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Spend a half-day riding robust Icelandic horses through the pine forests of Northern Sweden with Horses of Taiga. Learn horsemanship basics, enjoy peaceful trails in a natural reserve, and finish by the fire with a cozy meal.
Spend a half-day riding robust Icelandic horses through the pine forests of Northern Sweden with Horses of Taiga. Learn horsemanship basics, enjoy peaceful trails in a natural reserve, and finish by the fire with a cozy meal.
Book with Horses of Taiga
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Horses of Taiga · Svansele, Västerbottens län
Venture into the wilds of North Sweden with Horses of Taiga, a standout outfitter bringing intimate encounters with Icelandic horses to the tranquil forests surrounding Svansele. Situated in Västerbottens län, near the small village of Boliden, this region is shaped by sprawling pine woodlands and quiet natural reserves like the Svansele Dammängar. Here, the landscape is a blend of soft sandy trails, moss-laden forest floors, and frozen waterways that whisper of old irrigation methods created by local farmers. This half-day ride balances immersive outdoor adventure with a hands-on introduction to essential horsemanship.
Your experience begins by learning how to groom and prepare your Icelandic horse — brushing its coat, picking hooves, adjusting saddles — grounding visitors in horseriding’s practical side before the trail ride even starts. Icelandic horses, known for their unique tölt gait and sturdy, even-tempered nature, carry riders effortlessly through the forest. The two-hour ride follows well-kept paths through the natural reserve, offering a deep sense of calm and connection to this northern ecosystem. In winter, these horses negotiate snowpacked trails with solid surefootedness, while summer reveals vivid green canopies overhead.
The adventure wraps up around an open fire at the farm, where a warm lunch invites riders to share stories and savor the profound quiet of the forest. Horses of Taiga is distinctive in this region for blending local history—from ancient farming traditions to modern sustainable land management—with genuine equestrian engagement. This makes it a rare gem for travelers seeking an authentic, active, and approachable wilderness experience in Northern Sweden.
Perfect for riders aged 8 and up, from novices to experienced riders, the trip underscores the connection between people, animals, and landscape in one of Scandinavia’s less-trodden outdoor playgrounds.
easy.
4 hours (2 hours riding).
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic riding stamina recommended but beginners welcome.
No prior experience is necessary; the guides provide thorough instruction and support.
Yes, riders 8 years and older are welcome; children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Lunch is served around an open fire and includes warm, local dishes suited to the season.
The trip runs in most weather conditions, but extremely severe weather may cause cancellations.
Yes, riders should not exceed 90 kg to ensure safety for both horse and rider.
Private tours are available for an additional fee, providing an exclusive experience.
The natural reserve includes fields historically irrigated using ice and water by farmers in the region, merging agricultural heritage with wild forest.
Horses of Taiga supports sustainable forest use by maintaining trails and educating visitors on ecological balance and local biodiversity.
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.
Book with Horses of Taiga