Name: Horse Volunteer Programm
Location: Tucurrique

Finca Soley

7 reviews

Duration: 21 days

Group size: 1 - 99

Horse Volunteer Programm

Tucurrique

Duration: 21 days

Group size: 1 - 99

In a nutshell

Accomodation & Meals included on a discounted price for longer stays

Work 4 hours per day for 5 days per week around the horses and barn in exchange of high quality lessons, workshops and equine activites.

4 days per week lessons and/or workshops

1 day per week spa day for horses

weekends off to discover the area & country

As a Finca Soley horse intern you will be fully involved into the daily activites around the horses & farm animlas. You should love to be around animals and care for them. Mucking out, taken care of feeding and water, moving horses to pastres as well as helping in the training, grooming and care. You can learn a lot about; herd behavior, horse and animal keeping, training, barefood trimming etc. You will be joining in the offered courses or help to train the horses depending on what is happening on the farm.

You should love horses!!! Have a positive attitude!!! And be physically fit in order to perform physical work.

I am excited to welcome you into my intern team and share my love and passion for horses with you.

Volunteers need to help with dishes and sometimes heat up their meals.

Please bring a: I can do it attitude (=

A 25% deposit has to be paid at registration.

The booking system requires to pay add ons at booking. Nevertheless the add ons are refundable at 75% till the arrival day as well as the whole programm fee.

Payment plans can be offered.

We have a strong no refund policy.

The remaining 75% is due at your arrival day. Since we need long-term planning your registration for the booked time is binding. The fee for the entire period specified by you is due upon your arrival at the farm. In case of early departure, no refund of the fee project is possible. This is true even if we have to exclude you because of a violation of our house and community rules on the further project work. If you wish to terminate your participation, we provide you free to find a suitable matching participant.

If you cannot arrive we are happy to find an alternative date for your stay with us within one year.

Welcome to Finca Soley. We are excited to welcome you and share a wonderful experience with you here in Costa Rica. Since we are a community of many different people, we want to respect each other's individual needs. Let us live together in respect and peace. Finca Soley is an ecological farm. We want to reduce, recycle and make best use of all materials. We want to keep our grounds and home clean from toxic or harmful things. Please do not use chemical products, if you need information don’t hesitate to ask us!

Volunteers have their own space and shared spaces with our guests, employees and family. Volunteer only place is your bedroom. Shared spaces are the kitchen, terrace, living room and bathroom, the wash- and sink area, the barn, the gardens. All spaces must be always tidy and clean. After using a place clean up after yourself. Don’t leave stuff lying around.
There is a private home of the farm family.Please respect privacy.
The house has quiet time from 8 pm till 8 am and siesta time from 1 pm till 2 pm. During quiet times you can use shared spaces to study, to watch educational videos by using headphones or texting with your family and friends back home. For other activities please use outside spaces.
Officially smoking is forbidden. If you smoke you have to do it outside.
You can use the washing machine. Choose a sunny day and dry them by putting them in the sun. Take your clothes in as soon as they are dry. If it’s raining you can use the dryer.
The study area contains several books and DVDs. If you take a book or a paper copy please write your name and the date in the list above the shelf and cross when returned. Please watch DVDs only on the big screen and return right after use. Books and DVDs are of high value; please treat them with care and respect.
The barn area is always clean and tidy and all equipment on its place. Please support the tack room team by tiding up after using things. The saddles are all imported and need good care, they should not get wet.
The kitchen is always clean and tidy. Keep all opened food (bread, wraps, fruits, flour, sugar etc.) in the fridge. Use top shelf in fridge for goods which are already open and need to be eaten first. Don't waste food.
The bedroom needs to be cleaned regularly (at least once per week). Please organize yourself to keep it clean and nice. Make your bed in the morning to prevent snake bites. For the same reason don't have things lying around on the floor. Take things out of your bag since they will start to mold when kept inside the suitcase. Food is forbitten in the rooms.
Turn off lights and unplug computer and other machines when not in use.
Cellphone use: Don’t use your phone during work times.
Bathroom. Please throw toilet paper into the bin and separate plastic items. Toilet paper must be burned regularly. Shower once per day, after you finished outside jobs.
Dogs are not allowed inside the house, and not on the terrace. Do not allow animals to jump on you.
We have working hours. Please respect our times off and keep your questions for our working hours.
Horse barn is closed between 6pm and 7am and on Sundays.
This project is thought as an experimental field, which is created and shaped by its individuals and community. Please think instead of “I dislike” in terms like “maybe we can…”. Think in solutions not problems.
Let’s make it happen together (=

Please try to bring as less as possible plastic packaging and make sure all your care products are made of natural ingredients as we are an ecological farm.

Riding pants

Long trousers to work (Jeans, Leggings, etc.)

