Horse Volunteer Work Exchange Program – Finca Soley

This program is a work exchange in which participants exchange work hours for riding lessons at Finca Solé.

Participants pay for their accommodation and are hosted at the Finca Soley Lodge.
The work exchange applies exclusively to the equestrian operations of the finca.

Work tasks may include:

• Mucking out stables

• General horse care and grooming

• Moving horses to and from pasture

• Checking and refilling water

• Feeding

• Cleaning and organizing stable areas

• Basic maintenance and technical tasks

Depending on individual skills and experience, additional tasks may include:

• Social media or content-related work

• Assisting with lesson preparation

• Preparing horses for training sessions

• Supporting or guiding trail rides

Highly experienced riders may be offered additional responsibilities or special projects.

Lessons & learning:

• Participants receive 4 riding lessons per week

• During retreat weeks, participants may join workshops for additional educational experience

Time off:

• Weekends are free

• Participants may use weekends to travel, explore Costa Rica, or observe lessons and training at the barn on Saturdays if desired
  

• 7:00 – 8:00 Morning horse feeding & stable care (teamwork with other students)

• 8:00 – 8:30 Breakfast

• 8:30 – 12:00 Equine-related tasks and learning: mucking, grooming, lessons, lunging, riding, and moving horses to pasture

• 12:00 – 2:00 Lunch & break time

• 2:00 – 4:00 Alternating afternoons:
  • Project work (tack room organization, tack cleaning, stable projects, social media work)
  • or independent study & research assignments (when joining the certification)

• 4:30 Evening stabling: bring horses in, feed, and prepare for the night

• 5:30 Heat up dinner

• 6:00 Dinner

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✨ Weekends are free — a chance to rest, enjoy community life, or discover the beauty of Costa Rica.

Participants must:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old

• have a travel insurance

• Be physically fit and able to perform manual labor

• Be comfortable working outdoors, in heat, humidity, rain, and a barn environment

• Be willing to get dirty and perform routine stable work

• Have a genuine interest in horses and equestrian work

Previous horse experience is an advantage but not required.
Applicants without horse experience may still be accepted if they offer other useful skills, such as:

• Social media management

• Photography, videography, or video editing

• Content creation

• Guest service or hospitality support

Participants must:

• Have a positive, cooperative attitude

• Be physically and mentally healthy

• Be able to follow instructions and respect the established structure

• Be reliable, punctual, and responsible

• Show respect toward staff, clients, horses, and property at Finca Solé

• Be aware that horses are large animals and follow basic safety rules at all times

Language:
Basic English is required for daily communication. Spanish is a plus.

This Program Is Not for You If…

This program is not suitable if you:

• Are looking for a vacation or a riding-only experience

• Are uncomfortable with physical work, dirt, sweat, or long days outdoors

• Do not enjoy working in heat, humidity, rain, or changing weather conditions

• Expect constant supervision, flexibility outside the set structure, or special treatment

• Are unwilling to follow instructions or respect established routines

• Have difficulty working as part of a team or taking responsibility

• Are afraid of horses or uncomfortable around large animals

• Are not prepared to contribute reliably to daily stable operations

This program is designed for participants who are motivated, responsible, and willing to work, while learning in a professional equestrian environment.

Rider Weight & Fitness Requirements

For the well-being of our horses and to ensure a safe and harmonious riding experience, we have the following weight guidelines:

Beginner riders should not exceed 75 kg (165 lbs).

Fit and experienced riders may be accepted up to 85 kg (187 lbs), depending on riding level, balance, and overall physical condition.

As every rider and horse combination is individual, we reserve the right to assess suitability on a case-by-case basis to ensure the safety and well-being of our horses.

Guests who do not meet these requirements are very welcome to participate in our groundwork, in-hand, and liberty courses.

Thank you for your understanding and respect for our animals.

Participants can make their stay more meaningful by joining one of our certification programs.
Applicants who enroll in a certification program may be given preference over those who do not.

Certification programs are optional and require additional time and commitment beyond regular work exchange duties.

Available certifications:

Equine Care Specialist
This program focuses on the care, management, and keeping of horses, including:

• Daily horse care routines

• Stable management

• Herd management and observation

No previous professional training is required.

Basic Horse Trainer
This program is for participants with prior horse experience.
It focuses on:

• How horses learn

• Basic training principles

• How to teach a horse new tasks in a correct and ethical way

Requirements for this certification include:

• Completion of three written assignments

• One practical test, where the participant must demonstrate that they have successfully taught a specific task to a horse

Important notes:

• Certification programs require additional study time, practical work, and preparation

• Assignments include theory work, analysis, and presentation

• Participation is optional but requires a serious and reliable commitment

Participants are hosted at the Finca Soley Lodge in shared accommodation.

• Rooms are shared with a maximum of four participants

• Rooms are gender-separated

• Each room shares one bathroom

• Participants have access to the pool and the farm facilities

Room service & cleaning:

• Rooms are cleaned approximately once per week

Meals:

• Breakfast is included Monday to Saturday

• Meals are prepared and served

• Dinners are provided in prepared form and must be heated and served by the participants

• Participants are required to assist with serving meals and washing dishes

Weekends:

• No meals are provided on weekends

• Local food options are available, including:

  • local soda

  • Pizza delivery

  • buy something from the bakery and market where we go on Fridays

• Participants are responsible for organizing their own meals on weekends

Terms and Conditions

1. Deposit and Payment
   A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the program fee is required at the time of registration to secure your spot. The booking system requires payment of any selected add-ons at the time of booking.
    
2. Refund Policy

• The full program fee (excluding the deposit) and add-ons are refundable at 75% up until the day of arrival.
   
