Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

In Lapland, a horse can show you the forest at a pace that feels almost meditative. At Polaris Point Horses, you ride a calm Finnish horse along small woodland trails, with snow, clean air, and the steady sound of hooves replacing engines and crowds. This is not a fast horseback adventure. It is a quiet way to see the Arctic.

I like the small group of no more than four people, which gives the guide time to help beginners and keep the line of horses calm. I also like the warm finish: hot drinks and refreshments indoors after at least an hour in the saddle. The main drawback is transport. The farm is 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo, and you must arrange your own way there and back.

Key points at a glance

• Calm Finnish horses: You receive an introduction before riding, and the horses are chosen for their steady nature and easy handling.
• At least 60 minutes in the forest: The two-hour visit includes preparation, riding, and time indoors with hot drinks.
• Small group of four: This is a more personal outing than a large sled or coach excursion.
• Beginner-friendly pace: You ride in a line behind a professional guide, with no need for previous riding experience.
• Snow-ready clothing matters: Wear regular winter walking shoes and a small cap or scarf that fits beneath your helmet.
• Transport is not included: Polaris Point Horses is outside the main resort area, so plan the journey before booking.

Meeting Finnish horses at Polaris Point Horses

Your visit begins at the farm, where you meet the horses before climbing into the saddle. This first contact matters. You are not simply handed a horse and sent down a trail. The guide explains how to ride, how to handle the reins, and what to expect from the animals.

The horses are Finnish horses, known here for their strength and steady manner. The tour is built around their calm behavior. That makes it a sensible choice if you have never ridden before, or if you feel more comfortable with a slow, guided outing than an open-country ride at speed.

Maria is the guide named most often in the tour details and visitor feedback. She explains the forest, animals, and horses as you ride, and she gives extra attention to beginners. Her role is not just to lead the group. She helps you understand the horse beneath you, including how the animals work together and follow their order in the group.

You receive a helmet for the ride. After the briefing, the staff help you into the saddle. Expect a practical lesson rather than a long riding class. The aim is to make you comfortable enough to control your horse and follow the guide safely on the trail.

A slow ride through the Arctic forest

The riding portion lasts at least 60 minutes, and the route follows small trails through the woods. The pace is intentionally slow. You ride in a line, with the guide leading and the horses moving in a quiet rhythm.

That pace is the point. You have time to look around instead of concentrating on speed or complicated riding techniques. Snow-covered trees, forest paths, and the soft movement of the horse create a much quieter Arctic experience than a motorized excursion.

You might notice animal tracks along the trail. The guide can point out signs of wildlife and explain parts of the forest as you go. The setting is described as pristine and peaceful, but remember that the tour is still an organized activity. You are following established trails with a group, not heading into untouched wilderness on your own.

For many people, the most special part will be the combination of motion and silence. The horse carries you forward, but the trail remains gentle. There is no traffic and no need to keep checking a phone. The sound of hooves gives the ride its rhythm.

Why the horses suit first-time riders

The horses are described as gentle, well trained, and easy to ride. That does not mean you can ignore the instructions. You still need to listen carefully, sit properly, and follow the guide’s directions. A horse is a living animal, not a machine, and your comfort depends on treating it with care.

The group rides together rather than splitting into fast and slow riders. This makes the outing suitable for beginners, but it also limits the pace for experienced riders. If you already ride regularly and hope to canter or practice advanced skills, this is probably too restrained for you.

I see the slow pace as a strength for most holidaymakers. You can focus on the forest and the feel of the ride without worrying about keeping up. The guide also has a better chance to notice if you are nervous, uncomfortable, or unsure about handling the reins.

The small group helps here. With a maximum of four people, the guide can give clearer instructions than is possible with a large riding party. It also keeps the experience quieter and makes it easier to ask questions about the horses and the area.

The cold is part of the experience

Lapland’s forest can be very cold, especially during the winter months. One person described the cold as worth enduring, which is a fair warning. Horse riding leaves you exposed to the weather, and you may spend much of the ride sitting still rather than generating heat through exercise.

Outdoor clothing is not included, so arrive prepared. Wear warm layers, a proper winter jacket, gloves, and clothing that allows you to sit comfortably in the saddle. Regular winter walking shoes are recommended. Avoid moonboots or other very large footwear, since bulky shoes may not fit well with the riding equipment.

Your hat also needs attention. Very large hats will not fit beneath the helmet. A small cap or scarf is a better choice for keeping your head warm while leaving room for the safety gear.

The farm supplies the helmet, but not your full winter outfit. That distinction affects the value of the tour. If you already have suitable clothing, the preparation is simple. If you are arriving from a warmer climate without winter gear, you need to solve that before the morning or afternoon outing.

Warm drinks after the ride

After returning to the farm, you go indoors for hot drinks and refreshments. This is a small detail, but it improves the shape of the tour. You get time to warm up, remove the helmet, and talk through the ride instead of ending abruptly at the stable.

