Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this Saariselkä outing is its quiet pace. You ride your own Finnish horse along small forest trails, often through snow, with nothing much to hear but hooves and winter air. The horses are calm and well trained, so you can focus on the woods rather than worry about controlling your mount.

I like the tiny group size, limited to four people, and the care given to first-time riders. I also like the time after the ride, when hot drinks and refreshments give you a warm place to talk with your guide and meet the horses properly. The main drawback is transport: Polaris Point Horses is outside Saariselkä, and a taxi can add a serious extra cost.

Key points to know before booking

• At least 60 minutes on horseback: The full activity lasts two hours, including the briefing, preparation, ride, and time indoors afterward.
• Small groups of four: You get more personal help than on a large stable tour.
• Beginner-friendly Finnish horses: No previous riding experience is required, and the pace stays slow and relaxed.
• Maria may be your guide: She has received strong praise for explaining riding, forest life, animal tracks, and horse behavior.
• Plan transport in advance: The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä by car and 40 minutes from Ivalo.
• Dress for the Arctic: Wear proper outdoor clothing, regular winter walking shoes, and a small cap or scarf that fits under your helmet.

Riding Finnish horses through the Saariselkä woods

This is not a fast horseback adventure. It is a quiet forest ride built around steady horses, simple trails, and time outside. You follow your guide in a line, moving at a walking pace through the woods around Polaris Point Horses farm.

That slow pace is a real benefit in Lapland. You have time to notice snow-covered branches, animal tracks, and the shape of the forest instead of rushing from one photo stop to the next. In winter, the snow gives the ride a special hush. In autumn, the same outing offers a different view of the forest, with less focus on deep snow and more on the seasonal colors and open trails.

The horses are Finnish horses, described as gentle, strong, and easy to ride. You do not need previous experience. That said, riding is still a physical activity. You will sit in the saddle for at least an hour, climb onto the horse, and spend time outside in cold weather if you visit during winter.

I would choose this tour for its sense of calm. It is a good contrast to louder Lapland activities such as snowmobile trips or reindeer rides with larger groups. You are not simply looking at the forest from a vehicle. You are moving through it at the same pace as the animal beneath you.

What happens at Polaris Point Horses

When you arrive at the farm, you receive a helmet and meet the horses before riding. This first stage matters, especially if you have little or no riding experience. You can get used to the animals, listen to the instructions, and ask questions before you are in the saddle.

The guide explains how to ride and how to handle the horses. You are helped onto your horse, then the group sets off together. The horses follow one another in a line, with the guide leading the way and keeping the group moving at an easy pace.

The introduction is not just a quick safety talk. The strongest part of this activity is the personal attention. With only four participants, the guide can spend more time helping a beginner find a comfortable position or understand how to give simple riding instructions.

Maria is named by several people as a particularly warm and attentive guide. Her explanations cover more than the basics of riding. She has talked about the forest, the horses, the pecking order within the group, and animal tracks along the trail. If Maria is leading your departure, you can expect the ride to include local nature information as well as riding help.

The exact guide may vary, but the activity is offered in English and Finnish. That makes it practical for international visitors, while still giving Finnish-speaking riders a chance to enjoy the tour in their own language.

A slow trail ride, not a riding lesson

Once you leave the farm, you follow small trails into the woods. The ride lasts at least 60 minutes, with the full experience taking about two hours. The pace is deliberately relaxed. You will not be asked to gallop, race, or perform advanced riding exercises.

That makes this a good choice if you want to try horseback riding for the first time. The horses are described as calm and well behaved, and the guide keeps the group together. First-time riders can receive extra help without holding up a large crowd.

It is also a good fit for experienced riders who want a peaceful outing rather than a demanding ride. If you are used to cantering or long-distance trail riding, the pace may feel very gentle. This tour is about the forest and the atmosphere, not technical riding.

The group rides in a line, so you are not choosing your own route or setting your own speed. That is useful for safety and group control, but it limits independence. You should book this activity expecting a guided walking ride, not free riding through the wilderness.

The forest setting is the main attraction. The trail gives you a close view of the quiet woods, and in snowy months the horses move carefully through the white-covered ground. You might see tracks in the snow, depending on conditions, and the guide may point out signs of animals along the route.

Why the horses matter to the experience

The horses are more than transport. Meeting them before the ride helps you understand how the experience works. The Finnish horses are described as strong, gentle, and steady, qualities that are especially useful for beginners and for winter riding.

The guide can explain the horses’ behavior and group order, including which horse tends to lead and how the animals relate to one another. That small detail adds interest. You begin to see the ride as time spent with a group of working animals, not just a standard outdoor excursion.

The care shown toward the horses is also an important part of the appeal. The available information describes them as well looked after, well trained, and calm. For many people, that will matter as much as the scenery.

Still, horses have their own habits and personalities. You should listen carefully during the introduction and follow the guide’s instructions. The fact that an animal is gentle does not mean you can treat it like a toy. Keep your movements calm, and let the guide manage the line.

