FAQs
Norway Beginners Horse Riding and Yoga Holiday
Travel
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You're responsible for booking your own flights and trains to Ringebu. Book whatever works for you, but make sure it arrives in time to catch one of the two suggested trains.
Arrival: Morning flight to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Land at least one to two hours before your train departs.
Departure: Afternoon or evening flight from Oslo Gardermoen. Allow at least two hours between train arrival and takeoff.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you'll need to sort your own way to the start point. We'll help with local transport info on the day, but getting there is on you.
Travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations and missed connections is mandatory for this adventure (and all our trips).
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Arrival day trains from Oslo Gardermoen to Ringebu station:
Depart 14:29 - Arrive 16:53
Depart 16:29 - Arrive 18:49
Saturdays:
Depart 14:29 - Arrive 16:53
Depart 15:59 - Arrive 18:35 (train to Lillehammer, then an easy transfer to bus VY710 to Ringebu)
Departure day trains from Ringebu to Oslo Gardermoen:
Depart 12:06, Arrive 14:21
Depart 13:57, Arrive 16:20
Some Saturdays:
Depart 12:12, Arrive 14:32
Book your tickets via Vy or SJ website. Tickets go on sale 60-90 days out.
The train station is downstairs in Oslo Gardermoen Arrivals Terminal and only takes a few minutes to walk between the arrivals hall and the train platform.
We'll pick you up from Ringebu station at your stated arrival time and drive you to the hotel (20 minutes). On the last day of the trip we’ll drive you from the hotel to Ringebu station.
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Yes, there’s a shared transfer between Ringebu station and the hotel, two on arrival day, two on departure day. It runs at a fixed time from a fixed pickup point.
Pickup: Ringebu train station at either 16:53 or 18:49 (18:35 on Saturdays)
Drop-off: Ringebu station in time for the 12:06 or 13:57 trains
The transfer is included in your trip cost, however there’s no discount if you don't use it.
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If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you'll need to arrange your own transport to meet the group, but we’ll be on hand to help where we can. Your host is your main contact throughout your trip or you can reach our Bookings Team Monday to Friday between 9am–5:30pm UK time.
Group transfers run on schedule and unfortunately can’t wait. To avoid being out of pocket, make sure your insurance covers delays, cancellations and missed connections.
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If you catch a later train, we can arrange a taxi between Ringebu station and the hotel.
Between 8am - 8pm - 300 NOK (approx. £22/€25) each way per person
Between 8pm-8am - 790 NOK (approx. £58/€65) each way per person
Please email our Bookings Team to book the taxi.
If you take a later train on the first day though, you’ll miss dinner (no refund available).
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As soon as you book, not the week before you fly.
Booking early means you're covered if you need to cancel before departure, not just for issues while you're away.
Your policy should cover:
Travel delays and missed connections
Trip cancellation
Medical emergencies and evacuation
Baggage and equipment loss
All activities on your itinerary
Travel insurance is a requirement for all Gutsy Girls trips. It's your responsibility to check your policy covers the activities you've signed up for, especially outdoor and sporting ones.
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Accommodation & Food
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We stay at a family-run fjellhotell, a cosy mountain retreat with excellent food and friendly hospitality. The setting is spectacular: lakes, mountains, forest and open landscape views.
Rooms are simple, comfortable and light-filled with a mountain aesthetic. Many have brilliant views. There's a spacious lounge with an open fire, a bar, and complimentary tea and coffee always available.
One thing to note: the hotel is dog-friendly and there are two or three resident dogs. They won't enter bedrooms, but you'll likely see them in the lounge. There are also dog friendly rooms for guests who bring their own dogs. Everything is cleaned thoroughly, but it’s worth knowing if you have allergies or aren't a dog person.
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Simple, light and airy with mountain-style decor and en-suite bathrooms. Many have stunning mountain views.
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Yes, there’s good wifi in all rooms and the communal areas.
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Yes. Towels are in your room. Hairdryers are available on each floor in the cabinet at the end of the corridor. You can also find spare towels there too.
