Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

The forest is quieter from the saddle. At Polaris Point Horses farm, you ride a calm Finnish horse along small woodland trails, with snow, clean air, and very little fuss between you and the Arctic outdoors. I like the slow pace and the personal feel of a group limited to four people. I also like that beginners receive a clear riding introduction before setting off.

The main drawback is getting there. The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo, and transport is not included. One recent participant paid about €90 for a taxi both ways from Holiday Club Saariselkä, so you should arrange a ride early. The $170 price is fair for a small-group experience with your own horse, but the transfer can add a noticeable extra cost.

Key points at a glance

• At least 60 minutes in the forest: The two-hour visit includes preparation, instruction, riding, and warm drinks afterward.
• Four people maximum: This keeps the ride quiet and gives the guide time to help new riders.
• Finnish horses set the tone: The horses are described as calm, gentle, strong, and well cared for.
• Guide Maria adds local detail: She explains the horses, forest, animal tracks, and local nature in English or Finnish.
• Winter shoes matter: Wear regular winter walking shoes, not moonboots or very large footwear.
• Transport is your responsibility: Polaris Point Horses is outside Saariselkä, so plan your taxi or car journey before the day of the ride.

Arriving at Polaris Point Horses outside Saariselkä

Your visit begins at Polaris Point Horses farm, not in central Saariselkä. If you drive, allow about 25 minutes from Saariselkä or 40 minutes from Ivalo. The farm is also reachable by taxi, but this is one detail you should not leave until the last minute.

A recent taxi fare from Holiday Club Saariselkä was around €90 for the return trip. That amount is not a fixed transfer price supplied for the activity, but it gives you a useful warning about the possible cost. The $170 activity price does not include transportation, so your real budget may be higher.

Once you arrive, the mood changes quickly from travel logistics to horse country. You receive a helmet and meet the Finnish horses before riding. This first meeting is not a rushed photo stop. It is part of the safety briefing and helps you understand the animals you will guide through the forest.

The farm experience also gives the activity a more personal feel than a large snowmobile outing. With no more than four people, you are not being moved through a crowded production line. The small group suits anyone who likes a quiet morning or afternoon outdoors.

Meeting the Finnish horses and learning the basics

Before you climb into the saddle, the guide explains how to ride and handle the horses. You are helped onto your horse, and the guide makes sure you understand what to do before the group leaves the farm.

That matters if you have never ridden before. The horses are known for being steady, and several participants with little or no riding experience found the introduction reassuring. Maria, the guide named most often by people on the experience, is praised for giving extra attention to beginners and checking that everyone feels comfortable.

You should still be honest about your riding experience. This is a guided forest ride, not a lesson in advanced riding or a fast horseback trek. The group moves in a line, behind the guide, at a relaxed pace. You will not be asked to gallop or race.

The Finnish horses are a major part of the appeal. They are described as gentle, calm, strong, and well trained. You can also learn about their personalities and pecking order, which adds an engaging bit of farm life to the start of the visit. The animals are clearly central to the experience, not simply a means of transport.

At least 60 minutes along the snowy forest trails

The ride itself lasts at least 60 minutes, within a total activity time of two hours. You follow small trails into the woods, riding your own horse in a line with the rest of the group.

This is a quiet outing. The pace lets you notice the rhythm of hooves on the trail and the stillness of the forest. The attraction is not speed or a packed schedule. It is the chance to spend time outdoors without engine noise, road traffic, or a list of hurried stops.

In winter, snow-covered trees and trails create the most striking setting. The horses are strong enough to lead the group carefully through deep snow, according to the experience shared by participants. You may also see animal tracks along the route, with the guide pointing out signs of wildlife and explaining features of the forest.

The ride is described as relaxing in every season. In autumn, the woods have a different look, while summer and early fall can offer a gentler view of the surrounding nature. One participant who rode in December hoped to return in another season, which makes sense if you want to see more than Lapland’s familiar winter scene.

There is a practical trade-off here. The slow pace is ideal for beginners, families with eligible older children, and anyone seeking calm. If you want an energetic horseback adventure with long stretches of faster riding, this is not the right choice. The experience focuses on peace and scenery, not action.

Why the four-person group makes a difference

A maximum of four participants is one of the best features of this ride. Small groups make it easier for the guide to watch each rider, answer questions, and adjust the pace when needed.

That personal attention is especially useful at the start. Mounting a horse, holding the reins correctly, and settling into the saddle can feel unfamiliar. A guide who has time to check each person helps reduce the nerves that can take some of the fun out of a first ride.

The small group also protects the quiet character of the forest. You are not surrounded by a long line of horses. The ride remains orderly, but it feels more like a guided outing in nature than a mass activity.

