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Last Update: 06 Aug 2010

Riding Holidays | Sweden

Like many other European countries horse riding is extremely popular in Sweden and there are many Swedish professional equestrian centres offering high quality riding lessons and trail rides on well schooled horses. The country has vast areas of untamed wilderness with spectacular high mountains, beautiful river valleys, sparkling lakes and deep forests. What better way to explore this wonderful scenery than from the back of a horse?

Join a Grand Nikkaluokta Trail and explore the mountains of northern Sweden in summer time, riding an Icelandic horse. This is a really adventurous wilderness trail, far north into the Arctic Circle, sleeping out in Sami tents at night with meals around the camp fire. Despite their small size Icelandic horses are surefooted and have great stamina, perfect for negotiating the steep mountain paths. Learn about Sami nomadic culture and follow reindeer tracks along forest paths and out into open grassland areas.

Explore winter time riding in the snow and looking for reindeer and moose along the way. Try dog sledding or travelling on snow mobiles, ice fishing on a frozen lake or reindeer herding with your Sami guides. Stay one night at the famous Ice Palace hotel. This is a fantastic holiday experience for adventurous horse lovers!

Other horse riding trails are also possible amongst forests in the Swedish highlands. As well as Icelandic horses you will find many European cross breeds at local riding stables. Sweden has two native horse breeds; the North Swedish horse and the Gotland pony. The North Swedish horse is an all round type good under saddle and in harness. It is surefooted and agile in difficult terrain. The Gotland pony is small, but adaptable and make very good childrens’ ponies.

If you are travelling via Stockholm why not spend a few days exploring the city and visit the Royal Horseguards, go to the trotting races, or visit in April to see the Stockholm International Horse Show.