🐴 Equine Care & Basis Trainer
Experience Costa Rica and Immerse Yourself in the World of Horses at Finca Soley!
Step away from the everyday and dive into a meaningful journey in the tranquil beauty of rural Costa Rica.
Finca Soley offers a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of horse care through our Equine Care Specialist Certification Program. Whether you're considering a career in equine therapy, veterinary studies, riding instruction, or planning to keep horses in the future, this program is designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge.
🌿 Program Highlights:
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Beginner-Friendly Curriculum:
No prior experience with horses is required, though of course it is a plus! Our program is tailored to accommodate individuals to learn from A to Z about horse care, ensuring a supportive and educational environment. -
Comprehensive Horse Care Training:
Learn about feeding, grooming, mucking out, and maintaining a clean, healthy environment for horses. Gain insights into equine nutrition, health checks, and hoof care. -
Classical Horsemanship Introduction:
Under the guidance of Isa, you'll be introduced to the art of classical riding. While riding is included, the primary focus remains on horse care and well-being. -
Liberty Training Experience:
Engage in liberty training to build trust and deepen the bond between you and the horse, fostering a harmonious partnership. -
Sustainable Living Practices:
Participate in sustainable farming projects, including cheese-making and food production, contributing to a holistic learning experience. -
📋 Program Details:
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Stay: 4 weeks - 12 weeks.
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Work Schedule: 5 hours per day, 5 days per week
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Location: Finca Soley, Costa Rica
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🎓 What's Included:
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Room and Board
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Certification:
Receive an Equine Care Specialist Certificate upon successful completion of the program. -
Lessons: herd management, horse care, horse training, teaching lessons
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Educational Materials:
Access to comprehensive resources covering horse care, equine behavior, and sustainable practices. -
Language Course:
Optional Spanish language classes to enhance your cultural immersion. -
Affordable Pricing:
Cost-effective program fees, ideal for students, gap-year travelers, and individuals passionate about animal welfare.
🌍 Ideal for:
This program welcomes individuals from all walks of life, including:
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University students seeking practical equine experience to complement their studies
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Gap year travelers eager to explore nature, animals, and cultural immersion
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Sabbatical-takers looking for a meaningful escape and personal growth
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Future horse owners wanting to build a strong foundation in equine care
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Anyone passionate about horses, animal welfare, and sustainable living
Join us at Finca Soley to contribute to sustainable farming practices while learning the art of horsemanship in an idyllic rural environment. Whether you're preparing for a professional career in animal care or simply wish to immerse yourself in the Costa Rican lifestyle, this program offers a truly transformative and enriching experience.
Spots are limited and fill up quickly—secure your place today!
Casa India
Casa India is an octagon building with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Each room has an individual entrance. 2 bedrooms have a built in loft to provide extra space and privacy, sharing one of the rooms with a loft is a great semi private option and you will feel very comfortable here. All showers have hot water. There is a washing machine that can be used. Casa India has a big kitchen living area to be shared by the 3 rooms. Here you find our horse library and DVD area.
Example Day at Finca Soley
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7:00 am – Start the day by feeding the horses & filling up hay. Will do the mucking of the paddocks and paths.
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8:00 am – Breakfast.
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9:00 am – Equine activities: Depending on the day's lesson plan, you may engage in various horse training activities. Once a week, we dedicate time to giving all the horses a thorough wash.
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10:30 am – Muck out stalls.
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12:00 pm – Lunch and Siesta (rest).
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2:00 pm – Project work: On two afternoons per week, help with tasks like maintaining tack, tidying up around the farm, or taking care of the dogs.
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4:30 pm – Evening care of horses: bring horses in from pastures and prepare for the night.
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6:00 pm – Dinner and social time with the team.
Weekends: Enjoy your days off on Saturday and Sunday to explore the local area, relax, or take part in weekend adventures like hiking, visiting hot springs, or relaxing at the beach.
Food, Accommodation, and Laundry
At Finca Soley, we want to ensure you feel comfortable and well-cared for during your stay. Here’s what you can expect:
Food:
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3 meals per day are provided, with a variety of nutritious and delicious options. We cater to all dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.), but if you have specific dietary preferences or cravings, you’ll need to purchase those items yourself.
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Volunteers are required to help with service and dishes after meals and, on some occasions, will be asked to heat up their own meals.
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Snacks are not included, but you’re welcome to purchase your own snacks if desired.
Accommodation:
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Volunteers share a spacious room with up to 4 people of the same gender, providing a communal yet comfortable living experience.
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Each room is equipped with high-quality mattresses, closets, and offers some privacy through shelves to create your personal space.
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There is a hot water shower available for your comfort.
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For those who prefer private rooms, please contact us for availability and additional details.
Laundry:
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We offer a laundry service for a fee of $4 per wash, ensuring you have fresh clothes during your stay.
Support and Mentorship
At Finca Soley, we are a family-run operation, and we take great pride in offering personal, hands-on mentorship throughout your stay.
Isa, our founder and lead horse expert, is an exceptional and passionate horsewoman with over two decades of professional experience in working with horses. She is not only skilled in natural hoof trimming and basic veterinary care, but her true expertise lies in rehabilitating horses, bringing them to their best health, and educating young horses. Isa loves sharing her knowledge, and you'll have the chance to learn from her experience in these areas.
Milton, originally from Nicaragua, is the heart of our farm’s infrastructure. He is incredibly handy and has personally built all the structures on the farm, from the stables to the farm’s facilities. His expertise extends to sustainable practices and using local resources to create the farm’s sustainable and practical spaces.
Together, Isa and Milton have built their dream from scratch, and they love to inspire others to dare to achieve what may seem out of reach. Whether it’s through lessons, farm tours or making cheese together, they are always ready to encourage and guide you.
Safety and Well-being
At Finca Soley, your safety is our top priority. Our horses are extremely well-trained, and we adhere to the highest standards of care and safety in all activities. The foundation of our horsemanship practices is centered around safety training, ensuring that our horses are calm, responsive, and easy to work with, whether you're involved in groundwork, liberty training, or riding.
Additionally, our farm is located in an extremely calm and safe area, surrounded by the peaceful natural beauty of Costa Rica. This tranquil environment contributes to both the well-being of the animals and the volunteers, offering a serene setting for learning and working.
Throughout your time here, you will receive detailed instruction on how to approach the horses, how to stay safe while working with them, and how to perform your tasks responsibly. We take the time to ensure that all volunteers, regardless of their experience level, feel confident and prepared. Isa will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand the practices and techniques that will keep you and the horses safe.
By the end of your experience, you will have learned safe handling practices, horse behavior, and how to properly care for and train horses—skills that not only ensure safety but also deepen your understanding of working with animals in a respectful and effective manner.