Comfortable clothes for the evenings (It can get cold)

Clothes for trips

Everyday clothes

Closed shoes for riding (Paddock Boots)

Sneakers or hiking boots for working and hiking

Flip Flops, Sandals or something similar

Light longs-leave shirts to protect against sun and insects

Cap or sunhat

Working gloves

Long Raincoat and/or umbrella

Riding helmet (We have some on the farm too)

Towel (there are some towels here too)

Swimsuit

Sunscreen and repellent

Flash light - ideally head light

Water bottle to refill

Toiletries

Camera

Small backpack

Booklet and pen to make notes (For Spanish- and Theory lessons)

Maybe bum bag

Credit card (Mastercard or Visa. Some banks also accept debit cards)

Spanish dictionary

First Aid (Plaster, ointment, charcoal tablets, etc.)

Our number(isa): 00506 83694339 (=

· On the farm there are costa rican ladies offering laundry service for 1000 Colones per basket.

· IF YOU HAVE SPACE LEFT IN YOUR SUITCASE, please let us know. A lot of things you can get easily in your country are difficult, very expensive or impossible to get in Costa Rica.

· We are always happy about any donations for the horses like leather care products, brushes, fly maks, hay nets or everything that is needed in a horse stable.

Arrival info: At the airport check for the “Finca Soley” sign.

At Finca Soley there is washing service offered for 4$ US per load.

add weeks 4-12

$550

Deposit: $100

add as many weeks as you want to stay to the 3 weeks.

Example you want to book 10 weeks select the 3 weeks plus 7 add on weeks.

add weeks 13-24

$450

Stays longer then 12 weeks: choose the basic package of 3 weeks, add 9 weeks from the option 4-12 weeks. Then add more weeks from here.

Book a Spanish Course Standart

$130

Deposit: $0

Please select the number of weeks you like to book the course.

Course includes 9 lessons a 40mins per week.

Courses can be mixed.

DROP OFF AIRPORT

$110

Private Room

$175

Price per week

Semi Private Room

$95

2 people per room with a built in loft

Price per week

If you're looking for an experience where you can rediscover the world of horses and reconnect with nature and yourself, then you've come to the right place! I had a wonderful 3-week stay doing the Horsevolonteer program with Isa and her family, who welcome you with joy and peace. I learned so much about horses, I'm delighted. I learned so much about horses, I'm so glad I did. What I learned really made me question what I knew and did with horses. And that's what I was looking for: to know how to work with your horse, in everyone's interest, with calm, patience and progress. The horses are so happy and healthy there, and that's a pleasure to see. Isa shares her passion and her daily life with you, teaching you everything you need to know so that you can make the most of your time on horseback, on the ground and in the stables. Key words: patience, determination and observation. I loved living with the herd, looking after the horses all morning, and taking time for myself in the afternoon. Isolated from the city in the mountains, you can enjoy butterflies, birds and fresh air galore. The best part is hanging out in the meadow with all the horses. Many thanks to Anna for preparing our delicious daily meals, with milk, butter, yoghurt and eggs from home. Eating fresh fruit, discovering new vegetables and acclimatizing to a mainly vegetarian diet was very refreshing for my stomach. Also, don't worry, the drinking water on site is very good indeed. Although I was a little apprehensive about staying during the rainy season in July, I was delighted, because although it rained often, it was only short showers during the day, and it mainly rains at night. The weather changes a lot, so it's often cloudy, but it doesn't make it too hot, and that was perfect. And if the rain doesn't allow us to do what we'd planned to do, it's no problem - we can adapt. You still need to budget enough if you want to get out of the farm on the WE to visit the country, because it depends on what you want to do, but some outings/tours can be a bit expensive, but it's really worth it, because Costa Rica is made up of such a wealth of plant and animal life that it would be a shame not to give yourself the means. And the people of Costa Rica are so welcoming! Thanks again to your team Isa and Milton, I hope to see you again one day.

By Louison L for Simple Horse Stay on Aug 25, 2024

I had a wonderful time at Finca Soley. Got to meet great volunteers and made some good friends. The food was just very fresh and Anna the cook a real sweetheart. The horses were well cared for and loved. The only reason for the one missing star was access to a more private bathroom. 😀

By Nelleke V for Nelleke - Horse Volunteer (Tripaneer) on Feb 15, 2024

I spent amazing three weeks at Finca Soley. Everything was not just as described, but even better. Isa and her family and the other volunteers made me feel welcome from the first second. There is a very positive atmosphere at the finca which allows you to learn a lot about horsecare, horsemanship and riding. The horses are well trained and carefully looked after. The vegetarian food was delicious, rooms spacious and the view over the pastures amazing. Isa even organized fantastic yoga lessons for us. I recommend using their shuttle (approx. 2 hours) from the airport, at least If you arrive in the afternoon, as there are not so many busses a day going to Tucurrique. I would love to come back one day! :-)

By Anne M for Anne - Horse Volunteer (semi private room) on Feb 01, 2024

I had such a wonderful time there. Isa and Milton did everything for me to experience everything that was included in the package; from picking me up from the airport, to taking me to some destinations for half day tours. I'm very grateful for their making various arrangements to accomodate me. Food was A+ 🤩, the guesthouse was very clean and pleasant. Isa's lessons on Natural Horsemanship were superb 👌 I highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves horses and wants to experience Costa Rica! 💓Pura vida 🇨🇷

