BASIC TRAINER CERTIFICATION – PROFESSIONAL TRAINER PATHWAY
From groundwork to high school movements – hands-on training in natural horsemanship and classical riding.
HORSE TRAINER - VOLUNTEER POGRAM
Step beyond the basics and immerse yourself in the art of horse training.
At Finca Soley in Costa Rica, the Basic Trainer Certification is designed for intermediate to advanced riders who want to deepen their skills in natural horsemanship and classical riding.
This program is a professional trainer pathway, guiding you from groundwork to advanced riding while developing a clear understanding of theory, biomechanics, and horse psychology. You’ll work hands-on with well-schooled horses and receive direct instruction from Isa, who combines decades of classical training and horse rehabilitation experience.
Over 4–12 weeks, your schedule blends daily horse training, theory sessions, and riding practice. Every hour is part of your professional development. With weekends free to rest or travel, you’ll also experience the beauty and culture of Costa Rica.
👉 Whether you aim to become a professional horse trainer, advance your studies, or bring deeper knowledge to your own horses, this certification gives you the tools, structure, and recognition to take the next step.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
From groundwork to high school movements – a transformative trainer pathway in Costa Rica.
This program is designed to take intermediate and advanced riders beyond the basics and into the art of horse training. Every day blends practical work, guided lessons, and theory, so you not only practice techniques — you understand the principles behind them.
You will learn:
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Rehabilitation & Problem Solving
Work with horses that need retraining or confidence building, and learn strategies to restore balance, trust, and performance. -
Classical In-Hand Work & Lunging
Use classical methods to improve suppleness, straightness, and collection from the ground. -
Advanced Riding Techniques
Train movements up to high school level with lightness and respect for the horse, building on classical principles. -
Equine Behavior & Psychology
Deepen your understanding of how horses think and learn, and apply this knowledge to real training challenges. -
Natural Horsemanship Principles
Combine groundwork and liberty-based communication with classical education for safe, ethical training. -
Research & Assignments
Complement your practical work with theory, structured projects, and guided reflection to reinforce learning. -
Project Horse
Each student is assigned a horse to work with consistently throughout the program, creating continuity in training and deeper understanding.
👉 By the end of the program, you will have the knowledge, practical skills, and certification to advance toward a professional career as a horse trainer — or to bring new depth to your own horses.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE & DAILY RHYTHM
Expect around 30–35 hours of work, guided equine activities and study time per week, with free weekends to rest, travel, or explore Costa Rica.
Your week runs Monday to Friday, with weekends free to rest, travel, or explore Costa Rica. Each day blends hands-on horse care, structured lessons, and time for research — so every hour builds your knowledge.
A Typical Day at Finca Soley:
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7:00 – 8:00 Morning horse feeding & stable care (teamwork with other students)
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8:00 – 8:30 Breakfast
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8:30 – 12:00 Equine-related tasks and learning: mucking, grooming, lessons, lunging, riding, and moving horses to pasture
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12:00 – 2:00 Lunch & break time
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2:00 – 4:00 Alternating afternoons:
• Project work (tack room organization, tack cleaning, stable projects)
• or independent study & research assignments -
4:30 Evening stabling: bring horses in, feed, and prepare for the night
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5:00 End of structured activities
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6:00 Dinner
✨ Weekends are free — a chance to rest, enjoy community life, or discover the beauty of Costa Rica.
LEGAL & VISA INFORMATION
Our program is designed to be both accessible and legal for international students in Costa Rica.
This is a work exchange for lessons:
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Your active hours (feeding, care, stable work) are exchanged for riding, theory, and training lessons.
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A program fee covers your accommodation and weekday meals.
👉 This is important: In Costa Rica, volunteering that only provides room and board usually requires a work visa. By paying a program fee, your stay is fully legal on a tourist visa — making your experience smooth and worry-free.
You don’t need to arrange special paperwork — just arrive on a tourist visa, and everything else is organized for you.
