Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

Saariselkä’s forest is at its best from the back of a Finnish horse. This slow, quiet ride trades engine noise and crowds for hoofbeats, snowy trees, and clean Arctic air. You ride your own horse in a line, with a guide setting the pace and helping you feel secure.

I like the small group of up to four and the calm, well-trained horses. I also like that the activity gives beginners proper instruction instead of simply putting you in a saddle and sending you off. The main catch is transport: Polaris Point Horses is outside Saariselkä, and there is no transfer included.

Key points

• At least 60 minutes on horseback: The two-hour visit includes preparation, riding, and time indoors afterward.
• Finnish horses suited to beginners: The horses are described as steady, gentle, and easy to handle.
• Small groups of four: You get more personal attention than on a large stable ride.
• Forest trails, not a fast riding lesson: The pace is relaxed and the route focuses on quiet nature.
• Maria may lead your outing: She is praised for explaining horse behavior, local nature, and animal tracks.
• Plan your own transport: The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä by car and 40 minutes from Ivalo.

Why a quiet horse ride works so well in Lapland

Many Saariselkä activities are built around speed: snowmobiles, husky sleds, and reindeer rides. This one asks you to slow down. That is the whole point.

From the saddle, you move at walking pace through small forest trails. The rhythm is simple: horse steps, snow underfoot, a little conversation, then long stretches of silence. If you want an active thrill ride, this is not it. If you want to notice the woods, it is a fine choice.

The setting also makes the ride feel different from an ordinary stable outing. In winter, the forest can be covered in snow, and the horses work carefully through the trail. In autumn or early winter, you may see a quieter, less snowy version of the same woods. One of the appealing details here is that the experience changes with the season, so repeat visitors would get a genuinely different view.

You are not promised wildlife sightings, northern lights, or a particular kind of weather. What you do get is time outdoors in a very peaceful setting, guided by people who know the horses and the surrounding area.

Meeting the Finnish horses at Polaris Point Horses

Your visit begins at the farm, where you meet the horses before riding. This first stage matters, especially if you have little or no experience with horses. You receive a helmet, hear how to behave around the animals, and get basic instructions for riding and handling your horse.

The horses are Finnish horses, known here for being steady and strong. The supplied information describes them as calm and well trained, while detailed feedback praises their gentle nature and careful movement through snow. You are also introduced to the horses’ behavior and place within the group. That can help explain why one horse walks ahead, why another follows, and how the line stays orderly.

This is not a private lesson with a long series of riding exercises. The briefing is practical and aimed at getting you ready for the trail. You are helped into the saddle, then the group sets out behind the guide.

For a first-time rider, that format is reassuring. You do not need to arrive knowing how to steer or control a horse. You do need to listen, stay calm, and follow the guide’s instructions. The ride is intended for beginners, but it still helps to be honest about your comfort level before you start.

At least 60 minutes through the forest

The ride itself lasts at least an hour, with the complete visit taking about two hours. The route uses small woodland trails rather than busy roads or open traffic routes. You ride in a line, each person on their own horse, while the professional guide leads from the front.

The pace is deliberately slow. There is no racing and no promise of a faster gait. That may sound limiting, but it is a good match for snowy conditions and new riders. You have time to watch the horse’s movement, take in the trees, and settle into the saddle instead of worrying about keeping up.

The guide may also point out details you would miss from a vehicle. Maria, a guide associated with this experience, has been praised for explaining the forest, horse behavior, and animal tracks along the route. That kind of commentary adds purpose to the quiet sections. You are not only being taken through the woods; you are learning how to read a little of what is around you.

Expect the horses to choose careful footing when the trail is snowy. They may step through deeper snow and uneven sections at their own measured pace. You should not expect a polished performance or a dramatic route. The charm lies in the ordinary details: the horse ahead of you, snow-covered branches, and the soft sound of movement through the trees.

The ride is also a good option if your group has mixed experience. New riders can receive extra attention, while more confident riders still get the pleasure of spending time outdoors. Since the group is capped at four, the guide has a better chance of noticing if someone is uncomfortable or needs help.

What the two-hour schedule feels like

The advertised duration includes more than saddle time. Plan on a sequence like this:

• Arrival and check-in at Polaris Point Horses
• Helmet fitting and an introduction to the horses
• Instructions on riding and handling a Finnish horse
• Help getting into the saddle
• At least 60 minutes on the forest trail
• Return to the farm for hot drinks and refreshments

That structure makes the outing feel less rushed than the headline duration might suggest. You get time to meet the animals and understand what you are doing before the ride begins. At the end, you can warm up indoors and talk through the experience with the guide and the rest of the small group.

The refreshments are simple rather than a full meal. Still, hot drinks are welcome after an hour outside in Arctic weather. Do not plan this as a food tour or a long farm visit. The horses and the forest are the main event.

The cold-weather details you should take seriously

You are responsible for your outdoor clothing, and this is one part of the booking you should not treat casually. The activity takes place outdoors in Lapland, and sitting on a horse for an hour can feel colder than walking for an hour.

Wear proper winter outdoor clothing suited to the weather. Regular winter walking shoes are recommended. Avoid moonboots, very large footwear, and oversized hats, since your shoes need to work safely with the stirrups and your headwear must fit under the helmet.

A small cap or scarf can help cover your head beneath the helmet. You should also make sure your clothing allows you to move your arms and legs. Bulky layers are useful in the cold, but extreme bulk can make mounting and riding less comfortable.

