Private Finnhorse Sleigh Ride at Ronivaara

1,5 hrs

Private, max. 4 person

Advanced, Reduced mobility

Family experience, Heritage experience, Horse encounter, Horse-drawn ride

540,00 €

We harness the finnhorse in front of the traditional sleigh and go on a sleigh ride in the forest to admire the landscapes of the Northeast. Enjoy the nostalgic sleigh ride for the whole family! Sleigh ride programs are suitable for all ages, including people with reduced mobility.

Watch the Finnhorse being harnessed, settle under warm blankets and experience winter from the sleigh as the horse carries your private group through the snowy landscape.

From the Farmyard to the Sleigh

Private Finnhorse Sleigh Ride at Ronivaara begins in the farmyard of Ronivaara Farm in Kuusamo. Before the sleigh sets off, you get to see how the Finnhorse is prepared for work: the harness is placed, the sleigh is attached and the horse settles into its role with calm confidence.

This first part gives the experience its character. You are close enough to see the details: the leather straps, the quiet cooperation between horse and guide, the way the horse listens, waits and understands what is about to happen.

Then it is time to step into the sleigh. You settle under warm blankets with your own group, and the farmyard slowly gives way to the winter landscape. Snow softens the sounds around you, the cold air touches your face and the sleigh begins to move with the steady rhythm of the Finnhorse.

In this experience, the Finnhorse is not just pulling the sleigh — it gives the whole ride its pace and feeling. Its strength, steadiness and willingness to work with people become visible in a simple and beautiful way. From the sleigh, you feel winter through the horse’s movement: unhurried, grounded and close to the landscape.

Ruska Laukan tallilla rekiajelua suomenhevosilla Ruka-Kuusamossa

Winter Feels Different from the Sleigh

A sleigh ride is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience winter in Kuusamo. The moment is built from small, real details: the horse’s breath in the cold air, the sound of the sleigh runners on snow, warm blankets around you and your own group sharing the same winter silence.

The route, pace and flow of the experience are chosen according to the weather, conditions and the horse’s wellbeing. At its best, this experience lets winter slow down around you: the landscape comes closer, the horse sets the rhythm and the moment becomes something your group shares together.

Sled riding programs are suitable for all ages, including people with reduced mobility. The whole family, children, parents and grandparents enjoy sleigh rides. Some of the party can travel on a sleigh, while experienced riders can ride finnhorses.

Good to know

Who is this experience for?

Private Finnhorse Sleigh Ride at Ronivaara is suitable for guests who want to experience winter in Kuusamo with their own private group and get close to the tradition of horse-drawn sleigh riding.

The experience is especially suitable for:

  • families
  • couples
  • friends and small private groups
  • guests of different ages
  • travellers who want to experience the Finnhorse without riding
  • guests interested in seeing how a horse is harnessed for a sleigh
  • guests looking for a memorable winter experience in Kuusamo
  • guests with reduced mobility, depending on the situation

No previous horse experience is needed. The driver takes care of the horse and sleigh, and guests can enjoy the experience from the sleigh.

What does the experience include?

The experience includes:

  • private sleigh ride for your own group
  • meeting a Finnhorse in Ronivaara’s farmyard
  • watching the horse being harnessed before departure
  • settling into the sleigh under warm blankets
  • sleigh ride in the winter surroundings of Ronivaara
  • professional guide
  • winter experience with a Finnhorse
  • parking, changing room and toilet facilities
  • guest insurance, Finnish Equestrian Federation insurance for occasional guests

Duration: 1.5 hours
The duration covers the full experience: arrival in Ronivaara’s farmyard, meeting the Finnhorse, watching the horse being harnessed, settling into the sleigh, the sleigh ride and the ending of the programme.

Group size: max. 4 guests
Riding level: first-time guests, guests with reduced mobility depending on the situation
Format: private sleigh ride for your own group
Minimum age: suitable for guests of different ages
Booking: advance booking online or by phone. Online booking closes 24 hours before the experience.

The experience is guided according to the weather, route, conditions and the horse’s wellbeing. Please dress warmly for winter weather. As you sit still in the sleigh, warm layers, winter shoes, gloves and a hat are important.

Campfire refreshments can be booked separately in advance.

Good to know and arrival at the farm

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.

FAQ

Where does the sleigh ride begin?
The experience begins in the farmyard of Ronivaara Farm in Kuusamo. Before departure, you get to watch how the Finnhorse is prepared and harnessed for the sleigh.

Do we get to see the horse being harnessed?
Yes. Watching the horse being prepared and harnessed is part of the experience. You see how the harness is placed, how the sleigh is attached and how the horse gets ready for the ride.

Is the sleigh ride private?
Yes. The experience is reserved for your own group. The group size is max 4 guests.

Do I need previous horse experience?
No previous horse experience is needed. The driver takes care of the horse and sleigh.

What happens during the experience?
You meet the Finnhorse in Ronivaara’s farmyard, watch the horse being harnessed and then settle into the sleigh under warm blankets. The ride continues through Ronivaara’s winter surroundings with the Finnhorse leading the way.

How long does the experience last?
The full duration is 1.5 hours. This includes meeting the horse, watching the harnessing, settling into the sleigh, the sleigh ride and the ending of the programme.

Is the sleigh ride suitable for children?
Yes. The experience is suitable for guests of different ages. Children take part together with adults.

Is the sleigh ride suitable for guests with reduced mobility?
It may be suitable depending on the situation. Please mention any mobility needs when booking so the practical arrangements can be considered.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly for winter weather. Warm layers, winter shoes, gloves and a hat are important, as you will be sitting still in the sleigh.

Are there blankets in the sleigh?
Yes. Warm blankets are provided in the sleigh.

Can we add refreshments to the experience?
Campfire refreshments can be booked separately in advance

Book now

Horse welfare first

  • The wellbeing of our horses is at the heart of everything we do
  • We work calmly, respectfully and according to each horse’s needs
  • Our horses have time to rest, recover and live a natural paddock life
  • We choose safe routines, suitable horses for our guests and responsible group sizes
  • If needed, the program may be adapted to ensure the comfort and safety of the horses

Local heritage

  • Ronivaara is a traditional farm environment with a strong local story
  • We value the Finnish horse and its important role in Finnish rural culture
  • The old smithy brings local history, craftsmanship and atmosphere into the visit
  • We want to preserve and share the heritage of farm life, horses and nature
  • Our experiences are rooted in the landscape, stories and traditions of the area

Responsible visit

  • We welcome our guests with respect for animals, people and nature T
  • he stable area is alcohol-free and smoke-free
  • We ask all visitors to move calmly and follow the guidance given on site
  • Nature, animals and the local environment are treated with care
  • Our aim is to create a safe, peaceful and memorable experience for everyone