Kainuu Forest, Finland
Horses
Type of horses:
Icelandic
Nature of horses:
Obedient, strong, calm, sure footed and responsive
Height of horses:
13hh - 14.2hh
Weight limit:
100kg
Tack type:
Icelandic
Weather
Current Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy, 7 C
Forecast:
Sat - Mostly Cloudy. High: 11 Low: 6
Sun - Cloudy. High: 14 Low: 6
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Summer Forest Break
£820 per person. The price of this ride includes full board accommodation and riding as detailed by the programme, all transfers and an English speaking guide.
March Snow Ride
The price of this ride is inclusive of full board accommodation, transfers, English speaking guide, riding and snow activities.
Please contact for 2010 rates
Midnight Sun Ride
2009 and 2010 rates:
£760 per person, based on double accommodation.
This package Includes:
•Full board accommodation
•Transfers between Taivaan Pankko and Paltamo Golf
•Kajaani airport transfers
•Midnight Sun Ride –safari incl. transfers, safety helmets, rain clothes, english speaking guide
Optional activities at an extra cost.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
In this extra special corner of the world we offer a number of programmes, all of which allow you to experience the purity and breathtaking beauty of Finland from horseback.
For those with an interest in nature this is also the perfect opportunity to explore the abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna that Finland has to offer.
The Kainuu region experiences four distinct seasons. With such dramatic contrasts between summer and winter, programmes in either season offer their own uniquely magical experience.
As you ride through the forest in the summer, the air is warmed by the glistening sunlight that shines through the trees and reflects in the crystal waters of Finland's amazingly pure lakes. Midsummer nights are lit by 24 hours of daylight, allowing you to share in the surreal experience of a midnight ride.
In winter, frozen lakes and snow covered landscapes promise the opportunity of riding amongst pure white snow through a picture perfect landscape.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Depending on your choice of programme, you will stay in a variety of accommodation allowing you to experience a point to point trail.
The guesthouse in Paltamo is set back from the road in the tranquility of an unspoilt forest clearing with only a few neighbouring houses. Originally purchased from Estonia, the house was rebuilt and decorated on its arrival to Finland under the watchful eye of its owner who lives in one of the neighbouring houses. The house has been tastefully decorated offering a comfortable and homely feel to all who stay there.
Depending on the programe chosen, accommodation on the overnight trails is in a forest hut or cottages. The forest cottages are simply furnished but they have toilet and shower facilities. The forest hut has two basic rooms without electricity or running water. It does, however, have its own sauna for you to relax in after a long day in the saddle.
You can be assured of homecooked meals prepared daily with fresh local produce. Food is typically Finnish allowing you to sample traditional cuisine. Those with more simple tastes need not worry as many dishes are plain with all meals including fresh vegetables and salads. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.
Activities
In addition to horseriding other activities in the area can be arranged including fishing, golf, additional massages and snowmobile safaris. Some programmes even include snow-shoe walking and ice fishing.
Further Details
Languages: English and Finnish
Health requirements: None Specific
Age limit: No under 12's
Tuition: No
Included: Food, accommodation and riding as detailed by individual programmes, transfers, massage as detailed by individual programmes, rain clothes and guides.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance and sleeping bags for trails.
Travel Information
Clients travelling from the UK will need to fly to Helsinki and then catch a connecting flight to Kajaani. Please contact the office for advice and help with flights.
Airport: Kajaani
Alternative Airport: Helsinki
Programmes
Summer Forest Break
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Day 1: You arrive at Kaajani airport where you will met by one of the team who will transfer you to the farmhouse. This evening you will have chance to get to know the other people joining you whilst having dinner and hearing a little more about the week ahead. Day 2: After a typical delicious Finnish breakfast you will be transferred to the stables (approximately 10 minutes). After meeting your guide and a few introductions including the horses, of course, you will venture out into the forest for your first ride. After spending 4-5 hours in the saddle you will be transferred back to the farmhouse. Over dinner you will surely hear interesting tales of the day gone by. Day 3: After breakfast breakfast you will be transferred to the stables and prepare for your overnight wilderness trail. You take with you only what you need for the day ahead whilst the rest of your luggage is transferred by car. Today you will spend 5-6 hours in the saddle riding through totally unspoilt, not to mention breathtakingly beautiful forest. You will break for lunch next to one of Finlands many crystal clear lakes where the water is so pure you can drink it. After lunch the ride continues until you reach the forest hut where you will spend the night. The hut, although basic, nestled deep inside the forest next to crystal clear lake is the most peaceful and tranquil of settings. After dining on traditionally fried salmon, cooked on an open fire you will have time to relax in the sauna. As nightfall draws closer, relaxing with a drink on the candle lit terrace is the perfect end to the day. Day 4: After breakfast you will begin your 3 hour ride back to the stables, again taking in the beauty of this unspoilt landscape. After taking care of the horses it will be time for lunch. In the evening dinner will be served at the farmhouse, a chance to relive the adventure and say farewell to new friends. There is also the opportunity to experience a traditional Finnish smoke sauna for those who wish. Day 5: After breakfast transfer to Kaajani airport. |
