Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this outing is its quiet pace. You ride a sturdy Finnish horse along small forest trails near Saariselkä, with only the steady sound of hooves on snow or woodland earth. This is not a fast, athletic ride. It is a calm way to see Lapland from the saddle.

I like the small group of up to four people, which gives the guide time to help beginners. I also like the warm finish indoors, with hot drinks and refreshments after the ride. The main drawback is getting there: the farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä by car, and transport is not included.

Key points at a glance

• Ride your own Finnish horse: You are paired with a calm, well-trained horse and ride in a line through the forest.
• At least 60 minutes on the trail: The full activity lasts two hours, including the briefing, mounting, ride, and refreshments.
• Made for beginners: The pace is slow and relaxed, with riding instruction before you leave the farm.
• Maria may guide your outing: She is known for explaining the horses, forest, nature, and animal tracks in a friendly way.
• Very small group: With no more than four participants, the experience feels personal rather than factory-sized.
• Plan your transport: You must reach Polaris Point Horses farm yourself. The drive is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo.

Meeting the Finnish horses at Polaris Point

Your visit begins at Polaris Point Horses farm, where you meet the horses before riding. This first stage matters. You are not simply handed a helmet and sent onto a trail. The guide introduces you to the animals and explains how to ride and handle them.

The horses are Finnish horses, a sturdy local breed well suited to the northern climate. The information provided for the tour describes them as steady, and that fits the experience well. The ride is built around calm animals and a controlled pace, not speed or jumps.

You receive a helmet for the full ride. A guide helps you into the saddle and checks that you are ready before the group sets off. If you have never ridden before, this introduction should make the first few minutes feel far less daunting.

Maria is one of the guides associated with the experience. She has been singled out for explaining the horses’ personalities and pecking order, as well as giving extra help to new riders. That sort of attention is useful in a group activity, since confidence in the saddle can vary a lot from person to person.

You should also expect to follow instructions closely. The horses ride in a line, guided by a professional, so this is not a chance to choose your own route or gallop through the woods. That is good news for beginners, but experienced riders looking for freedom or speed may find it too gentle.

A slow ride through Saariselkä’s forest

Once everyone is settled, the group takes small trails into the woods. The ride lasts at least 60 minutes, and the full activity takes two hours from arrival through the indoor refreshments.

The setting is the main attraction. The forest is quiet, and the pace allows you to notice details that are easy to miss on a snowmobile or fast outdoor excursion. You can watch the horses pick their way along the trail, breathe the cold air, and take in the snow-covered trees and open woodland around you.

In winter, the scene can feel especially striking. Several outings have taken place on snowy trails, with horses moving carefully through deep snow. The horses’ sure footing adds a special quality to the ride, since you are seeing the forest at the same level as the animal rather than looking down from a vehicle.

The guide may point out animal tracks and explain features of the forest as you go. Maria has been praised for combining horse information with local nature details, which gives the ride more substance than a simple loop around a farm.

There is no traffic and no engine noise. The only regular sound may be the horses’ hooves and the movement of the group. That makes this a good match for you if you want a peaceful break from busier Lapland activities.

The ride remains slow throughout. You will not need previous riding experience, and the guide keeps the group together. At times, this can feel more like a moving nature walk than a traditional horseback adventure. I see that as a strength for first-time riders, families with older children, and anyone who wants a relaxing outing.

What the guide adds to the experience

A guide is especially important on a beginner-friendly horse ride. You need clear instructions before mounting, help with the reins, and someone watching how the group handles the trail.

The guide also sets the tone. A rushed or distracted leader could make a quiet ride feel awkward. Here, the activity is designed around personal attention, and a group of four gives the guide a fair chance to check on everyone.

If Maria is leading your tour, you can expect explanations about the horses, their behavior, and the natural surroundings. She has also been noted for helping people who had never ridden before and checking that they remained comfortable.

The local knowledge is not limited to riding technique. You might hear about the forest, animal tracks, and the way the horses move through the area. This is one reason I would choose this outing over a basic short ride at a larger stable.

Still, remember that the guide speaks English or Finnish. If you need instructions in another language, this tour may not be the easiest fit.

The indoor finish with hot drinks

After returning to the farm, you go indoors for hot drinks and refreshments. This is a small detail, but it is valuable in Lapland, especially during the colder months.

A winter horse ride can leave you cold even when you are dressed properly. The chance to warm up indoors gives the experience a more comfortable ending. It also provides time to reflect on the ride, ask questions, and spend a few minutes with the group before leaving.

The refreshments are included, but the supplied details do not specify exactly what food or drinks are served. Think of this as a warm post-ride break, not a full meal.

Winter clothing and footwear matter

Outdoor clothing is not included, so you need to arrive dressed for the weather. Wear proper winter layers and shoes that are comfortable for walking and suitable for the conditions.