There is no indication that outdoor clothing is supplied, so arrive dressed rather than expecting to borrow a complete winter outfit. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Children under 12, pregnant women, and people over 115 kilograms, or 254 pounds, cannot take part.

Getting to the farm from Saariselkä

Polaris Point Horses is not in central Saariselkä. If you drive your own car, allow about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and about 40 minutes from Ivalo. The meeting point is the farm itself, so you need to arrange your route before the activity begins.

Transfers are not included. This is the biggest practical drawback for visitors staying in resort accommodation without a car. Taxi availability and price can vary, and a return taxi from Holiday Club Saariselkä has been reported at around 90 euros. Treat that as a warning about possible cost, not as a fixed fare. Confirm the current price and book the ride ahead of time.

The $170 per person price is therefore not the full door-to-door cost unless you already have transport. For a small group, the ride can still be good value because it includes a personal guide, equipment, instruction, refreshments, and at least an hour on horseback. But you should add transport before comparing it with other Saariselkä activities.

The small group is a real part of that value. With only four participants, the guide can give individual help and keep the ride calm. A cheaper large-group ride may offer more departure times, but it will not necessarily give the same level of attention to first-time riders.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would choose this for a couple, family with older children, or small group of friends looking for a quiet outdoor activity. It is especially suitable if you have never ridden before and want a careful introduction rather than a demanding lesson.

The ride also suits experienced riders who are happy to stay at a walking pace. You will not be training for a long-distance trek or practicing advanced riding. The reward is the setting and the connection with the horse, not speed or technical challenge.

Families should note the minimum age of 12. A booking from a family with younger children described children aged 10 and 7 enjoying the ride, but the stated age rule says children under 12 are not suitable. Follow the official restriction rather than relying on an isolated situation.

You may want to skip this if you dislike cold weather, have trouble sitting in a saddle, or want a high-energy excursion. You should also think twice if you are uncomfortable around animals or prefer a fully provided package with hotel pickup and winter clothing.

Guide quality and the feel of a small group

A guide can make or break a beginner horse ride. Here, the guide handles the briefing, leads the group, explains how to manage the horses, and watches the riders on the trail. Maria is specifically associated with warm, clear instruction and explanations about the forest, animals, and horse hierarchy.

That last detail is more useful than it may sound. Horses have their own social order, and understanding it helps you make sense of the group’s behavior. If one horse is especially interested in another or prefers a certain place in line, the guide can explain what is happening instead of leaving you puzzled.

The language options are English and Finnish. With a maximum of four people, questions should be easier to ask and answer than on a large excursion. The guide can also give newer riders more help when mounting, steering, or keeping a comfortable position.

Do not mistake a friendly guide for a private instructor. You are still part of a group, and the horses set the rhythm. The benefit is a shared, orderly ride with enough support to keep beginners comfortable.

Is $170 a fair price?

At $170 per person, this is not a budget activity. The value depends on what you want from a Lapland outing.

You are paying for more than a short photo opportunity. The price includes a helmet, an introduction to riding, your own horse, at least 60 minutes in the forest, a professional local guide, and hot drinks afterward. The group limit of four also gives the experience a more personal feel.

The cost is easier to justify if horseback riding is a major reason you want to visit Lapland. It is also attractive if you have already done the big motorized activities and want something quiet and different. The experience is less compelling if you only want to check horseback riding off a list and can find a larger, shorter ride elsewhere.

Add the taxi cost before deciding. For visitors with their own car, the price looks more straightforward. For those staying in Saariselkä and needing a taxi, transport can change the final total by a lot.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start gives you some protection if the weather or your plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging several activities in advance.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring outdoor clothing, winter walking shoes, and a small hat or scarf that fits under the helmet. Keep your footwear compact enough to work safely with the stirrups.

Leave very large boots and oversized hats at your accommodation. You should also leave alcohol and drugs behind, as they are not allowed. The farm supplies the riding helmet, so you do not need to bring one.

Because the ride is slow and scenic, you may want a camera, but use it sensibly. Your hands and attention are needed for riding, and cold conditions can make handling a phone awkward. The safest approach is to enjoy the trail first and take photos when the guide allows a pause.

Should you book the Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a peaceful forest ride, you are comfortable dressing for Arctic weather, and you can arrange transport to the farm. The calm Finnish horses, four-person limit, patient instruction, and time on the trail make this a strong choice for beginners.

Think carefully before booking if you need hotel pickup, supplied clothing, or an energetic ride. The $170 price becomes less attractive once you add a taxi, and the pace is intentionally gentle.

For me, the best reason to choose this outing is its quiet character. You get to notice the horses, the trees, the snow, and the rhythm of the trail. That is a welcome change from the louder side of Lapland, and it gives you a more personal way to spend two hours outdoors.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The full experience lasts about two hours. At least 60 minutes is spent riding through the forest, with the remaining time used for arrival, instruction, preparing the horses, and hot drinks afterward.

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No. The tour includes a detailed introduction to riding, and the horses are described as steady, calm, and suitable for beginners.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to four participants.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is available in English and Finnish.

Where does the tour meet?

You check in at Polaris Point Horses farm.

Is transport from Saariselkä included?

No. You must arrange your own transport to and from the farm. The location is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä by car and 40 minutes from Ivalo.

What should I wear?

Wear suitable outdoor clothing for the weather and regular winter walking shoes. Avoid moonboots, very large shoes, and hats that cannot fit under a riding helmet. A small cap or scarf is recommended.