Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this Saariselkä outing is its quiet pace. You ride your own calm Finnish horse along small forest trails, with only the steady hoofbeats and winter air breaking the silence. No riding experience is needed, and the group is limited to four people.

I like the personal attention from guides such as Maria, who explains horse behavior, forest life, and animal tracks along the way. I also like the warm finish indoors with hot drinks and refreshments. The main drawback is transport: Polaris Point Horses is outside Saariselkä, and you must arrange your own way there and back.

Key points to know before you ride

• Small group of up to four: You get a quieter outing and more direct help than on a large horse trek.
• Finnish horses with calm temperaments: The horses are introduced before you ride, and the guide explains how to handle them.
• At least 60 minutes on the trail: The full experience lasts two hours, including the safety briefing and refreshments.
• A true beginner-friendly pace: You ride in a line at a slow, relaxed speed, with no need to trot or race.
• A rural meeting point: The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo by car.
• Bring practical winter gear: Regular winter walking shoes work better than moonboots, and your hat must fit under the helmet.

Meeting the Finnish horses at Polaris Point

Your visit begins at Polaris Point Horses farm, not in central Saariselkä. That location matters. You are heading to a working horse setting near the forest rather than joining a quick photo stop beside a resort.

The first step is getting acquainted with the horses. You receive a helmet and an introduction to basic riding and horse handling. The guide helps you into the saddle, checks that you are comfortable, and explains what to do once the line begins moving.

This introduction is especially useful if you have never ridden before. The Finnish horses are described as steady, gentle, and well trained, and the guide pays close attention to new riders. You are not expected to arrive knowing how to steer, stop, or manage a horse.

The horses are part of the experience, not just transport. Time spent meeting them helps you understand their temperaments and the order they follow in the group. Maria has been praised for explaining the horses’ pecking order, which is a small but interesting detail that can make the ride feel more natural.

The group size is one of the strongest features here. With no more than four participants, the guide can keep an eye on each rider and answer questions without shouting across a crowd. That makes a real difference when you are nervous, bundled in winter clothing, or learning the basics for the first time.

Riding slowly through the Arctic forest

Once everyone is settled, the horses follow small trails into the woods. The ride lasts at least 60 minutes, but the whole visit takes two hours because it includes the briefing, preparation, and time indoors after the trail.

This is not a fast horseback adventure. You ride at a slow pace in a line behind the guide. The stated aim is relaxation, and the route is designed for looking around, breathing the clean air, and enjoying the stillness of the forest.

That makes this a good match for you if you want a gentle way to see Lapland away from snowmobiles, crowds, and engines. The horses’ hooves create a quiet rhythm, and the lack of traffic gives the outing a calm, almost meditative feel.

In winter, the forest can be covered in snow, with the horses carefully making their way along snowy trails. The scenery is the main attraction, but the ride also gives you a different view of the woods than you get from a marked walking route. You are seated above the trail, moving at animal pace, with time to notice the trees and tracks.

The guide may point out signs of animals along the route. This adds useful context without turning the ride into a formal wildlife tour. You should not book it expecting guaranteed animal sightings. The value is in seeing the forest closely and learning how to read small clues in the snow or along the trail.

The slow pace can be a plus or a minus. I like it because it suits the setting and keeps the ride manageable for beginners. If you already ride regularly and want open-country cantering or a more active trail session, this will probably feel too restrained.

What the ride feels like for beginners

You do not need previous riding experience, but you should still expect a physical activity. Sitting in a saddle for an hour can be tiring, and winter clothing can make mounting and movement feel less familiar.

The guide provides a detailed introduction before you leave. This is where you learn how to give simple instructions and how to behave around the horse. The guide also leads the group, so you are not left to find your way through the woods.

The horses are described as easy to ride and control, but every horse has its own character. Listen carefully to the briefing and follow the guide’s instructions. Staying in line and keeping a sensible distance from the horse ahead helps the whole group move smoothly.

The experience is officially not suitable for children under 12. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or people over 115 kilograms, which is about 254 pounds. These limits should be taken seriously when you decide if the activity fits your group.

There is one point worth noting about the published age rule. A past booking included younger children, but the current stated condition says no children under 12. For planning purposes, use the official limit and ask Polaris Point Horses directly if your family situation is unusual.

Winter clothing and the small shoe detail

Outdoor clothing is not included, so you need to arrive dressed for the weather. Lapland conditions can be cold, and sitting on horseback for a slow hour means you are not generating as much body heat as you would while hiking.

Wear warm layers, a proper winter jacket, gloves, and clothing that allows you to sit comfortably. The farm specifically recommends regular winter walking shoes rather than moonboots or very large footwear. Bulky shoes may not fit safely in the stirrups.

Your headwear must also work with the helmet. A small cap or scarf that covers your head is recommended, but a very large hat will not fit. This is an easy detail to miss, so keep your headgear compact.

