Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this Saariselkä horse ride is its quiet pace. You follow small forest trails on your own Finnish horse, with only the soft rhythm of hooves and the clean Arctic air around you. I like the calm, well-trained horses and the tiny group size, limited to four people.

I also like that you do not need riding experience. The guide gives you a proper introduction, helps you into the saddle, and keeps the ride slow and orderly. The main drawback is transport: Polaris Point Horses is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo, and transfers are not included.

Key points to know before booking

• At least 60 minutes in the forest: The full activity lasts two hours, including the welcome, riding briefing, forest ride, and refreshments.
• Finnish horses suited to beginners: The horses are described as gentle, steady, strong, and easy to control.
• Very small group: With no more than four participants, the guide can give close help to first-time riders.
• Maria may guide your ride: She is praised for explaining horse behavior, animal tracks, and the surrounding forest.
• Winter clothing matters: Wear normal winter walking shoes, not oversized moonboots, and choose a hat or scarf that fits under the helmet.
• Plan your own transport: You check in at Polaris Point Horses farm, with no shuttle included in the $170 price.

A quiet way to meet Lapland

Saariselkä is known for snow activities, reindeer, northern lights outings, and fast-moving Arctic adventures. This horse ride offers something slower. You are not racing across a frozen field or following a loud motorized convoy. You are sitting in a saddle, moving in a line through the woods at a gentle walk.

I like this because it lets you pay attention. You can notice the shape of the trail, the trees around you, and the horses’ careful footing. In winter, the forest can feel hushed, with snow softening every sound. In warmer months, the same outing gives you a different view of the woods, as one rider noted after visiting in autumn and wanting to return in another season.

The activity is designed for beginners, but it is still a real horseback ride. You control your own horse while following the guide and the other riders. That gives you a sense of responsibility without requiring the skills of an experienced equestrian.

Meeting the Finnish horses at Polaris Point Horses

Your visit begins at the farm, where you meet the horses before riding. This is more than a quick safety check. The introduction gives you time to see the animals, learn how to handle them, and understand what will happen on the trail.

The horses are Finnish horses, known in the tour information and guest comments as calm, strong, and well trained. You may also learn about their pecking order, which helps explain how they behave around one another. That small bit of horse knowledge makes the group ride easier to understand, especially if this is your first time near horses.

You receive a helmet for the ride. The guide explains the basics of riding and handling, then helps you onto your horse. For a first-time rider, this step matters. You are not expected to work out the saddle, reins, or position on your own.

Maria is specifically praised for giving extra attention to new riders and checking that everyone feels comfortable. She also explains the horses and their care, which adds a personal touch before you head into the woods.

What the two-hour schedule feels like

The full outing lasts two hours, but only part of that time is spent riding. The activity includes the welcome, helmet fitting, riding instruction, mounting, at least 60 minutes on the forest trail, and hot drinks and refreshments back indoors.

That timing is sensible for an Arctic outing. An hour in a saddle is long enough to see the woods and enjoy the experience, but not so long that a first-time rider is likely to feel overwhelmed. Cold weather can also make a long outdoor session tiring, even when the pace is easy.

The group rides in a line behind a professional guide. You follow small trails into the forest, moving at a relaxed walk. There is no promise of trotting or faster riding, and that is a feature rather than a weakness for beginners and anyone looking for a peaceful nature outing.

You should expect a controlled group ride, not a private wilderness expedition. The small group, with a maximum of four participants, keeps it more personal than a large commercial outing. It also gives the guide a better chance to help if you are unsure about steering or handling your horse.

Riding through the snowy forest

The trail is the heart of the experience. Once you leave the farm, the ride takes you through wooded paths where the horses set a steady rhythm. In snowy conditions, the Finnish horses are able to move carefully through the soft, white trails, giving you a close view of the forest at ground level.

This is a good choice if you want to experience Arctic nature without spending the whole day on an intense activity. You get fresh air, time outdoors, and a different view of Saariselkä than you would from a road or a marked walking path.

The guide can point out animal tracks and explain local nature along the way. Maria is also praised for talking about the forest and animals while riding. Do not expect a long lecture at every stop, since the ride keeps moving, but you should have useful commentary during the trail.

The quiet is part of the appeal. You hear the horses’ hooves, the movement of the group, and perhaps the forest around you. The ride has no traffic and no motor noise, which makes it a strong pick for couples, solo visitors, and small groups who want a slower afternoon in Lapland.

Why the horses matter more than speed

A horse ride can be uncomfortable for beginners when the animals are nervous or the pace is too quick. Here, the horses are repeatedly described as sweet, gentle, calm, and easy to ride. That makes a real difference.

You still need to listen to the guide and handle your horse properly. But the steady nature of the Finnish horses allows you to concentrate on the setting rather than worry about every movement. The guide also knows the animals’ personalities and social order, which helps the group work as a unit.

I would choose this tour for someone who has never ridden before but wants more than a short photo opportunity. You are given instruction, assigned your own horse, and guided along a proper forest route. The ride remains simple and slow, but it feels like an actual introduction to trail riding.

