YOGA & CLASSICAL HORSEMANSHIP RETREAT —
RIDE IN LIGHTNESS IN COSTA RICA
Discover classical horsemanship —
balance, mindfulness, and harmony with horses in Costa Rica.
CLASSICAL RIDING & YOGA RETREAT
Discover a week of transformation in the Costa Rican highlands with our classical horsemanship and dressage retreat, focused on balance, biomechanics, and the art of riding in lightness. With one-on-one lessons on highly schooled horses, every rider receives personalized guidance and space to grow. Refine your seat and timing, learn the correct use of aids, and explore how classical principles create strength, suppleness, and harmony — while also leaving time to relax by the pool and soak in the beauty of Costa Rica.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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Private riding lessons — balance, lightness & effective aids
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Classical dressage: lateral movements, corners & transitions
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Theory sessions on anatomy & spirit
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In-hand work & preparation for high school movements
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Trail ride through the highlands, farm tour & guided jungle hike
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Excursion to hot springs & a coffee farm
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Daily yoga for balance & relaxation (optional)
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Farm-to-table meals, fresh herbal teas
INCLUDED
Accommodation (private option available) · Full board · Airport transfers · All lessons, workshops & tours · Entrance fees & transfers
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare · Tips · Souvenirs · Personal expenses
A RETREAT BEYOND A HOLIDAY
This program is more than a getaway — it is an educational journey into classical horsemanship, where you will deepen your understanding of biomechanics, refine your seat and timing, and master the use of classical aids. Through private instruction and highly trained schoolmasters, you will experience the true art of riding in lightness, set against the peace and beauty of Costa Rica.
EXCLUSIVE ONLINE COURSE ACCESS
As part of your retreat booking, you will receive exclusive access to Isa’s online course “Classical In-Hand Work for Strong and Healthy Horses.”
This course includes:
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Step-by-step video lessons
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Theory modules on biomechanics and balance
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Printable checklists & training plans
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Lifetime access to revisit and deepen your learning
This way, you arrive at the retreat already familiar with the principles — and can take your practice further once you return home.
A TYPICAL DAY AT THE RETREAT
Breathe in peace, ride in harmony.
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Sunrise herbal tea from our garden
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Morning yoga to awaken body and mind
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Hearty breakfast with fresh, local ingredients
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One on One classical riding lesson
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Stay by the arena to learn from the other lessons
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Shared lunch and a little siesta to enjoy the pool with mountain view
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Afternoon activity: trail ride, theory class, and/or a local tour (hot springs, waterfall, jungle hike)
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Relaxation time by the pool or with the herd
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Dinner together — ending the day with the sounds of the rainforest
Every retreat is carefully tailored to the group. With very small groups and one-on-one attention, no two days are exactly the same.
YOUR RETREAT IN PICTURES
PRICING & BOOKINGS
Our retreats are designed for small groups with personal attention, which means spaces are limited. Reserve early to secure your week with us in the Costa Rican highlands.
Prices:
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Program without yoga: $1,800 USD
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Full program (with yoga): $2,100 USD
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Private room supplement: $300 USD
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Couple/friends private room: $3,900 USD
All prices include 13% VAT.
Your Booking Includes:
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7 days / 6 nights accommodation (shared or private option)
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Full board: fresh, farm-to-table meals
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Beverages with meals: water, juice, coffee, tea, and one glass of wine or beer at dinner
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Airport transfers
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5 private lessons
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1 theory lesson & 2 workshop (mobilizations and lateral movements)
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Yoga Course (if booked)
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Guided trail ride, farm tour & jungle hike
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Excursion to hot springs or tour of choice
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Fresh herbal teas
Not Included: Airfare · Tips · Souvenirs · Personal expenses
Reserve your spot today — only a few places per retreat.
PRIVATE GROUPS & CUSTOM DATES
Would you like to experience this retreat with your own group of friends or family?
We offer custom retreat dates tailored to your needs.
Contact us to design your personalized retreat experience at Finca Soley.
YOUR GUIDES & TEACHERS
Isa Avendaño
FOUNDER, TRAINER & HORSEWOMAN
WITH 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Isa Avendaño is the founder of Finca Soley and the guiding spirit of its retreats. She specializes in French classical dressage and liberty work, training horses from the basics all the way into high school movements and true freedom at liberty. Her teaching is deeply personal and rooted in empathy, helping horses and humans discover balance, lightness, and genuine connection.
