Natural Horsemanship & Liberty Retreat

A week of connection, communication, and fine riding.

Spend seven days in the mountains of Costa Rica, immersed in the principles of natural horsemanship and liberty work.

This retreat is designed to deepen your understanding of the horse, learn how horses communicate and move.

Training Approach

Each day includes both groundwork and riding.

You will work with the horses doing groundwork, building up to liberty, and can experience bareback and bridless riding The focus lies on building a willing, attentive partner through body language, timing, and intention.

We focus on creating a shared language and understanding.

For All Levels

Suitable for beginners and experienced horse people.

The training is adapted individually, allowing you to progress from your current level. Whether you are building confidence or want to experience liberty & neckrope riding.

Small Groups, Real Learning

We work in small groups of maximum 8 participants,
with no more than 4 riders per riding session.

This allows for focused guidance, quiet learning, and real progress throughout the week.

The Setting

Set in the mountains, surrounded by nature, the environment supports a different rhythm, one that allows both horse and human to settle, focus, and connect.

Yoga & Additional Elements

Alongside the horse work, the retreat is complemented by daily yoga sessions guided by a professional teacher. The practice follows a journey through the chakra system, supporting balance, body awareness, and mental clarity — creating a strong foundation for your work with the horse.

Selected excursions, including a visit to local farmers markets and nearby natural hot springs, offer moments to unwind and experience the richness of the region in a calm and intentional way.

Summary

• 6 nights / 7 days at Finca Soley

• Daily groundwork and riding

• Morning Yoga

• Local Tours

• Small group setting with individual guidance

• Suitable for all levels

• transfers & entries inclusive

Horse Connection & Liberty Training

Step into a different way of working with horses: quieter, more precise, and based on soft communication.

Working closely with one horse throughout the week, you begin to notice the small details: how intention changes movement, how timing creates understanding, and how little it actually takes for a horse to stay with you.

Liberty

At liberty, there is nothing to hold on to.

No ropes, no physical connection: only your presence, your clarity, and your consistency. It’s where communication becomes visible, and where the horse chooses to stay, not because it has to, but because it wants to.

The Experience

Connect with a horse, with yourself and nature. A week to reset, develop and thrive.

🌿 Retreat Booking Terms & Conditions

Please read the following carefully before confirming your booking:

1. Payment & Booking Policy

• A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
   
• The remaining 75% balance is due 10 days prior to your arrival and must be paid via bank transfer or online payment.
   
• Once your booking is confirmed, your registration is considered binding and supports our long-term planning and preparation for your stay.
   

2. Non-Refundable Policy

• All payments are strictly non-refundable.
   
• This includes cancellations, early departures, no-shows, or termination of participation for any reason—including if you are asked to leave due to a breach of our house or community rules.
   
• The full fee for the period you booked remains due upon arrival, regardless of any changes to your plans.
   

3. Rescheduling Option

• If you are unable to attend your booked dates, we are happy to help you reschedule your stay within one year, subject to availability.
   

👉 By placing your booking, you agree to these terms and conditions.

🌿 What to Pack for Your Retreat

Here’s a list of essentials to help you feel prepared, comfortable, and connected during your time with us:

🐴 For Riding

• Riding pants (at least one comfortable pair)
   
• Closed shoes or boots suitable for riding
   
• Riding helmet (we have plenty available on the farm if you don't have your own)
   

🧘 For Yoga & Daily Comfort

• Yoga clothes
   
• Comfortable, layered clothing for cooler evenings
   
• Clothes suitable for day trips or excursions
   

👟 Footwear

• Sneakers or hiking boots (for nature walks or hikes)
   
• Flip-flops, sandals, or other easy shoes for relaxing
   

🌞 Sun & Insect Protection

• Light long-sleeve shirts (great for sun and bug protection)
   
• Cap or sunhat
   
• Sunscreen (eco-friendly if possible)
   
• Insect repellent
   

🧼 Toiletries & Essentials

• Shampoo
  
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and your usual personal care items
   

🌊 Other Useful Items

• Swimsuit
   
• Flashlight or headlamp
   
• Reusable water bottle (ideally with a carabiner clip)
   
• Small backpack (for day trips)
   
• Bum bag or belt pouch (optional, but handy)
   

🩹 Personal Extras

• Basic personal first-aid kit (plasters, ointment, charcoal tablets, etc.)
   
• Notebook and pen (for theory lessons, journaling, and reflection)
   

📞 Contact

• Save our number: +506 8369 4339

Book your flight to SJO - Juan Santamaria San Jose, Costa Rica. 

 Look out for the Finca Soley sign at the airport!
We recommend arriving in the morning or around midday if possible.

If you're flying in from overseas, you might want to consider arriving a day before the retreat begins to give yourself time to settle in. You can book extra nights with us or choose to stay at a nearby hotel in San José or close to the airport.

Our Retreats are designed to be combined. If you like to book an extended stay, please contact us to receive a special offer on staying for both retreats.

Contact s if you wish to book the retreat on a different date. 

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 (190 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.

Day 1

3pm: Farm Tour

We take you on a walk through our tropical mountain farm and you will learn about eatable and medicinal plants we grow here.

4.30pm: Tea Circle

Pick a leave from our medicinal garden to prepare your herbal tea. We will sit together to meet and set goals, share wishes for the retreat.

6:30 pm: Dinner

Day 2

6.15 am: tea

6:30 am: Yoga 

8 am: breakfast

9 am: Theory Lesson

What is Natural Horsemanship?

10 am: Horse Connection Lesson

Ground Work: All students will be paired up with a horse/pony and we learn   the basic principles on how to communicate with our horses using body language

12 am: lunch

3 pm: Awareness Trail Ride

We ride out, practicing presence with our horses and discover the stunning views of  the area.

6:30: Dinner

Day 3

6:15 am: tea

6:30 am: Yoga

8 am: breakfast

9 am: Horse Connection Lesson

Ground Work: Learn how to move with your horse using body language and energy

11 am: lunch

Tour of Choice: Example Hot Spings

12 pm: Orosi Hot Springs

We take a car ride down passing the beautiful lake of Cachi to the volcanic thermal springs of Orosi. The installations also host a coffeetour included. 

6 pm: dinner

Day 4

6:30 am: Yoga 

8 am: breakfast

9 am: Bitless Riding Lesson

Riding Lesson: Riding with one rope. Mounting with mounting block, move your horse using energy and body language from the saddle

12 am: lunch

3 pm: Liberty Horse Connection Class 

We join the herd on the pasture. 

4 pm: Theory Lessons on horse psychology

6 pm: dinner

Day 5

6.15: tea

6:30 am: Yoga 

8 am: breakfast

9 am: Bitless Riding Lesson

Riding Lesson: Balanced seat, smooth transitions with seat aids

12 am: lunch

Afternoon off to relax by the pool.

Or: Book a massage or private riding lesson.

6:00 pm: Dinner

 Day 6

6.15 am: tea

6:30 am: Yoga 

8 am: breakfast

9 am: Liberty Workshop

Ground work: Liberty one on one lesson

11 am: Theory Lesson

Understanding and using of different trainings tools and methods

12 am: lunch

2 pm: Bitless Riding Lesson

Riding: neck riding for advanced riders, obstacles for beginners

6:00 pm: Dinner

 Day 7

8 am: breakfast

9 am: Summary - closing