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| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | Novice and above |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 14/15 hours |
| Departure dates: | To suit between May and September inclusively. Please contact the office for further details. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
March Snow Ride
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Day 1: On your arrival to Kajaani airport you will be greeted by one of the team who will transfer you to the guesthouse (approximately 30 minutes drive). After a few introductions and a chance look around you will settle down for dinner during which you will have a chance to get to know the other members of the group and hear a little more about the week ahead. Day 2: After breakfast you will be transferred to the stables (approximately 10 minutes). After meeting the horse you will venture out for your first ride into the snow covered forest. After completing the 3 hour ride you will be transferred back to the guesthouse for lunch. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to learn the art of snow-shoe walking - great fun for any member of the group! Day 3: After breakfast you will be transferred to the stables for another exciting ride in the breathtaking winter landscape. During this 3 hour ride you will stop for lunch by an open fire, sat out in the fresh winter air makes the meal taste especially good! After returning to the guesthouse there will be time to relax in the sauna before enjoying another delicious evening meal. Day 4: Today is set aside for an array of activites in the snow. After breakfast you will go for a tour to the great Lake Oulujarvi, during the day you will have a chance to learn many snow skills including snow shoe walking, cross country skiing and ice fishing. Lunch will be eaten in a cottage situated by the lake shore. This evening you will also have dinner in the cottage. After a relaxing sauna those who are brave enough can try the Finnish tradion of taking a dip through a hole in the frozen lake. In the evening you will be transferred back to the guesthouse where you will spend the night. Day 5: Today you will venture out for your final ride in this spectacular snow covered landscape. The ride will last for approximately 5 hours, again stopping for lunch by an open fire. In the late afternoon you will be tranferred back to guesthouse where, in the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner. Day 6: After breakfast transfer to Kajaani airport. |
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| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | Novice and above |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 3 days |
| Departure dates: | Please contact the for 2010 departure dates. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Midnight Sun Ride
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Discover this surreal and magical experience on horseback at night. The light summer nights offer you the possibility to experience the Midnight Sun Ride of the Finnish land. The programme includes an overnight riding tour through a variety of landscapes riding on the famous and well trained Icelandic horse. They are small but strong, as well as calm and easy to handle. You ride through peaceful forest paths and tracks in the smooth tölt, but also at a rapid pace. Their are also opportunities to take part in other activities according your own interest. Day One: Arrival to Kajaani airport and transfer to Taivaan Pankko (40 min). You will check in to your double room accommodation, meet the other guests and enjoy a relaxed Dinner. Day two: After breakfast you can enjoy the scenery and leisure time at Taivaan Pankko. You can opt for a walk or you can receive a transfer to the center of Paltamo (3 kilometers from Taivaan Pankko), enjoy taking a look around or playing a spot of Paltamo Golf. Lunch is back at Taivaan Pankko. At 15.00 your overnight safari starts with a pick you up from your accommodation, the transfer is around 10 min to the Stables. On arrival you will meet your safari guide and receive more information about Icelandic horses. After the introduction you start your adventure on the overnight riding tour. In the evening the ride is about 6 hours incl. snacks en route through Finnish forests and hillside. Your overnight stay is in the basic wilderness cottage by the lake and enjoy the tranquil nature of this location by having a relaxing sauna bath and swimming in the lake before a late dinner in the cottage. Day three: After breakfast, which will of course not be too early after your late night riding; you set off on your ride back to the stables. Having completed the longest part of the circular route on day two, today's ride only takes approximately three hours. There will, however, still be time for a drink and a chance to take some more stunning photographs. After arriving back at the stables everyone will take care of their horses before enjoying a farewell group lunch. You will then arrive back at your accommodation at approximately 15:00. The afternoon is then free for you to spend relaxing as you wish or in the sauna before having dinner in the evening. Day four: Today is left free for you to spend enjoying activities of your choice. You can take advantage of a transfer to Paltamo Golf, where you can play golf or have a nice boat tour at the Lake Oulujärvi, take part in fishing, canoeing etc. Breakfast and dinner at Taivaan Pankko. Day five: After breakfast you will be transferred back to Kajanni airport. This programme can be tailored perfectly for families or groups with non riding members. |
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| Accommodation: |
Accommodation on the trail is in the very simple but beautifully situated wilderness cottage. Far from the stress, noise and distractions that take over the modern day world, this is the perfect location to truly appreciate the beauty of this magical daylight season. All meals, snacks, drinks and wine with dinner are included on the trail. For the remainder of the programme, private accommodation is provided. |
| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | All abilities, beginners welcome. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 3-6 hours per day as detailed by the itinerary |
| Departure dates: | Mid June to Mid July. Tuesday arrivals and Sunday departures. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |