This trip was exactly what I was looking for to learn about Liberty horsemanship, connecting with the horses, and enjoy some yoga classes too! Isa, her family and staff were so welcoming and such a pleasure to learn from. As a solo traveler this is a wonderful experience!

If you are looking to learn something new, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere. This program is not a positive or supportive educational environment for someone seeking growth, reflection, or new instruction. Unless you are willing to immediately and unquestioningly adopt everything Isa says, while abandoning your previous training and experience, this is likely not the place for you. If you already practice natural horsemanship, you may fit in better. Otherwise, the environment can feel rigid, controlling, and dismissive. The horses themselves are lovely, but much of the “training” presented felt more like a collection of circus-like tricks designed to impress guests rather than structured educational content. It often seemed like the goal was to get volunteers to “ooh and ahh” and feel grateful for being included, rather than to actually teach. She promotes a hands on approach, but is not graceful or understanding of the student’s learning process. She often took the reins from my hands and did the activities herself as a way of “teaching.” I was left confused and feeling inadequate in the process of actually trying to do the activities myself. Often she would show them to me by taking the reins, and give little to no feedback when I was trying to perform the activities myself. Often mot even facing in my direction and focusing on the only other person in the ring. The other volunteer with natural horsemanship experience. My Personal Experience I ultimately felt taken advantage of during my time in the Equestrian Care and Basic Trainer Program. My interactions with Isa Avendaño—and later, her husband—were unprofessional and at times made me feel unsafe. I signed up for a month with the intention of staying longer if the experience was positive. Just before my arrival, Isa asked me to delay my start date by a week because she had “overbooked” a retreat. In hindsight, it felt more like she prioritized someone who offered her more money. The volunteer who arrived on my original date was welcomed warmly, properly trained, and included in retreat activities. I was not granted that same treatment. When I arrived, I received no structured orientation or instruction about barn routines, horse care, or training expectations. Instead, I had to rely entirely on the other volunteer for guidance. Isa never sent me the schedule for the days ahead and seemed impatient and frustrated that I didn’t already understand her methods—even though I had enrolled in a program that promised to teach them. As an English rider, I was excited to learn a new approach and broaden my skill set. Instead, I was repeatedly belittled for not aligning perfectly with Isa’s style. Her tone was harsh, her comments were often demeaning, and I felt increasingly uncomfortable around her. When I tried to have a calm conversation to resolve misunderstandings, she brought in her husband, who raised his voice at me and made the situation feel even more hostile. Rather than listening, Isa focused on defending her behavior and minimizing my concerns. Throughout my stay, I felt unheard and dismissed. Meals were advertised as included, yet I was asked to cook for Isa and her entire family while she worked with the horses. Meanwhile, the other volunteer—who already had experience with natural horsemanship—was clearly favored and given more attention and instruction. Practicing skills she had learned in the retreat, receiving guidance and mentorship from Isa while I cooked for everyone. Overall I did not receive the positive, educational, community-focused experience that was promised. Instead, I left feeling like I had paid to be criticized, undervalued, and used for labor rather than taught. The emotional toll of the experience was significant, and I gained very little actual horsemanship or riding instruction from the program. If you value respectful teaching, constructive guidance, and a supportive environment, this is not the program I would recommend.

I had such an amazing time. The location is gorgeous and very relaxing, the horses are really well taken care of and friendly and Isa and her family make such wonderful hosts. My goal with this retreat was to get better at riding (I'm a beginner), learn more about horses and also to get away from the NYC craziness and this was just perfect. Every day had just the right amount of activity and down time. The food was humble and yummy (I usually have stomach problems and had no issues at all the whole week). I would definitively come back!

I had to come back it was so good here at Finca Soley! Very comfortable accommodations, wonderful experienced and kind riding instructor. Isa’s empathetic and positive vibe is everywhere on this retreat. She meets your riding skills where you are, helps you advance forward at a comfortable pace and manages to make everything work so nicely! Yoga with the gentle teachers are a great way to start each day. Milton has such a wide skill set and is especially knowledgeable about medicinal plants. The whole family is a joy to be around! Highly recommended!

My first solo trip was an unforgettable experience. I gained so many beautiful and interesting insights and am grateful that I was able to have this experience. It was a well-organised trip overall and I didn't have to worry about a thing. I really enjoyed the beautiful nature, Isa's training and, of course, the horses. I recommend it to everyone this is a life experience you don't want to miss. Thank you Isa & family for this wonderful experience.