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FRENCH CLASSICAL RIDING
IN COSTA RICA
BALANCE · LIGHTNESS · HARMONY
THE CLASSICAL ART OF RIDING
Discover a focused classical riding course in Costa Rica, rooted in the teachings of Manuel Jorge de Oliveira and classical masters such as François Baucher and La Guérinière.
Develop your seat, timing, aids, balance, and feel while learning how thoughtful training improves the horse’s mobility, lightness, and self-carriage. Lessons are adapted to your experience, goals, and individual horse-and-rider combination.
CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE
RIDE & STAY
Includes five small-group classical riding lessons from Monday to Friday, with free time to observe lessons, spend time at the barn, work remotely, or relax around the finca.
CLASSICAL INTENSIVE
Includes five small-group lessons and five private riding lessons. This package is limited to a maximum of four Intensive participants.
COURSE FOCUS
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Seat, timing, and effective aids
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Corners, lines, and transitions
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Lateral movements
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Mobilizing the hindquarters and freeing the shoulders
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Balance, mobility, and lightness
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Classical principles and horse biomechanics
YOUR STAY INCLUDES
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Six nights in shared accommodation
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Freshly prepared meals
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Scheduled airport transfers
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Five days of classical riding
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Theory and individual guidance
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Lifetime access to our four-hour online course
A private room, Equestrian Yoga, and Conversational Spanish lessons can be added optionally.
ONLINE COURSE INCLUDED
Receive lifetime access to Classical In-Hand Work for Strong and Healthy Horses, including step-by-step video lessons, theory on biomechanics and balance, and practical training resources.
The course allows you to prepare before your stay and continue developing your knowledge when you return home.
A TYPICAL DAY
Learn, ride, observe, and relax.
- 6:15 AM – Morning Tea
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6:30 AM – Equestrian Yoga
For guests who have booked the Yoga Add-on. -
8:00 AM – Breakfast
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Morning – Private Riding Lessons
For guests booked on the Classical Intensive Package. -
10:30 AM – Small-Group Riding Lesson
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12:00 PM – Lunch
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Afternoon – Private Lessons and Free Time
Intensive lessons continue according to the individual schedule. Ride & Stay guests can observe lessons, spend time at the barn, work remotely, or relax around the finca. -
6:00 PM – Dinner
The schedule may be adjusted according to the group size, lesson topic, weather, and individual horse-and-rider combinations. Personal lesson times are provided on site.
YOUR STAY IN PICTURES
DATES & DETAILS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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6 nights / 7 days in shared accommodation
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Private room upgrade available
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Freshly prepared meals according to the program
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Water, juice, coffee, tea, and one alcoholic drink with dinner
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Scheduled airport transfers
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Five small-group classical riding lessons
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Five additional private lessons with the Classical Intensive Package
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Theory and practical horsemanship knowledge
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Lifetime access to the four-hour online course
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Morning tea from our garden
The Classical Intensive Package is limited to a maximum of four participants.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
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Equestrian Yoga
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Private room upgrade
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Conversational Spanish Course
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Additional riding lessons, subject to availability
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Massage, subject to availability
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare · Travel insurance · Restaurant dinner · Optional excursions · Tips · Personal expenses · Souvenirs · Additional drinks and snacks
Spaces are limited to ensure personal guidance and a high-quality learning experience.
Dates:
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.
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.
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: For the well-being of our horses, beginner riders should not exceed 80 kg (176 lbs). Fit and experienced riders may be accepted up to 90 kg (198 lbs), depending on riding ability, balance, fitness, and the individual horse-and-rider combination. All riders are weighed privately upon arrival.
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