Milton Avendaño
FOUNDER, GUIDE & MASTER BUILDER
Milton was born in the jungles of Nicaragua and brings a deep knowledge of nature, plants, and local culture to Finca Soley. He is not only a wonderful chef and tour guide, but also the creative mind and hands behind many of the finca’s buildings. With his care, skills, and warm hospitality, Milton ensures both the place and the people feel at home.
OUR YOGA TEACHERS
PROFESSIONALS IN BALANCE & MINDFULNESS
Analía
YOGA TEACHER & HEALER
Analía has been teaching yoga since 2014 and is passionate about self-knowledge and the body as a tool for healing. Her classes create a space to observe, feel, and connect, blending vinyasa flow with biomechanics and influences from ashtanga, hatha, and devaya yoga. Beyond postures, Analía focuses on breath, awareness, and presence, guiding students to discover balance and strength from within.
Steven
YOGA INSTRUCTOR & MOVEMENT TEACHER
Steven is a yoga instructor, Thai massage therapist, dancer, and agroecologist with a passion for movement and personal growth. His teaching blends yoga, meditation, dance, acroyoga, and contact improvisation, creating a transformative practice that develops physical, mental, and emotional agility. Guided by curiosity and inspired by diverse philosophies, Steven helps students awaken their resilience, sensitivity, and creative energy — living more aligned with their true nature.
Jeannina
YOGA INSTRUCTOR & MOVEMENT TEACHER
Jeannina is a dedicated yogi and massage therapist whose classes blend fluid vinyasa with mindful breath and gentle biomechanics—cultivating awareness, ease, and balance on and off the horse. Alongside yoga, she offers deeply relaxing fusion Thai massage and therapeutic bodywork to release tension and support healthy posture. With a kind, nurturing presence, Nina creates a warm, safe space for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Behind every retreat is the support of our wonderful Costa Rican staff who prepare delicious meals, keep the finca welcoming, and share their warmth with every guest. Their care makes you feel truly at home.
OUR LOCAL TEAM
THE HORSES
HIGHLY SCHOOLED & DEEPLY CARED FOR
At the heart of Finca Soley are our horses — their well-being always comes first. Each horse lives a balanced life: nights in comfortable stalls with hay and grain, and days spent in social herds on spacious mountain pastures.
All our horses are trained regularly to stay supple, strong, and healthy. Many are schooled to a high level, from lateral work to liberty and high school movements, making them exceptional teachers for our guests. With different ages, sizes, and personalities, there is always a perfect match for every rider.
Some of our horses have been rescued and carefully rehabilitated, proving that true partnership and performance do not depend on breeding alone. What they all share is their strength, soundness, and joy in working with people. At Finca Soley, you will not only meet highly trained schoolmasters, but also experience how a horse’s unique journey can inspire your own.
Please note: our weight limit for riders is 180 lbs / 90 kg, to ensure the health and comfort of our horses.
OUR TACK & EQUIPMENT
At Finca Soley, each horse has tack that is carefully chosen to fit their body and training. We use a variety of saddles and bridles, always matching horse and rider for comfort and balance.
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Saddles: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Western (for our Quarter Horses), and felt pads for riders who want a closer feel.
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Bridles: both bitless and bitted options, depending on the horse and the rider’s needs.
Every piece of equipment is fitted individually to ensure that the horse can move freely, stay healthy, and offer the best possible experience to the rider.
YOUR STAY
Sleep in the mountains, wake up to birdsong.
At Finca Soley, your stay is designed for both comfort and authenticity. Hand-crafted mountain lodges with thoughtful details, fresh mountain air, and peaceful views create the perfect atmosphere to unwind. Between rides and yoga, relax by the pool, enjoy nourishing farm-to-table meals, and feel at home in a warm, welcoming environment.
Highlights of Your Stay
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Five comfortable guest rooms with private or shared options
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High-quality mattresses, hot showers, and fresh mountain air
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Private entrances available in selected rooms
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Pool with panoramic mountain views
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Community dining with fresh, farm-to-table meals
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All diets happily catered (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more)
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Spaces to relax, socialize, or enjoy quiet time surrounded by nature
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
