ABOUT FINCA SOLEY – OUR STORY & VISION

At Finca Soley we unite classical horsemanship, family values, and a vision: to create a place where horses and humans grow in harmony.

OUR VISION & MISSION

At Finca Soley, our vision is to create educational retreats of the highest quality, where riders from around the world can experience the beauty of high school movements during their vacation — and take that knowledge, feel, and inspiration back to their own horses at home.

Rooted in the tradition of French classical horsemanship and riding in lightness, our mission is to keep this art alive and share it with those who seek more than modern dressage often offers. We believe that riding should always benefit the horse: promoting health, balance, and well-being, ensuring a long and happy life. For us, riding is not just sport — it is a form of therapy for the horse, a way to strengthen and uplift our equine partners.

From our base in the mountains of Costa Rica, we welcome riders into a setting that combines first-class instruction, meaningful horse–human connection, and the warmth of a family-run retreat center. Our commitment goes beyond training — it’s about cultivating a culture of care, respect, and excellence in horsemanship.

OUR STORY

What once was an old cabin is now a welcoming retreat house, crafted from the ground up.

Finca Soley was born in 2014, alongside the beginning of our family and the arrival of our first daughter. What started as a dream quickly grew into a place where people and horses could meet in harmony. From the very beginning, our work carried a strong social impact: collaborating with local schools, welcoming children from the community, and offering volunteer opportunities for young people from Europe and North America.

In 2017, we were able to purchase our own property, and from that moment we began to build Finca Soley quite literally with our own hands. Step by step, while running programs and caring for horses and people, we transformed the land into what today is a beautiful retreat center in the Costa Rican mountains.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support we have received, from guests, students, and the many volunteers who became part of our extended family. Every person who arrives here contributes to the soul of Finca Soley, and for that we are deeply grateful.

FINCA SOLEY FAMILY

MEET ISA

Isa has dedicated her life to horses — a journey that began when she became a horse owner at the age of twelve. As a teenager, she trained in show jumping and modern dressage, learning the competitive, performance-driven way of riding. But over time, her curiosity and compassion led her to search for more: a way of working with the horse, not against it.

For nearly two decades, Isa specialized in bitless riding and became a recognized bitless trainer. Alongside this, she developed skills as a barefoot trimmer, gaining profound knowledge of equine anatomy and biomechanics. These experiences formed the foundation of her holistic approach: blending old classical horsemanship with modern anatomical understanding and a deep respect for the horse’s mind and spirit.

In recent years, Isa has expanded her expertise into the realm of French classical dressage and riding in lightness, studying with many international trainers, most recently Christina Wunderlich, and drawing ongoing inspiration from the teachings of Manuel Jorge de Oliveira. Today, she trains horses up to the high school movements and focuses particularly on rehabilitation — helping horses regain balance, strength, and confidence after physical or emotional challenges.

Isa is a constant student herself, always reflecting on her actions in the short and long term to refine her practice. She believes that good riding should always promote the horse’s health, pride, and joy, turning training into a form of therapy and mutual growth.

Beyond the arena, Isa is passionate about sharing her knowledge. She runs an educational YouTube channel, created a step-by-step online course on classical in-hand work, and recently launched a podcast for horse lovers worldwide. She teaches in English, German, and Spanish, and is ready to travel to offer clinics and mentoring, guiding riders of all backgrounds toward a deeper partnership with their horses.

Isa is also a devoted mother of three. Family life is at the heart of Finca Soley, and she treasures the opportunity to raise her children close to nature.

MEET MILTON

Milton grew up on a remote farm in Nicaragua, where the only way in or out was on horseback — he was, in many ways, born in the saddle. Over the years, he built a life around hard work and creativity, gaining experience in both construction and hospitality. Today, every building you see at Finca Soley carries Milton’s imprint, built quite literally by his own hands.

A true handyman, Milton can improvise and create almost anything — a skill that was born out of necessity, growing up without access to shops or ready-made tools. His resourcefulness and craftsmanship are at the heart of the finca.

Beyond his practical talents, Milton has a deep passion for animals, children, and people. He knows the fauna and wildlife of Central America intimately, and when he takes you on a walk, you’re almost guaranteed to spot a sloth, a toucan, or even a rare tropical flower. His warmth, knowledge, and ingenuity make him an essential part of the Finca Soley experience.