Have you always dreamed of working with horses in paradise? Time to pack your bags. At this small horse care centre in the heart of stunning Costa Rica, you’ll have the chance not only to work closely with horses, but to completely transform the way you ride and connect with them.
You’ll live on a friendly, eco-conscious horse farm alongside other volunteers. What will you be doing? A bit of everything. Think caring for a whole herd of horses, mucking out stables, feeding, grooming, cleaning tack, and all those hands-on, satisfying tasks. In return, you’ll receive lessons in both riding and trust-based horse training because who doesn’t want to learn the secrets of happy, respectful horsemanship and bring that knowledge home?
As if that’s not enough, Costa Rica offers some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see. On weekends, you can head out and explore beautiful beaches and volcano hikes.
If you’re keen to brush up on your Spanish, you can even combine this project with a fun language course.
Your day begins at 6:30am with morning stable duties. At 8:00am, enjoy a hearty local breakfast to fuel your day. After that, it’s time to get involved in training sessions or take part in workshops held on the farm.
In the afternoon, you might join a Spanish class, help with sustainable projects, or spend time maintaining saddles and gear. There’s always something meaningful to do!
Working Hours
Approximately 5 hours per day, 5 days a week. The hours are spread throughout the day.
Colleagues / Who You’ll Work With
The project is owned and run by a German-Nicaraguan family who live and work on the farm. Local staff are employed, including a cook, a cleaner, and gardeners. There are usually 2 to 6 international volunteers helping out at any given time.
Language Spoken on the Project
You can speak English, Spanish, or German on this project. Spanish isn’t a requirement, but it’s a great opportunity to learn it while you're in Costa Rica. One of the unique things about this project is that it’s totally doable with just English.
Holiday Periods
This project is not available in May and June.
Accommodation
There’s a newly built volunteer house with modern facilities like hot showers and quality beds. Shared rooms accommodate up to 4 volunteers. You can upgrade to a semi-private or private room if you prefer. A laundry service is available on the farm for $4 AUD. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas. A Costa Rican chef will prepare meals for guests and volunteers. Volunteers are asked to help with the dishes and will need to heat up their pre-prepared dinners (and occasionally lunch).
Transport To and From the Project
You’ll stay on-site at the project.
Airport Pick-up
Airport transfer is included on arrival. If you’d like a return transfer, this is available for $169. A transfer to the San José bus station is available for $140 (base price, no commission).
*All prices are in AUD.
Free Time
Have a look at the additional trips to see all the amazing things you can do in your spare time! Since you’re in such a beautiful location, it’s the perfect chance to explore more of the country while you’re here.
Your Local Contact
Hi, I’m Isa Avendaño. I live on Finca Soley with my husband Milton and our three children. We founded the farm in 2014. I came to Costa Rica in 2012 with a passion for horses and sustainable living. I’ve studied Parelli Natural Horsemanship and classical dressage. I believe horses should be our equal partners in training, and I love developing alongside my horses and students. I look forward to welcoming volunteers from all over the world and sharing my love and passion for horses with them.
We’re looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteers to join this unique horse project, set on a beautiful ecological farm in the heart of Costa Rica. If you love working with horses and embrace a sustainable lifestyle, this opportunity offers hands-on experience in horse care, riding, and eco-farming while being part of a passionate team dedicated to nature and animal welfare.
This project is ideal for volunteers aged 17 and over who have a love for horses and nature or who are eager to learn more about natural horsemanship.
Passion for Horses and Sustainability
A strong interest in working with horses and supporting an eco-conscious farm.
Physical Fitness
Able to take part in active tasks such as grooming horses, mucking out stables, feeding, and general farm upkeep.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Willing to work in varied conditions, adapt to changing schedules, and open to learning new skills.
Team Spirit
Ready to collaborate with a close-knit team of international volunteers and local staff.
Communication Skills
Able to work well with the local community, fellow volunteers, and project coordinators.
As a volunteer at this horse project in Costa Rica, you’ll enjoy an inspiring and diverse experience. Your daily tasks will include caring for a herd of horses, mucking out stables, feeding and grooming, and maintaining saddles and tack. In exchange for your help, you’ll receive riding lessons and liberty training sessions, learning techniques you can take home with you.
Your work hours are spread throughout the day, giving you plenty of free time to explore Costa Rica’s stunning natural beauty, from breathtaking beaches and majestic volcanoes to lush jungles. You’ll live on the ecological farm in a comfortable volunteer house with modern amenities, including hot water and Wi-Fi in the common areas. You’ll share the accommodation with other international volunteers, offering a great opportunity to make new friends and share unforgettable experiences.
In your downtime, you can explore Costa Rica, take part in local cultural activities or even join a Spanish course. This project offers more than just a hands-on experience with horses, it’s a chance to be part of a sustainable and mindful way of living.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
Average cost for a 5 week stay = $1095
3 weeks of volunteer work: $3769
Extra week: $855
*All prices are in AUD.
Before departure
Online introductory meeting
Information pack with details about the culture and customs in Costa Rica, plus a checklist of everything you need to prepare, including insurance, finances and travel tips
Pre-departure training
Assistance with applying for a Police Check (VOG)
Access to our online community
Help booking your flight (on request)
During your trip
Airport transfer to the project
On-site orientation
Ongoing support throughout your stay
Accommodation in a hostel or hotel
Meals provided
After your trip
Reflection and feedback session
Certificate (on request)
The chance to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Flights
Vaccinations
Visa
Police Check (VOG)
Travel insurance
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