If you love horses and have some general horse care experience our work study program offers you the opportunity to learn the basics of Natural Horsemanship through practical application.
The horses live in a lush jungle environment
Our 22 horses range in age from 1 year to 20+ years. They are trained using the Parelli method of Natural Horsemanship. While you are here you will:
- Have access to several levels of the Parelli program DVD’s to watch and learn from.
- Have access to our library on Natural Horsemanship and other horse related subjects.
- Have access to the Paelli Savvy Club site where you can find hundreds of articles, videos and other instructional materials.
- Have at least 4 hours per week of direct instruction in natural horsemanship techniques.
- Audit Parelli workshops, held at the farm, at no cost.
- Attend Parelli workshops, held here at the farm, for only the instructors fee.
- Get to know Parelli instructors during leisure time in the evenings of workshop days.
- Accompany us on the “Trek to the Beach” at a discounted rate as availability allows.
- Ride out on the myriad of trails through the mountains that surround the farm.
- Go on cultural expeditions to local farms and horse training facilities.
- Have practice time in the arena where you can try your new skills training the horses.
- Assist in routine veterinary care of the horses.
- Lean how to weigh and condition score the horses.
- Learn how to estimate a horses age.
- Lean horse hoof care and the basics of barefoot trimming.
Liz training Paloma
The training is focused on developing a relationship of trust and respect using the concepts of “Love, Language and Leadership” to create safe and reliable horses.
Trails lead for miles right from the farm
Their training includes taking them on trail rides through the mountains as well as arena work.
As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to help with all aspects of horse care.
Beach Ride on last day of the trek
We run multiple day horseback riding treks through the mountains from the farm to the beach that you can join for a discounted rate if availability allows.
Parelli Workshop in the Arena
Several times a year we host high level Parelli Professionals who teach two day workshops. As a work study volunteer you can audit these workshops for free and attend them using a farm horse for only the instructor’s fee.
Volunteers from all over the world, with a common interest and love of horses, share the beautiful main farm house.
Common Area of the Main Farm House
lots of room to cook
You will have access to a fully equipped kitchen in the house for your meal preparation. Groceries can be purchased in the nearby town, a short bus ride or taxi ride away, and fresh fruits and vegetables are delivered to the farm twice a week.
The cost for this program is only $150 per week. What a way to live in a tropical paradise and ride everyday! Please contact us for more details.
We look forward to hearing from you.
If you are interested in dressage and jumping check out my sister’s website www.establosanrafael and her volunteer program.
Hello from Colorado! I read about your horse internship and am very interested in applying, especially should you need help in the near future. I arrive in San Jose May 1. Is there an opportunity then? I grew up with horses and am familiar with general care (and loving). I got my first horse — a Welsh gelding named Strawberry — when I was 9. I rode Western (and bareback) for many years before trying English. I would love to work in the stables at Barking Horse Farm. Looking forward to hearing from you!
p.s. I also saw you on the Counch Surfing web site, which I joined. I recently left my job of 15 years as an administrator at a small private college and am looking for my next intellectual adventure in Costa Rica.
Dear lady or gentleman,
I am very interested in participating your volunteer project at the barking horse farm.
My name is Cornelia Kaatz, I am 24 years old and I live in Essen, Germany.
I would be pleased to work in the areas you are offering.
As I learned riding from an early age, to be precise 18 years ago, I would point out that this belongs to my special skills – riding and handling with animals.
I am interested in caring your horses and helping in teaching horse riding. I have got an own horse and I know that working with horses is the best thing on earth.
I speak some spanish and french as well.
During my studies to become a teacher I was able to get more soft skills.
Worth mentioning are the contact with persons, my ability to work in a
team and as well my ability to deal with conflicts.
I am working as a primary – school teacher an could just stay during the summer holidays. This would be the period from the 17.07.-14.08. 2010.
Many thanks for your
attention.
Yours sincerely
Cornelia Kaatz
Hi Cornelia, We would love to have you here as an intern. We have space in the summers. What dates would you like to come? Liz
Dear family,
We are a couple from north part of Romania, Transilvania. We are very interested in participating your volunteer project at the barking horse farm.
My name is Simina, I’m 26 years old and I’m a journalist. I have discovered my passion for horses since my childhood. My grandparents used to have horses. I have been riding since I was a child. I love horses very much, I used to say they are my best friends, they know how to look in your heart. I know how to treat them and to take care of them. I speak also French and a little Spanish and Italian.
My boyfriend Alex, he is 28 years old, he graduated The Sports and Physical Therapy Faculty. He also loves horses very much. He is a very nice and hardworking person. Alex speaks Hungarian, German and English. We would like to work for a longer period of time.
Thank you and best regards.
Simina and Alex