The indoor finish also gives you a chance to spend more time around the horses and ask the guide about the animals or the forest. The tour is not only an hour in the saddle. It is a short farm visit, riding lesson, forest outing, and warm-up stop combined.

Do not expect a full meal. The included food is described as hot drinks and refreshments, so eat appropriately before the activity if you need something substantial.

How the $170 price works out

At $170 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price includes a helmet, riding instruction, at least 60 minutes on your own horse, hot drinks and refreshments, and a professional local guide. The small group also matters when judging the cost. A maximum of four people allows for more direct help than a standard large-group excursion.

The value depends on what you want from a horse ride. If your priority is a calm Arctic setting, personal guidance, and a relaxed pace, the price is easier to justify. If you want a long ride, fast riding, or several hours in the saddle, you may find the two-hour format limited.

Transport is the major extra cost. You must reach Polaris Point Horses yourself. The farm is about 25 minutes by car from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo. A taxi can add a serious amount to the budget. One booking party reported paying €90 for a return taxi from Holiday Club Saariselkä, so ask about the fare before you commit.

If you drive, allow enough time for the trip and use the farm as the meeting point. If you do not have a car, arrange a taxi in advance rather than waiting until the last moment. The tour does not include a transfer.

Who should book this horse ride

This experience suits adults and children aged 12 or older who want a gentle introduction to horseback riding in Lapland. It is particularly good for first-time riders, couples, small families with eligible children, and anyone who prefers quiet nature to loud engines.

You should book it if you like these things:

• A relaxed pace rather than a thrilling ride
• A small group with close guidance
• Time in a snowy forest
• Calm horses and basic riding instruction
• A local guide who talks about the animals and nature
• A warm drink after being outside

It is less suitable if you want speed, independent riding, or a long technical lesson. Pregnant people should not take this activity, and the stated maximum weight is 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms.

The age rule deserves care. The official requirement says children under 12 are not suitable for the tour. A separate account describes children aged 10 and 7 enjoying the ride, but that does not override the stated restriction. If your child is under 12, check directly with Polaris Point Horses before booking.

Planning your visit around Saariselkä

The tour meets at Polaris Point Horses farm, not in central Saariselkä. That makes the outing feel more rural, but it also means you need a transport plan.

Driving is the simplest option if you have a car. The location is listed as 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo. For a taxi, reserve ahead and confirm both the pickup time and return plan. Do not assume a taxi will be waiting outside the farm.

The experience lasts two hours, but the riding itself lasts at least 60 minutes. The remaining time covers arrival, the safety and riding introduction, getting mounted, returning to the farm, and refreshments. You should not treat the full two hours as saddle time.

The tour operates in English and Finnish. That makes it accessible to English-speaking visitors, and the small group gives you a chance to ask for help if a riding instruction is unclear.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still sorting out your Lapland schedule. These policies do not remove the need to plan transport, so confirm the practical details before the day of the ride.

What makes this different from other Lapland outings

Saariselkä offers plenty of ways to see winter nature, but horseback riding changes your pace and viewpoint. You are not enclosed in a vehicle, yet you are not required to ski or hike. The horse does the physical work while you stay close to the forest.

The ride also has a more personal feel than a large group excursion. You learn about the particular horse you are riding, watch how the animals interact, and move through the woods as a small line. That connection with the animals is a major part of the appeal.

I especially like the chance to see Finnish horses in their own setting. The guide can explain the horses’ behavior and group order, not just point out scenery. If you enjoy animals, that may be as important as the snowy trail itself.

The tradeoff is that this is a controlled, guided ride. You will not choose your own route or set your own speed. For a peaceful first ride, that is useful. For an experienced rider looking for freedom, it may feel too limited.

Should you book the Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a quiet, beginner-friendly ride through the Finnish forest, and you are happy to pay for a small group and personal guidance. The calm horses, Maria’s attentive instruction, forest setting, and hot drinks afterward make this a well-shaped two-hour outing.

Before booking, solve the transport question and budget for suitable clothing. Also check the age and weight limits carefully. If you want a fast or technically demanding horseback adventure, choose something else. If you want to slow down, meet well-cared-for Finnish horses, and see Lapland without a motor, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The full experience lasts two hours. It includes the introduction, preparation, at least 60 minutes of riding in the forest, and hot drinks and refreshments afterward.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $170 per person.

Where does the tour meet?

You check in at the Polaris Point Horses farm.

Is transport from Saariselkä included?

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

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 location is about 40 minutes from Ivalo by car.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The tour includes an introduction to riding, and the slow-paced ride is suitable for people without previous experience.

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, along with a small cap or scarf that fits beneath the helmet.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 12 are listed as unsuitable for this activity. Check directly with Polaris Point Horses if you are booking for a child near the age limit.

Are helmets provided?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

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