Reconnect with Nature · Discover Horses · Experience Farm Life
A week to slow down, learn something new and experience a different rhythm of life.
Monarab offers a small, personal educational immersion experience on a private Arabian horse farm in the mountains of Costa Rica, approximately 8 km from Monteverde.
This is not a conventional volunteer placement or a riding holiday. It is an opportunity to step away from everyday routines, immerse yourself in the world of horses, discover tropical farm life and enjoy a week surrounded by nature.
The experience combines education, practical activities, personal development and time to relax.
The programme is personally hosted by the owner of Monarab. Groups are deliberately limited to a minimum of two and a maximum of four participants, creating an intimate environment for individual attention, shared experiences and learning from one another.
The Experience
During your week at Monarab, you will experience the rhythms of a working tropical farm and discover a different way of understanding horses.
The educational programme combines practical activities, observation, discussion and personal reflection.
You will explore:
Horse behaviour, body language and communication.
Individual personalities, preferences and boundaries.
How to approach, groom and handle horses with awareness.
Recognising signs of discomfort, tension and pain.
Developing trust and cooperation without force or unnecessary pressure.
Horse care and management in a tropical environment.
Awareness, boundaries, trust and leadership.
The horses are not simply animals to be handled. They are individuals with their own personalities and ways of communicating.
No previous horse experience is necessary. All activities are introduced and guided personally.
Learning Themes
The week follows a series of interconnected themes. Activities may vary according to the participants, the horses and the needs of the farm.
Day 1 – Orientation & Awareness. Arrival, farm orientation, introduction to the horses and their environment. Discovering the daily routine and becoming familiar with the farm.
Day 2 – Boundaries & Communication. Understanding personal space, equine body language and individual boundaries. Learning how horses communicate and how to recognise their responses.
Day 3 – Trust & Cooperation. Grooming, hoof care and practical handling. Exploring how trust develops and how to encourage cooperation without force.
Day 4 – Observation & Understanding. Learning to observe horses as individuals. Recognising their preferences, social behaviour, expressions and reactions.
Day 5 – Care & Management. Practical horse care and an introduction to the particular challenges of managing horses in a tropical environment.
Day 6 – Leadership & Responsibility. Exploring calm, consistent leadership, awareness and responsibility when interacting with horses.
Day 7 – Reflection & Integration. Reviewing the week's experiences, exchanging observations and reflecting on what has been learned.
Life on the Farm
Monarab is a working private farm. Participants are invited to experience its daily rhythms and take part in practical activities.
Depending on the season and current farm projects, activities may include:
Grooming and washing horses.
Feeding and daily animal care.
Bringing horses to and from their pastures.
Stable and barn activities.
Greenhouse and garden work.
Maintaining water troughs and fencing.
Composting, landscaping and other practical farm projects.
Activities are selected according to the educational programme, participants' interests and the needs of the farm.
Daily Rhythm
Life on a horse farm starts early. The programme follows the natural rhythm of the animals and the farm.
A typical day:
6.00 am – Coffee and the start of the morning.
7.00 – 9.00 am – Meet at the barn and begin the daily routine with the horses.
9.00 am – Breakfast.
Late morning – Your own time: rest, explore the trails or enjoy an optional activity.
12.00 pm – Lunch (when you are on the farm) and personal time.
3.00 – 5.00 pm – Learning session, afternoon activities or specific farm projects.
5.00 – 6.00 pm – Feeding horses and dogs.
Evening – Dinner and shared time.
The programme is flexible. There is time to rest, enjoy the surroundings, read, talk, explore the farm or simply observe.
Accommodation & Services Included
Participants stay in a private, spacious farmhouse on the Monarab property, in two bedrooms with double beds.
The accommodation includes:
Seven nights in the farmhouse.
All meals, home-cooked: Costa Rican or simple Italian. Snacks and alcohol are not included.
Laundry service.
Internet access.
Use of the farm's facilities and trails.
The farmhouse is situated in a peaceful rural environment with beautiful natural surroundings and views of the Pacific.
Optional Wellbeing Experiences
For those who would like to complement their stay with additional activities, Monarab can arrange optional services with local professionals.
Depending on availability, these may include:
Private or small-group yoga sessions.
Individual massage treatments at the farmhouse.
Physiotherapy.
Other wellbeing activities by arrangement.
These services are optional and charged separately.
Optional Equestrian Activities
Horseback riding and riding lessons are not included in the educational programme and can be arranged separately, subject to availability.
Educational riding in the arena: US$50 per person for a 45-minute session.
Trail riding: US$50 per person per hour, with a minimum booking of two hours. For experienced riders only; we first see you ride in the arena.
Riding is subject to suitability and Monarab's safety requirements. Maximum rider weight: 180 lb (80 kg).
Optional riding must be booked and paid for separately. A helmet and appropriate riding equipment are required for participants who choose to ride.
Group Size & Booking Availability
Monarab deliberately keeps this experience small and personal.
Price: US$1,790 per person for 7 nights.
Minimum: 2 participants.
Maximum: 4 participants.
Bookings are arranged according to availability in the online calendar. There are no fixed weekly departure dates.
The small group format allows participants to share the experience, exchange ideas and learn from one another while receiving personal guidance.
Participant Requirements
Participants should:
Be in good general physical health and comfortable with practical outdoor activities.
Have a genuine interest in horses, nature and learning.
Be willing to participate, observe and respect the animals and their environment.
Follow instructions and respect Monarab's guidelines and standards.
Have valid travel insurance for the duration of their stay.
No previous horse experience is necessary.
Booking Requirements
A 50% deposit is required to confirm the reservation.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before arrival.
A copy of your passport is required.
Proof of valid travel insurance must be provided with the final payment.
A signed health declaration. We send it to you by email after booking.
All participants must respect Monarab's guidelines and standards, both indoors and outdoors.
Cancellation
More than 60 days before arrival: full refund. 60 days or less: 50% refund.
An Experience to Take Home
You will leave Monarab with more than practical knowledge of horse care.
You will have spent a week observing, learning, sharing experiences and discovering new ways of approaching horses and everyday life.
You may take home:
Greater awareness of horse behaviour and communication.
A deeper understanding of trust, boundaries and cooperation.
Practical knowledge of horse management in the tropics.
New perspectives on leadership and responsibility.
A renewed connection with nature.
Memories of a week shared with horses and people in the mountains of Costa Rica.
MONARAB – Reconnect with nature. Discover the world of horses. Experience a different rhythm of life.