• After arrival, no refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program fee.
   
• In the event of early departure, no refund or credit will be provided, including cases where the participant is asked to leave due to violation of our house and community rules.

1. Payment Plans
   Payment plans may be offered upon request and must be agreed upon prior to registration.
    
2. Balance Payment
   The remaining 75% of the program fee is due on the day of arrival.
    
3. Binding Registration and Rescheduling
   Your registration for the chosen dates is binding. If you are unable to attend on your booked dates, we are happy to help reschedule your stay within one year of your original arrival date, subject to availability. No refunds will be given if you fail to attend and do not reschedule.
    
4. Transfer of Participation
   If you wish to terminate your participation, you may find a suitable replacement participant to take over your booking, subject to our approval.

Welcome to Finca Soley!

We’re truly excited to have you join us here in beautiful Costa Rica. At Finca Soley, we are a diverse community, and we believe that respect for each other’s needs creates a positive and peaceful environment. Together, let’s make this a warm, welcoming, and harmonious place to live and learn.

Living in Harmony and Respect
Finca Soley is an ecological farm committed to reducing waste, recycling, and making the best use of all materials. We keep our farm and home clean and free from toxic or harmful substances. Please avoid using chemical products. If you’re unsure about what is allowed, just ask — we’re happy to help!

Shared Spaces & Personal Space
Volunteers have their own private bedrooms, while kitchen, terrace, living room, bathrooms, wash area, barn, and gardens are shared with guests, employees, and our farm family. Please keep all shared spaces tidy and clean by cleaning up after yourself and putting things back where they belong.

Our farm family lives in a private home on the property — please respect their privacy.

Quiet and Siesta Times
We observe quiet hours from 8 PM to 8 AM and siesta time from 1 PM to 2 PM. During these times, feel free to use shared spaces for studying, listening to educational videos with headphones, or texting family and friends. For other activities, please use outdoor areas.

Smoking Policy
Smoking is officially not allowed inside any building. If you choose to smoke, please do so outside and away from common areas.

Library and Study Area
We offer books and DVDs for your learning pleasure. If you borrow a book or paper, please write your name and date on the list above the shelf and mark it returned when finished. DVDs should only be watched on the big screen and returned immediately after use. Please treat all materials with care — they are valuable to our community.

Barn and Equipment
The barn is always kept clean and organized, and all equipment has its place. Please help the tack room team by tidying up after use. Our saddles are imported and require special care — please keep them dry.

Kitchen Guidelines
Keep the kitchen clean and store opened food items like bread, wraps, fruits, flour, and sugar in the fridge. Use the top shelf for items that need to be eaten first. Avoid food waste by taking only what you need.

Bedroom Care
Please keep your bedroom tidy and clean it at least once a week. Make your bed every morning to avoid any unwelcome critters. Don’t leave items on the floor, and unpack your bags as things left inside can mold. No food is allowed in bedrooms.

Energy and Phone Use
Turn off lights and unplug electronics like computers when not in use. Please avoid using your phone during work hours to stay focused and engaged.

Bathroom Etiquette
Throw toilet paper in the bin provided and separate plastics for recycling. Toilet paper is burned regularly. We ask that you shower once a day, preferably after finishing outdoor tasks.

Pets and Animals
Dogs are not allowed inside the house or on the terrace. Please do not allow animals to jump on you.

Working Hours and Rules
Please respect our working hours and save questions or requests for those times. The horse barn is closed between 6 PM and 7 AM and all day Sunday.

Our Community Spirit
This project is a living, evolving community shaped by each individual. Instead of focusing on what you dislike, try thinking “Maybe we can…” and offer solutions. Let’s create a positive experience together!

We’re excited to have you here — let’s make it happen! 😊

 🌿 What to Bring for Your Stay at Finca Soley

As we are an ecological farm, please minimize plastic packaging and choose natural, eco-friendly care products to help us protect our environment.

👚 Clothing & Gear

• Riding pants
   
• Long trousers for work (jeans, leggings, etc.)
   
• Comfortable clothes for cooler evenings
   
• Casual clothes for trips and daily wear
   
• Closed-toe riding shoes (paddock boots recommended)
   
• Sneakers or hiking boots (for work and hikes)
   
• Flip flops or sandals
   
• Light, long-sleeve shirts (for sun and insect protection)
   
• Cap or sunhat
   
• Working gloves
   
• Raincoat and/or umbrella
   
• Riding helmet (we have some available on site)
   
• Swimsuit
   
• Towel (we provide some towels, but bring your own if you prefer)
   

☀️ Essentials & Extras

• Sunscreen and insect repellent (natural if possible)
   
• Flashlight or headlamp
   
• Reusable water bottle (to refill and stay hydrated)
   
• Toiletries (preferably eco-friendly)
   
• Camera or smartphone for photos
   
• Small backpack for day trips
   
• Notebook and pen (for taking notes during Spanish and theory lessons)
   
• Optional: bum bag/fanny pack
   
• Credit card (MasterCard or Visa recommended; some debit cards accepted)
   
• Spanish dictionary or language app
   
• Basic first aid kit (plasters, ointment, charcoal tablets, etc.)
   
• Our contact number (Isa): +506 8369 4339 😊
   

🧺 Laundry

• Laundry service is available on the farm by local Costa Rican ladies for about 2000 CRC (~$4 USD) per basket.
   
• If you have extra suitcase space, please let us know — many items common in your home country are hard to find or expensive here.
   

✈️ Arrival Information

• When you arrive at the airport, look for the “Finca Soley” sign to meet your transportation.
• If you have any questions about packing or your arrival, just reach out — we’re here to help!