Saddle up with Horses of Taiga at Svansele Dam Meadows for a 2-hour ride through pine woods and sandy trails on spirited Icelandic horses. Discover a unique natural reserve shaped by age-old farming techniques.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for riders with basic fitness; no advanced riding skills needed.
Wildlife
History
Svansele Dam Meadows were reclaimed in the early 1900s using revolutionary irrigation techniques that leveraged ice and water to enrich farmland sustainably.
Conservation
The reserve promotes sustainable tourism, emphasizing low-impact riding and protecting natural wetlands and biodiversity.
Horses of Taiga
Saddle up with Horses of Taiga at Svansele Dam Meadows for a 2-hour ride through pine woods and sandy trails on spirited Icelandic horses. Discover a unique natural reserve shaped by age-old farming techniques.
Horses of Taiga operates from Svansele in Västerbottens län, offering guided horseback experiences across boreal forests, nature reserves and the Svansele Dam Meadows. The company specializes in rides on Icelandic horses, with tours that range from one-hour family rides to multi-hour winter adventures and six-hour expeditions. Several experiences include learning to prepare and handle the horse before setting off, and many finish with a warm break by an open fire, with hot chocolate, pastries or a cooked lunch.
Tours include moonlight and northern lights rides, family-friendly options, skill-focused sessions for experienced riders, half-day explorations, and full-day snow adventures. Popular routes visit the Svansele Nature Reserve, Green Lake and the Svansele Dam Meadows Natural Reserve, showcasing pine forests, sandy tracks and wide winter landscapes. A dedicated Riders' Ride emphasizes advanced gaits such as tölt and canter, while family rides prioritize gentle, well-trained horses suitable for beginners and children.
Guides lead every tour, handling logistics, horse preparation and safety briefings. Facilities at the farm support guest comfort with on-site fire pits and sauna access on selected packages. Horses of Taiga markets itself to nature lovers, families, and experienced equestrians seeking authentic riding in northern Sweden. All descriptions here are factual summaries of the services and trips offered from the business’s Svansele base.
Some longer or advanced rides specify minimum age or require riding experience; for example the six-hour Winter Adventure is recommended for participants aged 11 and up, and the Riders' Ride targets experienced riders seeking varied gaits. Seasonal dates and availability.
Location
Svansele, Västerbottens län
Base in northern Sweden
Horse Breed
Icelandic horses
Used on several tours
Family-friendly
Multiple tours
Options for families and riders
Tours Offered
11 tours
Half-day to multihour options
Check seasonal availability and book moonlight, family, or advanced horseback experiences led from Horses of Taiga.
Wear Weather-Appropriate Layers
Dress in long pants and closed shoes; temperatures can vary, so layers help manage comfort.
Bring Gloves for Comfort
Gloves improve grip and protect your hands during the ride, especially on longer stretches.
Helmets Provided
Riding helmets are supplied with every booking—mandatory for safety and comfort.
Fitness Level Friendly
No previous riding experience required; basic fitness helps you enjoy the journey fully.
Long Pants
Protects legs from brush and saddle irritation during the ride.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Essential for safe riding and stability on the stirrups.
Riding Gloves
Improve grip and hand comfort, especially on cooler days.
Warm Layers
Necessary for maintaining comfort during chilly or windy conditions.
fall|winter