Aurora Horses · Joulumaantie 2a, by the village
A slow forest ride on Finnhorses with Aurora Horses, whose stable sits on Joulumaantie right beside Santa Claus Village, followed by a warm drink, gingerbread and marshmallows by the fire. Pick it for the quiet: no engines, no barking, just snow under the hooves and a guide who knows each horse.
You meet at Aurora Horses Napapiiri, Joulumaantie 2a, on the same street as the village husky rides. After a short safety briefing and fitting the equipment (Visit Rovaniemi says a helmet is mandatory and included), you ride for about 30 to 40 minutes through the forest. The pace is slow and no experience is needed: guests who have never ridden are led by the reins, and one experienced rider who came alone with a guide got to trot and canter. Weather can shorten the ride. Allow one hour in all.
Afterwards everyone moves into a hut with a fire for a warm drink, gingerbread cookies and marshmallows to roast, while the guide talks about the breed. Groups are one to six riders. The listing rules out children under 5, pregnant women, people with animal allergies and riders over 118 kg (260 lb). Transport is not included, which hardly matters here: you are already at the village. Bus 8 runs from the city centre in about half an hour for EUR 3.60 one way (EUR 3.30 in the Waltti Mobile app), and parking at the village is free.
Visit Rovaniemi lists this riding tour for November to March, and in winter the trail is snow, so dress for sitting still in the cold: thermal layers, a warm jacket, gloves and comfortable shoes or boots that fit a stirrup. December averages are well below freezing in Rovaniemi. Aurora Horses also runs horse sleigh rides around the village in winter, a separate booking. The ride cancels free up to 24 hours before.
Meet at the stable beside Santa Claus Village, dressed for the cold.
A short talk on riding and handling, and your helmet and equipment.
A slow walk on horseback along a snowy trail, with a guide leading the group.
A warm drink, gingerbread cookies and marshmallows in the hut while the guide talks about the horses.
Time for photos with the horses, then a short walk back into the village.
★★★★★We had a leisurely ride through the forest. The Finn horses were really sweet. Afterward, over cookies and drinks in the cabin, we were able to ask lots of questions and talked for a long time. It was a really great experience.
★★★★★Fabulous!!! I am an experienced rider so just me and the guide went on the trail through the woods. We started out with some walking then did some trotting and cantering several times. It was absolutely beautiful cantering through the woods in the snow. [...] After the ride you go into a hut and there is a fire burning and you roast marshmallows and have warm cider and gingerbread cookies.
★★★★★A beautiful horseback riding tour through the snow-covered woods. Those without riding experience were guided, while others could ride on their own. Afterwards, there were photos with the horses, and you could warm up by the fire with cookies and hot drinks. We enjoyed it very much.
★★★★★Such an incredible experience! A magical horse ride through the snowy forest. A lovely family run business who were all so helpful and friendly [...] My 6 year old daughter had some last minute nerves and decided she didn't want to do it but the staff was so reassuring and encouraging and she ended up loving it
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No. The ride is slow-paced and suitable for beginners, and guests who have never ridden are led by the reins.
Five. The listing also rules out pregnant women, people with animal allergies and riders over 118 kg (260 lb).
About one hour in all: a short safety briefing, around 30 to 40 minutes in the saddle, then a warm drink and snacks by the fire.
At Aurora Horses Napapiiri, Joulumaantie 2a, right beside Santa Claus Village. Transport is not included; bus 8 from the city centre stops at the village.
Ready to book
A quiet ride on Finnhorses in the snowy forest by the village, beginners welcome, warm drinks after.
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