Private horsemanship lesson with Finnhorses

Private Groundwork Lesson with a Finnhorse is suitable for guests who want to learn how to meet, read and guide a horse from the ground.

The lesson is suitable for both first-time horse guests and more experienced horse people. The exercises are adapted to the participant’s experience, confidence and goals.

The lesson is especially suitable for:

• adults meeting horses for the first time
• travellers interested in horses and animals
• guests who want to learn about horse body language
• guests who want to meet a horse without booking a riding lesson
• riders who want to improve their ground-based horsemanship
• more experienced horse people who want to refine timing, body language and cooperation
• couples, friends and small private groups
• young people aged 12 and over who can follow instructions and act calmly in a stable environment

Previous riding experience is not required. Participants should be able to follow the instructor’s guidance, move calmly near the horse and act responsibly in a stable environment.

The lesson includes:

• private groundwork lesson with a Finnhorse
• meeting the horse and preparing for the lesson
• observing horse body language and behaviour
• ground-based exercises according to the participant’s level
• leading, stopping and changing direction
• practising personal space, the horse’s space and body language
• building cooperation with the horse
• instruction in the indoor arena or outdoor arena depending on the weather and conditions
• possible exercises near the horse herd for more experienced participants when suitable
• introduction to the Finnhorse as part of Ronivaara’s horsemanship
• riding helmet and necessary safety equipment
• parking, changing room and toilet facilities
• guest insurance and Finnish Equestrian Federation insurance for occasional guests

Duration: 1 hour '

The duration covers the full lesson: arrival, meeting the horse, instructions, groundwork exercises and ending the lesson.

Group size: private lesson
Riding level: suitable for first-time guests, less experienced guests and more experienced horse people
Format: private groundwork lesson with a Finnhorse
Price: add confirmed price from the booking calendar
Minimum age: 12 years
Languages: Finnish and English
Booking: advance booking online or by phone. Online booking closes 24 hours before the lesson.

Please tell us about your previous horse or riding experience when booking, so the lesson can be planned to suit your level. The lesson is guided according to the horse, the participant’s experience, the weather, the conditions and the horses’ wellbeing.

The experience takes place at Ronivaara Farm in Kuusamo.

Address:
Meskusvaarantie 79b, Kuusamo.
Location in Google Maps

Please arrive in good time so the programme can begin calmly at the agreed time. Part of the experience takes place outdoors in the farmyard, stable area and on the riding route, so dress according to the weather.

Choose sturdy shoes and clothing suitable for a stable and outdoor riding environment. Wear long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. In winter, warm layers, gloves, a hat and proper outdoor footwear are important.

Please avoid loose clothing, scarves and backpacks. Riding equipment that has been used at other stables should be disinfected before arriving at Ronivaara.

What does groundwork mean?
Groundwork means working with the horse from the ground. During the lesson, you may practise meeting the horse, leading, stopping, changing direction, yielding, giving space and reading the horse’s signals.

Do I need previous horse experience?
Previous horse experience is not required. The lesson is also suitable for first-time guests who want to meet a horse with clear guidance and learn how to act calmly near the horse.

Is the lesson suitable for experienced horse people?
Yes. For more experienced participants, the lesson can focus on timing, body language, softening requests, personal space and noticing how small changes in the human’s way of acting affect the horse’s response.

What do we do during the lesson?
The lesson may include leading, stopping, changing direction, yielding, understanding your own space and the horse’s space, and observing the horse’s responses. The exercises are chosen according to the participant’s experience and the horse.

Is there riding in this lesson?
The lesson focuses on working with the horse from the ground. Riding skills are not needed.

Where does the lesson take place?
The lesson takes place at Ronivaara in the indoor arena or outdoor arena depending on the weather and conditions. With more experienced participants, some exercises may also be done near the horse herd when suitable for the horse, the participant and the situation.

What do I learn about horse body language?
You learn to observe the horse’s ears, eyes, head position, body direction, distance, tension, relaxation and the way the horse responds to human movement and body language.

Is this suitable for someone who feels a little nervous around horses?
Yes, as long as the participant can follow instructions and act calmly near the horse. The lesson proceeds according to the participant’s confidence, and time is given for meeting the horse.

Why is this a private lesson?
A private lesson allows the content to follow the participant’s experience, questions and goals. A beginner can receive a clear first introduction to working with a horse, while a more experienced participant can focus more deeply on timing, body language and the horse’s responses.

What should I wear?
Dress according to the weather and season in clothing suitable for a stable environment. We recommend sturdy shoes, long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. In winter, warm layers, gloves and a hat are needed.

How long does the lesson last?
The full duration is 1 hour. This includes the start of the lesson, meeting the horse, instructions, groundwork exercises and ending the lesson.