Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

Snowy trails make fine riding country. At Polaris Point Horses, you ride a calm Finnish horse through quiet woodland near Saariselkä, with at least an hour in the forest and a small group capped at four people. I like the gentle pace and the chance to notice animal tracks, trees, and clean Arctic air instead of rushing from one photo stop to the next. I also like the warm drink and refreshments waiting at the farm. The main drawback is transport: the farm is 25 minutes from Saariselkä, and a taxi can cost around €90 round trip.

This is a beginner-friendly ride rather than a fast horseback outing. You receive a helmet, a riding introduction, and help getting into the saddle before following your guide along narrow forest trails. The cold is a real factor, and the $170 price does not include transport or outdoor clothing, but the careful horses, personal attention, and four-person limit make this a strong choice for a quiet morning or afternoon in Finnish Lapland.

Key points at a glance

• At least 60 minutes on horseback: The two-hour visit includes preparation, instruction, the forest ride, and time indoors afterward.
• Four people maximum: A tiny group means more room for questions and closer help from the guide.
• Finnish horses suited to beginners: The horses are described as calm, gentle, strong, and well trained.
• Maria adds local detail: She explains the horses, forest, animals, and tracks along the route, while giving extra attention to first-time riders.
• Farm location matters: Polaris Point Horses is 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo, with no transfer included.
• Winter clothing needs care: Regular winter walking shoes work better than moonboots, and your hat must fit under the helmet.

Why this ride feels different from a standard Lapland outing

Saariselkä offers no shortage of snowmobile trips, reindeer visits, and husky rides. Horseback riding gives you a slower view of the Arctic. You hear the horses’ hooves, feel their steady movement, and have time to look into the forest instead of watching it blur past.

That slower rhythm is the point. The ride follows small trails into the woods, away from traffic and distractions. You travel in a line behind the guide, so this is not a free-roaming horse experience. It is a controlled group ride, designed to let beginners enjoy the setting without needing to manage a difficult animal or choose a route.

I particularly like the balance between activity and stillness. You are doing something physical, but you are not pushed to trot or gallop. The experience suits anyone who wants contact with nature and animals, especially if a snowmobile feels too noisy or a long winter hike feels too demanding.

The setting changes with the season. In winter, the forest can be covered in snow, and the horses may work through deep powder on the trail. In autumn, the same route offers a different view of the trees and ground. One person who rode in September described the forest setting as peaceful, while winter riders praised the snowy trails. You are not buying one fixed postcard scene, but a quiet way to see the woods at the time of year you visit.

Arriving at Polaris Point Horses

You check in at the Polaris Point Horses farm, not in central Saariselkä. This detail deserves attention when planning your day. The drive takes about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo, and the tour does not include a transfer.

That means you should arrange your ride before the day of the activity. One booking party paid about €90 for a taxi round trip from Holiday Club Saariselkä. The exact fare can vary, but this example shows why the transfer cost can affect the real price of the outing. If you already have a rental car, driving is likely simpler, provided you allow enough time to reach the farm.

The farm setting also gives the visit a more personal start than a large activity center. You meet the horses before riding and have time to see the animals at close range. That first meeting helps settle nerves, especially if this is your first time on horseback.

The maximum group size is four. This is one of the strongest features of the experience. A small group makes it easier for the guide to watch each rider, answer questions, and keep the pace comfortable. It also reduces the chance of spending the entire ride behind a long line of horses.

Meeting the Finnish horses and learning the basics

Before you mount, you receive a helmet and an explanation of how to ride the horses. The guide helps you into the saddle and explains what to expect. You are not left to guess how to hold yourself, direct the horse, or respond if you feel uncertain.

The horses are Finnish, and the supplied comments repeatedly describe them as gentle, calm, easy to ride, and well cared for. That matters more than breed trivia here. A relaxed horse gives a beginner the mental space to notice the forest rather than worry about controlling every step.

The horses also have their own social order. Maria has explained the pecking order to riders, which is a small but memorable detail. It helps you understand why the horses are placed in a particular order and gives the introduction more character. You are not simply assigned an animal and sent outside. You get a glimpse of how the herd works.

First-time riders receive particular support. Maria has been praised for teaching beginners and checking that they remain comfortable. If you have never ridden before, tell the guide clearly. The tour is built for people without previous experience, but honest communication still makes the lesson safer and more useful.

The ride remains at a relaxed, slow pace. If you want speed, jumps, or technical riding, this is not the right product. If you want a steady horse and a calm route, the format makes sense.

At least 60 minutes through the Arctic forest

Once everyone is mounted, the group follows the guide into the woods. The horse walks in line along small trails, and the guide leads from the front. The ride itself lasts at least 60 minutes, within a total experience of two hours.

The forest is the main attraction, but the horse changes how you experience it. You sit above the trail and move with the animal, yet you travel slowly enough to see details. You might notice the shape of a track in the snow, the rhythm of the horses ahead, or the quiet between hoofsteps. Maria has pointed out animal tracks and discussed forest life during rides, adding useful local context without turning the outing into a formal lecture.

The route is described as peaceful and quiet. That does not mean complete silence. You hear hooves on the trail and the movement of the horses. Those small sounds are part of the appeal. The absence of traffic and city noise gives the ride a calm, almost meditative quality.