The helmet is supplied for the ride. Outdoor clothing is not. That division is simple, but it affects the price calculation. At $170 per person, you are paying for the guide, horse, preparation, trail time, and refreshments, not a complete clothing package.

The indoor finish with hot drinks

After the forest ride, you return to the farm and go indoors for hot drinks and refreshments. This is more useful than it may sound. A warm drink gives you time to thaw out, settle down, and talk through the ride before heading back into the cold.

It also gives the outing a proper ending. You are not simply helped off a horse and sent away. The indoor pause lets you ask final questions about the horses and the area, and it gives the guide a chance to make sure everyone is comfortable.

The refreshments are modest, not a full meal. If you need lunch or dinner, plan that separately. Think of this part as a warm-up and a friendly close to the visit rather than a dining experience.

Transport from Saariselkä and Ivalo

The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo when driving your own car. Transfers are not included, so transport needs to be arranged before the day of the ride.

This is the biggest practical weakness of the experience. A taxi can add a noticeable amount to the cost, especially for a small party. One booking from Holiday Club Saariselkä reported paying about €90 for a return taxi, though fares can vary by pickup point and timing.

Do not leave the return ride until the last minute. Arrange a taxi in advance and allow enough time for the drive. If you are staying in Ivalo, the longer distance makes the transfer issue even more important.

For the right visitor, the remote setting is part of the appeal. You get a forest experience rather than a resort activity beside your hotel. Still, the total cost is $170 per person plus transport, so compare the full price with other Lapland outings before booking.

Is $170 a fair price?

At first glance, $170 for two hours may seem high. The value becomes clearer when you separate the two-hour booking from the amount of active riding. You receive at least 60 minutes on your own horse, plus the introduction, mounting help, guide service, helmet, and hot drinks.

The four-person maximum is also important. Small groups cost more to operate, but they give you more attention and a calmer setting. If you are a first-time rider, that personal help may be worth more than a cheaper ride with a large group.

The price is strongest for someone who values peace, instruction, and contact with the horses. It is less compelling if you only want a quick snowy photo or a high-energy activity. You are paying for a quiet forest outing and careful handling, not speed or thrills.

The repeated praise for the horses’ calm nature and the guides’ attention supports the price. Maria, in particular, is known for explaining the forest, wildlife signs, and horse behavior while riding. That turns the outing into more than a standard ride around a short paddock.

Still, remember the extras. Outdoor clothing and transport are separate. For a couple or family, the taxi can push the total cost up quickly. If you are already hiring a car, the value improves because you avoid the added transfer fare.

Who should book this horse ride?

I would suggest this outing to you if you want a low-key Arctic activity with a strong connection to nature. It suits couples, small families with children aged 12 and over, and adults who have always wanted to ride but never had the chance.

It is also a good choice if you have already tried snowmobiles, husky rides, or reindeer activities and want something quieter. The horse moves at a human pace, and you have time to notice the forest rather than simply pass through it.

The ride is not aimed at experienced equestrians seeking technical instruction or faster riding. It is also a poor fit if you dislike cold weather, cannot arrange transport, or want a packed schedule with constant action.

The professional local guide is available in English and Finnish. English-speaking visitors can follow the safety information and explanations, and the small group makes it easier to ask for help.

Booking details that affect your decision

The activity runs for two hours, with starting times depending on availability. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while you finalize your Lapland plans.

The meeting point is the Polaris Point Horses farm. There is no included hotel pickup, so confirm the exact meeting instructions and arrange your return before the outing begins.

The overall rating is 4.9 from 105 reviews, with strong praise for the calm horses, peaceful forest setting, clear introduction, and attentive guiding. Those are the areas I would care about most when choosing a beginner horse ride in Lapland.

Should you book the Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a small, quiet forest ride and are happy to pay for a careful beginner-friendly experience. The Finnish horses, personal instruction, and at least an hour on the trail give the outing a clear identity.

Think twice if you want speed, a long riding session, or a low total cost. The transport problem is real, and $170 per person becomes a larger investment once you add a taxi.

For me, the strongest reason to choose it is the combination of calm horses and a very small group. You get to experience the Arctic at hoof level, with time to listen, look, and learn. Arrange transport early, dress properly, and this can be one of the gentler and more memorable ways to meet the forests around Saariselkä.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour meet?

You check in at the Polaris Point Horses farm. The experience does not include transfer to or from the farm.

How far is the farm from Saariselkä?

The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä by car. It is about 40 minutes from Ivalo.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts two hours. At least 60 minutes are spent riding in the forest on your own horse.

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No. The tour includes an introduction to riding and handling the horses, and the ride moves at a slow, relaxed pace.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to four participants.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Finnish.

What should I wear?

Wear suitable outdoor clothing for the weather. Regular winter walking shoes are recommended. Avoid moonboots or other very large shoes, and choose a small cap or scarf that fits under the helmet.

Is a helmet provided?

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

Who cannot join the tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or people over 115 kilograms, or about 254 pounds.