer programme, you will learn natural horsemanship and classical riding. By volunteering at this farm in Costa Rica, you will help protect the horses and a 5-hectare primary rainforest, as well as supporting the local community and a Spanish school. Volunteers can also get involved in the community by teaching English to the local population or organising workshops to share their skills.
The volunteer learns natural and classical horsemanship
As a volunteer, you will be introduced to communicating with horses through body language, psychology and energy. You will learn about the natural behaviour of the herd. You will also receive training in classical riding. You will learn about horse anatomy, the use of flexion, mobilisation, lateral movements, balance… During the first week of your stay, you will mainly work with the horses on the ground to build a relationship. The longer you stay, the more you will be able to learn. If you are an experienced rider, you will be able to help the team train the horses. Beginners may also have the opportunity to ride, but they will spend more time working with the horses on the ground.
A day as a volunteer
- 6am–8am: working alongside the Costa Ricans in the barn, cleaning, feeding the animals, grooming and milking the cows (voluntary).
- 8 am: breakfast.
- 10 am – 1 pm: Equestrian activities as per the weekly programme, including: bonding with the horses, classical riding lessons, rides on horses and ponies, equine spa treatments, horse massage, etc.
- 12 noon: Lunch and a nap.
- 2 pm: Afternoon activities of your choice. For example: Spanish lessons, volunteering on a farm or teaching English to locals.
- 6.30 pm: Dinner and socialising.
Enjoy an unforgettable family holiday in Costa Rica
The farm is delighted to welcome families. It has even put together a special programme just for them. As a family, you will be accommodated in the guest house (Casa Perla). Children can join the pony club. In the mornings, they can come to the stables to groom their pony and go for a ride twice a week, whilst learning natural horsemanship for children. In the afternoons, the team offers workshops for children with their parents, such as painting, baking, hiking, etc. If parents also enjoy horse riding, it is possible to tailor your family retreat on the farm to your preferences. Families can join in shared lunches during the week. If you’d like to learn Spanish, you can book a Spanish course as an extra.
Prices: $750 / €686 per week
- All year round
- From two weeks
- 2 weeks: US$1,280; €1,175*
- Each additional week: $600 / €552
- From the 5th week onwards: $550 / €505
- Family special: €686 for a minimum of one week
- Airport transfer: $110 / €102 per journey
Prices in euros may vary depending on the exchange rate *
Included in the price of the volunteering programme
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tap water, homemade fruit juice, fresh milk, tea, coffee.
- Accommodation
- Access to the horse library
- Lessons in Horse Connection, Liberty and Classical Horsemanship
- Horse-related activities: horse treks, equine massage…
Not included in the price
- Insurance
- Flight tickets
- Volunteers must be in good physical condition. However, the team will adapt the activity to suit the participants’ fitness levels. Volunteers riding horses must not weigh more than 80 kg. The programme is adapted for beginners. The minimum age is 18.
- Language skills: Spanish and/or English (basic knowledge)
- From 2 weeks
- Accommodation: the farm offers shared rooms with en-suite bathrooms and hot water. Each room can accommodate up to four people. Semi-private and private options are available at an additional cost. (Semi-private: $12.50 per night; private: $25 per night)
- No compulsory work: You can volunteer in an area that interests you, or simply take some time for yourself and soak up the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful mountain ranch.
See the family section for families
Spanish lessons
- Basic: $50 / €46 per week (3 lessons)
- Standard: $130 / €120 per week (9 lessons)
- Intensive: $400 / €368 per week (30 lessons)
- 1 lesson is equivalent to 40 minutes of learning
Excursions
- There are plenty of day trips you can take from the farm
- Guayabo Monument
- Cartago Tour & Irazú Volcano
- Waterfall Adventure Tour
Tous les avis sur les missions Finca Soley
About the partner
The farm was established in 2014 to provide a place where people, horses, animals and nature can grow and thrive. It is a family-run business that offers a welcome to travellers seeking experiences off the beaten track, in various forms, including eco-volunteering stays. At the heart of the farm’s project is the art of horsemanship, particularly natural horsemanship. Isa, Millton and their family wish to live in harmony with nature, consuming what they produce. By staying at this farm in Costa Rica, you will be helping to protect the horses and a 5-hectare primary rainforest, as well as supporting the local community and a Spanish school. The projects with Finca Soley