Warm drinks after the ride

After returning to the farm, you go indoors for hot drinks and refreshments. This is a welcome finish, especially during the cold season. A warm drink gives you time to thaw out, talk about the ride, and reflect on the experience before heading back to Saariselkä.

I like this ending because it keeps the outing from feeling rushed. You are not simply dismounting and leaving. The indoor break gives the guide a chance to answer questions, and you get a little more time around the farm and horses.

The refreshments are included, but the exact food and drink selection is not specified. Think of them as a simple warm finish rather than a full meal. You should eat beforehand if you need lunch or substantial fuel.

Price, timing, and the real cost

The listed price is $170 per person for two hours. That is not a cheap short activity, so the value depends on what you want from your Lapland visit.

You are paying for a small group, a personal horse, a professional guide, riding instruction, at least an hour on the trail, a helmet, and hot drinks afterward. A group of four gives you a more personal experience than a large stable outing, and that can justify part of the price.

The setting also matters. This is not simply a short ride in a fenced paddock. You spend time on forest trails in the Arctic environment, with the horses carrying you through the woods at a natural pace.

Transport can change the total cost. The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo if you drive yourself. Transfers are not included. One booking reported paying €90 for a round-trip taxi from Holiday Club Saariselkä, though taxi prices can vary. I would arrange a taxi well in advance rather than assume you can find one at the last minute.

If you have a rental car, driving is more straightforward, but you still need to allow for the distance and winter road conditions. The meeting point is the Polaris Point Horses farm itself, not a central Saariselkä pickup point.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility. Check the available starting times when you book, since the activity has set departures rather than an open arrival window.

What to wear for an Arctic horse ride

Outdoor clothing is not included, so you need to arrive prepared. Wear warm layers suitable for the weather, with enough room to move comfortably in the saddle.

Regular winter walking shoes are recommended. Avoid moonboots, very large shoes, or anything that makes it hard to place your feet properly. Your hat must fit under the riding helmet, so choose a small cap or use a scarf to cover your head.

A useful clothing plan includes:

• Warm base layers
• A winter jacket and trousers
• Regular winter walking shoes
• Gloves that allow you to hold the reins
• A small cap or scarf that fits beneath the helmet

The helmet is supplied and must be worn during the ride. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. You should also prepare for the fact that the cold may feel stronger once you are moving slowly rather than walking quickly.

Who should book this ride?

This activity suits adults and older children who want a peaceful nature outing and have little or no horse-riding experience. It works especially well for couples, families with eligible children, and small groups of friends who prefer quiet scenery to high-speed thrills.

The official age restriction says the activity is not suitable for children under 12. Some past bookings included younger children, but that does not override the stated policy. If your child is under 12, contact the provider before booking rather than relying on an older account.

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms. These restrictions are important for rider safety, horse welfare, and the practical limits of the equipment.

You should also consider your comfort with cold weather and sitting on a horse for at least an hour. If you want an active, fast-moving tour, this may feel too slow. If you want a quiet way to see the forest and spend time with well-trained horses, it is a strong match.

The best seasons for the ride

Winter is likely to be the most striking time for a first visit. Snow-covered trails and trees give the ride its classic Lapland feel, and the quiet becomes even more noticeable. You need to take the cold seriously, though, especially while moving at a walking pace.

Autumn offers a different kind of beauty, with the forest changing season and less emphasis on snow. A September ride can still provide the same calm trail experience, just with different conditions underfoot and in the trees.

The tour is not limited to one season in the information provided. If you are returning to Saariselkä, a ride in another season could make the familiar forest feel new. The basic character remains the same: a small group, Finnish horses, a guide, and an unhurried route.

Should you book the Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a gentle, personal way to experience the woods near Saariselkä. The calm Finnish horses, small group, careful instruction, and quiet trail pace make this a particularly good option for beginners.

I would also book it if you value the human side of an activity. The guide can explain the horses, local nature, and animal tracks, while the hot drinks afterward give the outing a warm, social finish.

Think twice if the $170 price is already stretching your budget, especially after adding a taxi. Also skip it if you want speed, independent riding, or a longer day in the saddle.

For the right person, this is one of the more peaceful ways to spend two hours in Lapland. Arrange your transport early, dress properly, and expect a slow forest ride rather than an adrenaline activity.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The full activity lasts two hours. This includes the introduction, preparation, at least 60 minutes of riding in the forest, and hot drinks and refreshments at the farm.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $170 per person.

Is previous horse-riding experience required?

No. You receive an introduction to riding and help getting into the saddle. The horses are described as steady, calm, and suitable for beginners.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to four participants.

Where does the tour meet?

You check in at the Polaris Point Horses farm.

Is transport from Saariselkä included?

No. Transport to and from the farm is not included. The location is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo by car.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is offered in English and Finnish.

What should I wear?

Wear suitable outdoor clothing for the weather, regular winter walking shoes, and a small cap or scarf that fits under the helmet. Do not wear moonboots, very large shoes, or a very large hat.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. A helmet is included for the duration of the ride.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 12 are listed as not suitable for this activity. Pregnant women and people over 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms, are also listed as not suitable.