By Kaz K for Kazumi horse vacation on Jan 27, 2024

Short Version: If you're reading this review, it's because you're already curious. Go ahead and pull the trigger, because this is nothing like anything you've ever done, and you will absolutely love it. Jungle oasis, organic farm, gentle horses, yoga, nature adventures and cultural experiences in the afternoon... FInca Soley is worth the trip. Longer Version: I found Finca Soley while looking for longer-term equestrian experiences. I used to ride when I was a kid and had basically forgotten everything but I've always wanted to take lessons again. Add to that wanting to escape the NYC winter but not wanting an elaborate itinerary driving around all over Costa Rica, and this seemed like the perfect fit. Well, it was so, so much more than I expected and incredibly serene and relaxing! The Farm and the People: With its rolling pasture for horses, free-roaming dairy cows, meandering chickens, ripe fruit trees, hummingbirds, blossoms, and lush vegetation, it really felt like I was waking up everyday in paradise. In the morning I would drink my traditional Costa Rican coffee laid out on the terrace or swinging in the hammock, then pop over to the other guest house for a delicious communal breakfast. Isa is the equestrian, teacher, and horse whisperer, and her husband Milton is a woodworker, carpenter, fabricator and built the beautiful casitas on the property. Their three children are very sweet and if you want to get them talking they'll love to tell you about riding their pony or doing gymnastics. The Food: Fresh juices, fruits and veggies right off the farm, delicious organic diet with traditional Costa Rican foods...the cook knows what she's doing. What's cool about this place is that it has a volunteer program for people to live and work with horses longer term. Breakfast and lunch are communal with everyone at a big table in one of the large, bright houses. Eating breakfast and lunch with the volunteers, the other guests, and even Isa and Milton if they stopped by, felt like being part of a family and I learned more about horses and riding just from talking and enjoying the community of like-minded people. Dinner for the guests is served restaurant style in the primary guest house, and the meals are more elaborate, incorporating fresh local fish and meat, special recipes, wine or beer, and homemade dessert. I should note here: I have a very specific, somewhat restrictive diet that I need to follow. I was really anxious that it would be hard to eat the way I need to because everytime I go to something where the food is included, a resort or what have you, it's just a headache to get my dietary needs met. Well, I explained very carefully to Isa my limitations and she catered the meals to ensure that it was always appropriate for me, amending my dinner as needed (ie: I don't eat flour, so if there was something made with flour she would make me my own version without flour too!!) She happily went above-and-beyond, in a situation where people are normally just annoyed at me. It was a huge relief to know that I was being taken care of in that realm. The Horses: Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a total beginner, there is something here for you. I'm like one notch up from a total beginner, and I rode and interacted with these horses in ways that I didn't even know were things that people do. I could literally tell my horse Luki to stop just by breathing out and sinking my weight back. There were women there that had been riding their whole lives and even they were doing things with the horses that they have never experienced before. If you know how to ride, but you aren't familiar with "natural horsemanship," parelli style, liberty work, etc- this horse holiday will take you to the next level with your riding. Lessons were a mix of riding (with bit, without bit, with reins, without reins,) theory and practical lessons, and training the horse to follow your directions on the ground (groundwork, or Liberty.) I specifically wanted more lessons than are included in the Horsemanship Holiday, so Isa made time to have extra lessons with me for what would be the local price. When the horses are in the pasture you can just wander out there and meander about with them, pet them, meditate with them or just look out across the mountains. I liked to go up there around sunset to let my horse Luki get to know me better, and to watch them play and gallop together. Absolutely magical. Off the Farm: The guest holiday includes half day and a full day trip or adventure. There's a bunch to choose from, and you can craft your own holiday based on what most interests you. For my full day trip I did rafting which I *HIGHLY RECOMMEND.* I also HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend the "Waterfall Adventure" where you hike through the jungle upon along waterfalls, stopping to swim around, jump off, or even slide down them! There was one in particular that you can swim *behind* into a secret little cave and then swim *underneath* and pop out the other side!! I also liked the "Orso Hot Springs" and the Horse Meditation with Hike. You can see on their website some of the different offerings. Accommodations: I chose a communal room and it was perfect for me while traveling on a budget. I stayed upstairs in a high loft room, with plenty of space for my belongings. There was one other guest in the lofted room and we were both very respectful and just super easy going. With all the living space, couches, dining tables, large terrace, the entire farm at my disposal, it was definitely the right choice for me to go communal with the actual bedroom and save some money. They do have private rooms though, which I know has its own little side patio. Whether you found Finca Soley looking for a horsemanship experience, a yoga retreat with horses, a equestrian retreat that includes tours and adventures, or just a relaxing farm oasis to unwind for a week or two, Finca Soley is truly a very, very special experience and I cannot recommend it enough!!