English and Finnish are offered. Maria is praised for explaining the horses, the forest, local nature, and animal tracks while keeping the ride friendly and easy to follow. If you enjoy learning small details as you go, the guide adds real value to the price.

Clothing, footwear, and cold-weather comfort

Outdoor clothing is not included, and you need to arrive dressed for the weather. Lapland can be very cold, especially when you are sitting on a horse and moving slowly rather than generating heat through exercise.

Regular winter walking shoes are recommended. Do not arrive in moonboots or other very large shoes, since they may not fit safely in the stirrups. Very large hats are also unsuitable because your headwear needs to fit under the riding helmet.

A small cap or scarf can cover your head beneath the helmet. The guide supplies the helmet for the duration of the ride, but you are responsible for the rest of your winter kit.

The cold is worth taking seriously. One person described the activity as cold but still entirely worthwhile. That is a fair way to think about it: the ride is not physically intense, so warm layers, suitable shoes, and weather protection matter more than athletic clothing.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. This is a safety rule that makes obvious sense around horses and should not be treated casually.

Warming up with drinks after the ride

After returning to the farm, you go indoors for hot drinks and refreshments. This closing part of the visit is simple but well judged.

You have time to warm your hands, talk about the horses, and let the experience settle before heading back to Saariselkä or Ivalo. After an hour outside in winter, a hot drink is not just a pleasant extra. It helps turn the outing into a complete two-hour visit rather than ending abruptly at the stable door.

This is also where you can ask more questions about the horses and the area. The activity does not promise a long meal or a full farm tour, so keep your expectations at the right level. Think of it as a warm, friendly finish with refreshments, not a separate dining experience.

Price, timing, and the true value

The listed price is $170 per person for two hours. That is not a bargain activity, especially once you add transport. Still, the price includes your own horse, a helmet, a riding introduction, at least an hour in the forest, hot drinks and refreshments, and a professional local guide.

The small group changes the value calculation. You are paying for a more personal outing, not simply a seat in a large group. Beginners receive help, the guide can monitor the horses and riders closely, and the forest ride has a quieter feel.

You should also remember that the activity is not only the riding time. The horse introduction and safety briefing are important parts of the experience, particularly if this is your first time in the saddle. The total visit lasts two hours, with at least 60 minutes on horseback.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Lapland plans are still changing. Check the available starting times before booking, since the exact departure schedule is not fixed in the activity details.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to adults and children aged 12 or older who want a gentle outdoor activity rather than a fast one. It also suits first-time riders, couples, and small groups who prefer a quiet setting and direct contact with the animals.

The ride is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or people over 115 kilograms, or 254 pounds. One anecdotal account describes younger children taking part, but the stated rule says under-12s are not suitable, so you should follow the official age requirement rather than rely on that exception.

You should also choose another activity if you dislike cold weather, feel uncomfortable around horses, or want a high-energy ride. This outing asks you to sit quietly, follow the guide, and accept a steady pace.

For nature lovers, the attraction is clear. You get a close view of the woods, a calm horse beneath you, and time to notice the small details that can disappear on a faster excursion. The ride does not need big thrills to be memorable.

Should you book the Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a peaceful introduction to horseback riding in Lapland and you are happy to pay for a small group. The horses, the quiet forest route, and Maria’s friendly guidance are the strongest reasons to go.

Before booking, price in the taxi and prepare proper winter clothing. If you do that, the $170 cost buys more than a short horse ride. It gives you a carefully guided hour in the woods, time with well-treated Finnish horses, and a warm finish at the farm.

The final decision is simple: choose this experience for calm, close-up nature and gentle riding. Skip it if you want speed, a long trek, or a central Saariselkä meeting point.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The total activity lasts two hours. You receive an introduction and preparation before riding, spend at least 60 minutes on your own horse in the forest, and finish with hot drinks and refreshments.

Where does the activity meet?

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

Is transportation included?

No. You need to arrange your own transport to and from the farm. A taxi from Holiday Club Saariselkä was reported to cost about €90 for the return journey, so confirm the current fare before booking.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The activity includes a detailed introduction to riding, and the horses are described as steady and easy to handle. The ride is slow-paced and guided throughout.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to four participants. This allows the guide to give more personal help, especially to people riding for the first time.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide provides the activity in English and Finnish.

What should I wear?

Wear suitable outdoor clothing for the weather. Regular winter walking shoes are recommended. Do not wear moonboots, very large shoes, or a very large hat that cannot fit under the helmet. A small cap or scarf can cover your head.

Who cannot take part?

The experience is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or people weighing more than 115 kilograms, or 254 pounds. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.