Experienced riders should set their expectations carefully. The tour is not built around speed, technical riding, or freedom to leave the group. If you already ride often and want an energetic session, this may feel too gentle. If you want a calm ride through snowy woods, the pace is exactly right.

Warming up with drinks at the farm

After the trail, you return to the farm and go indoors for hot drinks and refreshments. This closing pause is useful, not just decorative. Arctic air can leave you cold, and sitting down with something warm gives you time to thaw out and reflect on the ride.

It also completes the visit in a more human way. You have met the horses, learned how to ride them, followed the forest trails, and then returned to the same place for a relaxed finish. The activity feels like a visit to a small horse farm, not simply a ticketed ride that begins and ends at a mounting area.

You may also have time to ask about the horses, local nature, or the surrounding area. The guide is a useful source of local suggestions, especially if you are staying in Saariselkä for several days.

The $170 price and the transport question

At $170 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Lapland. The price includes a helmet, riding instruction, at least an hour on your own horse, hot drinks, refreshments, and a professional local guide. It does not include outdoor clothing or transport.

The value depends on what you want from the outing. You are paying for a very small group, personal help, a trained horse, and access to a quiet forest setting. For a first-time rider, the instruction and close supervision add real value. For an experienced rider seeking a longer or faster ride, the price may feel high for a one-hour trail portion.

Transport needs careful planning. The farm is about 25 minutes by car from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo. You must arrange your own way there and back. A taxi can add a sizeable cost, especially for a small party, so check the fare before booking and arrange the return trip in advance.

This is one of those activities where the advertised price is only part of the budget. If you are already renting a car, the value improves. If you need a taxi both ways, include that cost before deciding.

Clothing, footwear, and cold-weather comfort

The farm does not provide outdoor clothing, so arrive ready for the weather. Wear warm layers, gloves, and clothing that lets you sit comfortably in a saddle. You should be able to move your arms and legs without bulky fabric getting in the way.

Footwear needs special attention. The instructions advise against moonboots and other very large shoes. Oversized footwear can be awkward in the stirrups and may not fit properly. Regular winter walking shoes are recommended.

Your hat also needs to fit beneath the helmet. A small cap or a scarf that covers your head is a better choice than a large winter hat. This sounds minor, but an ill-fitting helmet can make the ride uncomfortable and may interfere with safety.

Because the ride is slow, you are not generating much body heat through exercise. Dress for standing and sitting outdoors, not for a fast-paced sport. Cold weather can make the two-hour visit feel longer if your hands and feet are underdressed.

Who should book this horse ride?

This activity suits you best if you:

• Want a peaceful forest outing rather than a fast adventure
• Have little or no riding experience
• Prefer a small group with close guide support
• Enjoy animals and want time to meet the horses
• Are comfortable arranging your own transport
• Want a winter activity that feels quieter than snowmobile or sled tours

It can also work well for a couple or a small family group, provided every participant meets the age and health rules. The tour is limited to four people, so it has a private feel without being a fully private booking.

You should think twice if you want to ride quickly, choose your own route, or spend several hours in the saddle. You should also reconsider if you dislike cold weather, cannot arrange transport, or prefer an activity with clothing and transfers included.

The stated rules exclude children under 12, pregnant women, and people over 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms. One account describes children aged 10 and 7 enjoying the ride, but the official suitability rule says no children under 12, so you should follow the current restriction when booking.

Booking details worth checking

The tour is offered in English and Finnish, with live guide service. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your date.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option may help if your Lapland schedule is still changing, especially when you are coordinating weather, transport, and other outdoor activities.

The meeting point is Polaris Point Horses farm. There is no transfer included, so do not assume your Saariselkä accommodation is close enough for a simple walk or local shuttle.

Should you book the Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour?

I would book this if you want a gentle, personal way to see the forest and you like the idea of meeting the horses before riding them. The calm Finnish horses, small group, careful instruction, and quiet trails are the strongest reasons to choose it.

I would not book it without first checking transport and clothing. The $170 price can become much higher if you need an expensive taxi, and the slow pace will not suit someone looking for an adrenaline activity.

For a beginner, animal lover, couple, or small group seeking a peaceful Arctic memory, this is a strong choice. Plan the ride for a day when you can stay warm, arrive without rushing, and enjoy the forest at the horses’ pace.

FAQ

How long does the Saariselkä horse riding tour last?

The activity lasts two hours. This includes the introduction, riding instructions, at least 60 minutes riding in the forest, and hot drinks and refreshments afterward.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The guide provides a detailed introduction and explains how to ride and handle the Finnish horses. The ride is slow-paced and suitable for beginners.

Where does the tour meet?

You check in at the Polaris Point Horses farm. The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä by car and about 40 minutes from Ivalo.

Is transportation included?

No. Transport to and from Polaris Point Horses is not included, so you need to arrange your own car or taxi.

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. Very large shoes and large hats are not suitable.

Who cannot take part in the ride?

The activity is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or people over 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.