Join a family-run organic farm practicing classical and natural horseback riding, in the Costa Rican mountains. All ecovolunteer missions here.
Volunteer on a horse farm in Costa Rica
Join a family project whose days are punctuated by horse riding and life on an organic farm. The farm, set in the heart of the jungle, has 3 houses, a 20x40m riding arena, numerous fruit trees and pastures. The farm's project is to practice traditional and natural horseback riding. Natural horsemanship allows you to better understand horses. With this technique, you can learn the natural behavior of the herd and the horse's language, so as to become a good partner for your horse. You learn how to train your horse's body correctly, so that he can ride with you without injury.
Positive social and environmental impact in Costa Rica
In addition to horses, the farm has dogs, cats, chickens and cows. The whole family strives to maintain a simple lifestyle of respect for nature and harmony with the animals. The equestrian farm offers a range of accommodation options, including eco-volunteering. With the Horse Volunteer program , you 'll learn natural horsemanship and classical riding. By volunteering at this Costa Rican farm, you'll be helping to protect the horses and a 5-hectare primary rainforest, as well as supporting the local population and a Spanish school. Volunteers can also get involved socially by teaching English to the local population or organizing workshops to put their skills to good use.
Volunteers learn natural and classical horsemanship
As a volunteer, you'll be introduced to communicating with horses using body language, psychology and energy. You'll learn about the natural behavior of the herd. You will also receive instruction in classical horsemanship. You'll learn about the horse's anatomy, the use of flexion, mobilization, lateral movements, balance... During the first week of your stay, you'll work mainly with horses on the ground to establish a relationship. The longer you stay, the more you can learn. If you're an experienced rider, you can help the team train the horses. Beginners may also have the opportunity to ride, but will work more on the ground with the horses.
A day as a volunteer
- 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.: working together with Costa Ricans in the barn, cleaning, feeding, grooming and milking cows (voluntary).
- 8 a.m.: breakfast.
- 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Equestrian activities according to the weekly program, including: connecting with the horses, classical riding lesson, horse and pony rides, equine spa, horse massage, etc.
- 12:00: Lunch and siesta.
- 2 p.m.: Afternoon activities of your choice. For example: Spanish lessons, volunteering on the farm or teaching English to the locals.
- 6:30 pm: Dinner and social time.
An unforgettable family experience in Costa Rica
The farm welcomes families with great pleasure. We've even designed a special program 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 stable to groom their pony and ride twice a week, while learning natural horsemanship for children. In the afternoons, the team offers children's workshops with parents, such as painting, baking, hiking and so on. If parents also enjoy riding, it's possible to customize your family retreat at the farm. Families can participate in shared lunches during the week. If you'd like to learn Spanish, you can book the Spanish course as well.
Rates: $750/ €686 per week
- All year round
- From two weeks
- 2 weeks: US$1,280; €1,175*.
- Each additional week: $600 / €552
- From week 5: $550 / €505
- Family special: €686 for one week or more
- Airport transfer $110 / €102 per trip
Prices in euros may vary according to exchange rates *.
Included in the price of the volunteer program
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, water (tap), homemade fruit juice, fresh milk, tea, coffee.
- Accomodation
- Access to the horse library
- Lessons in Horse Connection, Liberty and Classical Horsemanship
- Equine activities: horse riding, equine massage...
Not included in fees
- Insurance
- Airline tickets
- Volunteers must be in good physical condition. However, the team will adapt the activity to the condition of the participants. Volunteers on horseback must not weigh more than 80 kg. The program is suitable 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. Maximum capacity per room is 4 people. Semi-private and private options are available at an additional cost. (semi-private: $12.50 per night and private: $25 per night)
- No work required: You can volunteer in the field of your choice, or take time out to enjoy the peace and tranquility of our magnificent mountain ranch.
See special families for families
Spanish courses
- Basic: $50 / €46 per week (3 lessons)
- Standard: $130 / €120 per week (9 lessons)
- Intensive: $400 / €368 per week (30 lessons)
- 1 lesson equals 40 minutes of learning
Excursions
- You can take many excursions from the farm
- Guayabo Monument
- Cartago Tour & Irazu Vulcano
- Waterfall Adventure Tour
About the partner
The farm was created in 2014 to offer a place where people, horses, animals and nature can grow and flourish. It is a family-run agency that offers to welcome travelers off the beaten track, in various forms, including eco-volunteering stays. The heart of the farm's project is the art of horseback riding, particularly natural horseback riding. Isa, Millton and their family wish to live in harmony with nature, consuming what they produce. By staying at this Costa Rican farm, you'll be helping to protect the horses and a 5-hectare primary rainforest, as well as supporting the local population and a Spanish school. Missions with Finca Soley