Winter conditions can make the ride especially striking. Several people have described moving through snow-covered forest and deep snow on horseback. The horses are strong enough to handle the trail, but the cold can still be hard on riders. Dress for standing and sitting outdoors, not just for the walk from your hotel to a restaurant.

The guide controls the speed and route, which keeps the activity accessible. You will not be choosing your own path through the wilderness. That may disappoint experienced riders who want independence, but it is reassuring for beginners and families with eligible children.

Why the small group improves the experience

Four participants is a useful limit, not just a marketing detail. On a riding tour, the guide needs to notice posture, confidence, spacing between horses, and any signs that someone is cold or uncomfortable. A small group makes that practical.

It also helps the social side of the ride. You travel in a short line rather than a large procession. The guide can explain the horses and forest at a natural pace, and you have a better chance of hearing the comments from the saddle.

The small group does not turn this into a private ride. You still follow a set route and ride alongside the other participants. But the format feels more personal than a large commercial outing. If you are booking as a couple or family, check availability early because four places can disappear quickly during the winter season.

English and Finnish are available. The guide’s role is especially important for nervous riders, and Maria’s patient manner has been singled out repeatedly. She explains how to handle the horses, shares information about the forest, and gives extra help to people who have not ridden before.

Returning to the farm for hot drinks

After the forest ride, you return to the farm and go indoors for hot drinks and refreshments. This is a welcome part of the plan, especially in winter. It gives you time to warm your hands, talk about the horses, and settle down before arranging your return transport.

The refreshment stop also gives the tour a proper ending. You are not simply dropped back at the mounting area and left to find your way out. The indoor time lets the guide reflect on the ride with the group and gives you one more chance to ask questions about the horses or the local area.

Do not mistake the refreshments for a full meal. They are hot drinks and light refreshments, so eat beforehand if you need something substantial. The two-hour duration includes the farm introduction and post-ride time, not two continuous hours in the saddle.

The $170 price and the real cost of the outing

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 value rests in the format. You get a small group of no more than four, personal help before mounting, calm horses, and a forest ride rather than a short photo opportunity near the farm. For a first horseback experience in Lapland, those details make the cost easier to justify.

Still, calculate the full spend. Transport is extra, and outdoor clothing is not provided. The taxi example of about €90 round trip from Saariselkä can make the outing much more expensive for one or two people. A rental car or shared taxi can change the value considerably.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option gives you some flexibility, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Those terms are useful in Lapland, where weather and transport plans can shift, but they do not remove the need to budget for getting to the farm.

What to wear for a cold-weather ride

Use suitable outdoor clothing for the forecast. You need to stay warm while seated on a horse, since the pace is slow and you will not generate much heat through exercise.

Regular winter walking shoes are recommended. Avoid moonboots and other very large shoes, which may not work safely with the riding setup. A small cap or scarf can cover your head, but very large hats will not fit under the helmet.

Bring outdoor clothing that allows you to move comfortably and keep your hands warm. The farm supplies the helmet for the ride, but not your coat, trousers, shoes, or other cold-weather gear. This is an easy place to underestimate Lapland. A beautiful forest ride is less enjoyable if your fingers and toes are already cold before the horses leave the farm.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The experience is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or anyone over 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms. One comment describes children aged 10 and 7 enjoying a ride, but the stated current suitability rule is under 12, so families should follow the official age requirement rather than rely on an individual past experience.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would choose this for a first-time rider, a couple seeking a quiet Arctic activity, or a small family group with children who meet the age requirement. It also suits anyone who prefers animals and forest time to engines, speed, and crowds.

Experienced riders should set their expectations properly. You will not be galloping across open ground or riding independently. The horses follow the guide at a slow pace, and the focus is comfort, scenery, and gentle contact with the animals.

The tour works well as a contrast to busier Saariselkä activities. After a loud snowmobile excursion, a quiet ride can feel like a useful change of pace. It is also a good option for someone who wants to see the outdoors but does not want a strenuous hike.

I would think twice if you dislike cold weather, feel uncomfortable around large animals, or cannot arrange transport easily. The extra taxi cost and the need for proper clothing are not minor details. They can affect the experience as much as the scenery.

Should you book the Polaris Point Horses ride?

Book it if you want a calm, personal way to see Lapland’s forest and you are happy with a guided walking ride. The strongest reasons are the four-person limit, gentle Finnish horses, careful beginner instruction, and the chance to hear about animal tracks and forest life from a guide such as Maria.

Skip it if your main goal is speed, advanced riding, or a long day in the saddle. Also check the transfer cost before paying, since the farm is outside Saariselkä and the $170 price excludes transport.

For the right person, this is a memorable Arctic activity that earns its high 4.9 out of 5 rating from 105 bookings. Just bring the right shoes, reserve your taxi early, and leave room in your schedule for the forest to set the pace.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The full activity lasts two hours. At least 60 minutes is spent riding your own horse in the forest, with the remaining time used for arrival, instruction, preparation, and hot drinks and refreshments afterward.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The tour does not require previous riding experience. You receive a detailed introduction, and the guide helps you into the saddle and explains how to ride the horses.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to four participants. This allows for more personal attention from the professional guide.

Where does the tour meet?

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

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to and from the farm is not included. If you drive, plan for the journey from Saariselkä or Ivalo. A taxi should be arranged in advance.

What should I wear and bring?

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