PRICING & DATES
What’s included:
✔ Shared accommodation with private bathroom, room cleaning
✔ Weekday meals:
• Mon–Sat: breakfast & lunch served
• Mon–Sat: dinner provided to heat up
• Sunday: no meals (students often order pizza or enjoy leftovers)
✔ All lessons, theory sessions & guided instruction
✔ A project horse to work with during your stay
✔ Certification as Basis Trainer upon completion
✔ Airport pickup on arrival (drop-off available for an extra fee)
✔ Support from an English-speaking coordinator
✔ Help organizing weekend tours and activities
Not included:
✘ Flights to/from Costa Rica
✘ Travel Insurance
✘ Airport drop-off transfer
✘ Personal expenses & insurance
✘ Tours and travel during weekends
✘ Meals on Sundays
✘ Landry Service (4$ per load)
✨ Weekends are free to relax by the pool, explore, or travel in Costa Rica.
REQUIREMENTS
To join the Program, you should be:
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Minimum age: 18 years
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solid horse and riding expirience: able to groom and tack a horse; riding all gates
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Fit & able to work in a warm, tropical climate with daily physical activity
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Open-minded and ready to learn new approaches to horse training
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Passionate about horses, animals, nature, and the outdoors
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Friendly & team-oriented, willing to help with community tasks
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Respectful attitude toward our family, staff, animals, and property
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Ability to understand and follow instructions
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Emotionally stable, responsible, and reliable
👉 If you are not physically fit for the daily horse work, you can still complete the certification through our Stay & Ride Program, where the learning focus is adapted.
To receive certification, students must successfully complete:
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3 written assignments
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1 practical test
Available Program Dates
January 4th — 4-week program
→ 1 place available
March 15th — 6-week program
→ 3 places available
July 5 — 6–12-week program
→ 3 places available
October 18th — 6–12-week program
→ 3 places available
For additional upcoming dates, please contact us by email.
PROGRAM FEES
DurationPrice (USD)
4 weeks $2,530
6 weeks $3,430
8 weeks $4,510
12 weeks $6,710
📍 Arrival always Sunday – Departure always Saturday
💲 Additional weeks: + $550
YOUR GUIDES & TEACHERS
Isa Avendaño
FOUNDER, TRAINER & HORSEWOMAN
WITH 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Isa has over 20 years of experience in natural horsemanship and classical riding, specializing in rehabilitating horses and teaching riders from beginners to advanced dressage. She has trained students from around the world, developed structured certification programs, and runs Finca Soley as both a retreat center and equestrian academy.
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.
WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM?
TRANSFORMING HORSES WITH BALANCE, STRENGTH, AND HARMONY
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Recognized proof of your learning to support studies, careers, or future horse ownership.
LEARN FROM A HORSE-OWNER TRAINER
Your learning is directed by a trainer who develops her own horses up to high school level in classical horsemanship.
HIGH-LEVEL SCHOOL HORSES
Train with horses schooled up to high school movements, experienced in natural horsemanship and classical riding.
IMMERSIVE COSTA RICA EXPERIENCE
HANDS-ON & STRUCTURED
Daily equine care, lessons, and your own project horse give you real, practical skills.
Live surrounded by mountains, jungle, and wildlife — with a pool on-site and even sloths in the trees.
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.
You’ll be accommodated in our Volunteer Lodge, a cozy shared space designed for comfort and community.
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Accommodation: 4 beds per room with a private bathroom and bathtub
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Meals: Farm-to-table style with plenty of fresh vegetables and healthy options. We happily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. For very specific dietary needs, students are welcome to purchase their own extras locally.
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Community Life: Students share responsibilities such as helping with dishes and occasional meal service — part of the teamwork and farm rhythm.
✨ Life at Finca Soley combines simplicity and comfort, with fresh mountain air, nourishing food, and a supportive community.
INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF OUR PARTICIPANTS