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No. Bring soap flakes or travel wash if you want to hand-wash base layers, or just make sure you pack enough for this short trip.
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The food is a highlight. Traditional, homemade and delicious. Three-course dinners (set menu), a generous breakfast buffet and a plentiful lunch buffet.
The kitchen prioritises quality local ingredients and healthy, homemade cooking. The hotel also caters for all dietary requirements and allergies without scrimping on taste or quality.
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Yes, we can cater for all dietary requirements. Just put any dietary requirements or catering needs in your Check-in form after booking.
Dinner is a three-course set menu, so if there are foods you can't eat or don't like, make sure we know well in advance.
Activities
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Yes. This trip is designed for complete beginners.
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Yes. We can tailor instruction during lessons if you have some experience. Please be aware that most of this trip will be done at a walk, so if you're an expert or have had quite a few riding lessons, this trip isn't for you.
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Most horses at the stables are Dole horses (Dølahest in Norwegian), a breed native to the region and built for mountain terrain. They're friendly, calm and give riders a real sense of security thanks to their sturdy build and steadiness on uneven ground, making them great horses for beginners.
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Yes, we pair you with a horse at the beginning of the week so that you can get to know them in and out of the saddle.
We might need to swap things around occasionally, but that's the plan.
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You'll learn to ride in the arena and out on trails. You'll also learn grooming, saddling, daily horse care, how horses communicate - and how we communicate with them.
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Only if you want to. We'll teach you grooming, saddling and daily care, but mucking out is optional.
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As this is a beginner trip, we start with gentle walking. If you're comfortable, we may introduce trotting in the arena and potentially on trails. We're unlikely to go faster than a trot.
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Yes. Mounting blocks are available.
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Mostly flat or gently undulating terrain, gravel paths and through trees.
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The horses comfortably carry riders up to 90kg. If you're over this weight, email our bookings team and we'll check with the stables to see if we can accommodate you.
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This trip isn't too strenuous, but you'll be riding and working in the stables for four consecutive days. A decent level of fitness will help you get the most out of it.
If falling off a horse would be a specific concern due to an existing condition, contact us before booking.
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Yes. Find it here.
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No. Rides won't be longer than a couple of hours, so you won't need much. We have waist bags you can borrow for essentials.
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Slow and restorative sessions to help you recover from a day of riding.
General Information
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Even in summer, Norway can be fairly cool. Dress like you would for UK autumn. Our packing list reflects this.
Check the forecast close to your trip so you can adjust what you pack. Weather forecast here.
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No, everywhere on this trip accepts cards, so you won’t need norwegian krone.
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We get guests from their 20s right through to their 70s. We don’t ask your age when you book because honestly, it’s irrelevant. What counts is whether you’re up for the adventure.
Once you’re out there hiking mountains or sharing dinner after a long day, age becomes a non-factor pretty quickly. The mix is actually one of the best things about our groups as you’ll click with women you’d probably never meet otherwise.
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Yes. Over 95% of guests join holidays on their own. Our aim is connecting you with like-minded new friends. We're a friendly bunch - come as you are.
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We use female instructors and guides whenever possible, but can't always guarantee this - there are fewer female instructors available.
Our first priority is working with the most highly experienced and considerate instructors and guides who are patient, friendly, and passionate about building women's confidence outdoors.
Due to the ratio of men to women in the outdoors industry, sometimes guides and instructors are male.
We keep a close eye on feedback our guides receive - overall this is more important than gender. We hope as more women are introduced to adventure sports, the amount of female guides and instructors will increase.
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We'll connect you with others on the trip via WhatsApp so you can arrange to travel together if you want.
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Our hosts are volunteers who are passionate about our mission and want to help more women get outdoors. They're not professionals in the sports or from the countries the trips are based in. Instead, they are there for you. Our guides on the other hand are employed by our local partners in-country and are there to teach you epic activities, lead your sessions and answer all your questions.
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Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you've had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving €20-€30, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.