The farm specifically advises against moonboots, very large shoes, and very large hats. Bulky footwear can make it harder to use the stirrups, while a large hat may not fit beneath the helmet.

Regular winter walking shoes are recommended. A small cap or scarf can cover your head without interfering with the helmet. I would also choose gloves that let you hold the reins comfortably, though gloves are not listed as an included item.

This is not the time to dress only for photographs. You will spend at least an hour outside in the forest, and the cold can be sharper once you are sitting still on a horse. Practical clothing will do more for your comfort than a stylish but thin outfit.

Who should book this ride?

This experience suits you best if you want a gentle introduction to horseback riding or a quiet way to see the woods. You do not need previous experience, and the horses are chosen for a steady, manageable ride.

It is also a good choice if you prefer a small, personal activity over a large group excursion. Four participants is a useful limit. You are less likely to feel lost in a crowd, and the guide can give more direct help.

The ride can work well for older children, but the stated minimum age is 12. A separate account describes children aged 10 and 7 enjoying a ride, but the official requirement for this activity is children under 12 are not suitable. Follow the stated age rule when booking.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms. These limits are important because mounting, sitting in the saddle, and riding through uneven woodland conditions place physical demands on the body.

Experienced riders should set their expectations correctly. This is a walk-paced trail outing, not a lesson in advanced riding and not a fast ride. You may enjoy the calm horses and scenery, but you should not book it if you want cantering or an independent route.

The transport issue from Saariselkä

The meeting point is Polaris Point Horses farm, not a central Saariselkä pickup point. Transfers are not included, so you need to arrange your own car or taxi.

The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo by car. One visitor paid about 90 euros for a round-trip taxi from Holiday Club Saariselkä. That price will vary, but it shows why transport can affect the total cost.

If you plan to use a taxi, arrange it ahead of time. A remote farm is not the place to assume a car will appear when you finish. If you drive, allow enough time to reach the farm without cutting into the check-in and safety briefing.

This transport detail is the biggest practical weakness of the outing. The ride itself is compact, but the transfer can add both cost and planning. I would calculate the full door-to-door price before deciding.

Is $170 good value?

The advertised price is $170 per person for two hours. That includes the helmet, riding information, at least 60 minutes on your own horse, a professional local guide, hot drinks, and refreshments.

At first glance, that is not a low-cost activity. The price becomes easier to understand when you look at the group size. A maximum of four participants means you are paying for a more personal experience, rather than a large stable operation where the guide may have little time for individual help.

You are also paying for the horses, farm setting, guide service, safety briefing, and the chance to ride through a forest rather than around a simple enclosed ring. For a first-time rider seeking a special Lapland memory, I think the price can be fair.

The value is weaker if you already ride regularly and want a longer trail or faster pace. You receive only at least 60 minutes of riding within the two-hour visit, and transport costs extra. Add a taxi from Saariselkä, and the total may be much higher than the headline price.

I would compare it with the rest of your Lapland plans. If you already have several expensive outdoor activities booked, this may feel like a luxury. If you want one quiet, personal experience that breaks up snowmobile tours and other high-energy outings, it offers something different.

Cancellation and flexible booking

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans depend on weather, transport, or changing holiday schedules.

The activity lasts two hours, but starting times vary. Check availability for the date you want rather than assuming a fixed departure.

The listed tour languages are English and Finnish. Group size is limited to four participants.

My recommendation

Book this ride if you want a quiet forest experience, have little or no riding background, and are happy to move at a slow pace. The calm Finnish horses, small group, and guide-led route make it approachable without stripping away the feeling of being out in the Arctic woods.

Think twice if you need included transport, want a long ride, or are looking for speed and technical riding. The taxi cost can be significant, and the outing is intentionally gentle.

For the right person, this is one of the more peaceful ways to experience Saariselkä. Just follow the age and weight rules, dress for the cold, wear compact winter footwear, and arrange your ride to the farm before the day begins.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour meet?

You check in at Polaris Point Horses farm.

How far is the farm from Saariselkä?

The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä by car.

How far is the farm from Ivalo?

The farm is about 40 minutes from Ivalo by car.

Is transport included?

No. You must arrange transport to the farm and back yourself.

How long does the activity last?

The complete activity lasts two hours.

How long do you ride in the forest?

You ride for at least 60 minutes in the forest on your own horse.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The tour includes an introduction and riding information, and the pace is relaxed and suitable for beginners.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is offered in English and Finnish.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to four participants.

What should I wear?

Wear suitable outdoor clothing for the weather. Regular winter walking shoes are recommended. Avoid moonboots, very large shoes, and very large hats, since hats must fit under the helmet.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under 12 are not suitable for this activity.

Who else should not take part?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms.

Is a helmet provided?

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

Are hot drinks included?

Yes. Hot drinks and refreshments are included after the ride.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The activity allows you to reserve your place and pay later.