Norway

Beginners Horse Riding and Yoga Holiday

4 nights from £1649 • €1895 • $2215

Activities

3 days guided adventures

Accommodation

4 nights mountain hotel

Level

Created for beginners

Food

Delicious restaurant meals

Difficulty

Group Size

Moderate

Transfers

5 new friends

Dates

Fly into Oslo, Norway

June - September

  • Horse-Riding

    Learn to ride through breath taking landscapes!

  • Hiking

    Take a day off riding and hike through the beautiful meadows!

  • Yoga

    Unwind and relax with yoga sessions next to the lake!

  • Wild Swimming

    Relax and enjoy with an optional swim in the lake!

Always dreamed of having your own pony? This beginner riding holiday lets you explore on your own horse through winding valleys and open countryside, with Norway's peaks as your backdrop. Learn everything, from grooming and saddling to building confidence on forest trails. This is trail riding where every route comes with scenery that'll stop you mid-trot.

Stay in a cosy mountain hotel with sauna sessions, yoga classes and wild lake swimming (for the brave). It’s small groups with experienced guides - the kind of riding that'll leave you browsing horses for sale online.

Location

We’ll be visiting Venabydsfjellet, a stunning mountain plateau on the edge of Rondane National Park, north of Lillehammer.

This beautiful location offers diverse riding trails and spectacular views encompassing lakes, mountains, and forests. We'll enjoy horse riding and hiking right from the hotel’s doorstep, immersing yourself in the peaceful and natural surroundings.

Activities

  • Horse Riding

    Learn to ride where your backdrop changes from forest to meadow to mountain peak with every trail. Build horse riding skills while exploring Norwegian mountain landscapes from the saddle.

    Each day starts with hands-on lessons on the ground to build your horse knowledge, then time in the arena to refine your skills before venturing out on the trails.

    You'll get your own Døla horse for the week and learn essential horsemanship – reading body language, grooming, and saddling. Time in the stables is as much of a highlight as the rides themselves, as you get to bond with your horse.

    • Riding helmet hire

    • Experienced instructors 

    • Guided rides

    • Views for days

  • Hiking

    Yoga

    Stretch out those saddle-sore muscles with yoga sessions designed for post-riding recovery. Three sessions help your body recover from long days in the saddle and at the stables. When weather allows, take your practice lakeside for mountain views to accompany your warrior pose.

    • Three yoga sessions (all levels welcome)

    • Post-riding muscle recovery focus 

    • Lakeside practice when weather permits

  • Hiking

    Take a break from the saddle and explore Rondane National Park on foot. This 12km hike takes you through wildflower meadows to an old summer farm where you'll enjoy traditional Norwegian lunch and learn local folklore from the farmer who still works the land.

    Expect rough, uneven terrain with 270m of ascent and descent – your legs will appreciate the break from riding, even if they're working in different ways.

    • Full-day guided mountain hike 

    • Traditional lunch at historic summer farm 

    • Local folklore & mountain history

  • Wild Swimming

    Follow Norwegian tradition with sauna sessions and wild lake swimming – if you're brave enough for mountain water that'll wake every nerve ending. 

Horse Riding

Learn to ride where your backdrop changes from forest to meadow to mountain peak with every trail. Build horse riding skills while exploring Norwegian mountain landscapes from the saddle.

Each day starts with hands-on lessons on the ground to build your horse knowledge, then time in the arena to refine your skills before venturing out on the trails.

You'll get your own Døla horse for the week and learn essential horsemanship – reading body language, grooming, and saddling. Time in the stables is as much of a highlight as the rides themselves, as you get to bond with your horse.

  • Riding helmet hire

  • Experienced instructors 

  • Guided rides

  • Views for days

Yoga

Stretch out those saddle-sore muscles with yoga sessions designed for post-riding recovery. Three sessions help your body recover from long days in the saddle and at the stables. When weather allows, take your practice lakeside for mountain views to accompany your warrior pose.

  • Three yoga sessions (all levels welcome)

  • Post-riding muscle recovery focus 

  • Lakeside practice when weather permits

Hiking

Take a break from the saddle and explore Rondane National Park on foot. This 12km hike takes you through wildflower meadows to an old summer farm where you'll enjoy traditional Norwegian lunch and learn local folklore from the farmer who still works the land.

Expect rough, uneven terrain with 270m of ascent and descent – your legs will appreciate the break from riding, even if they're working in different ways.

  • Full-day guided mountain hike

  • Traditional lunch at historic summer farm

  • Local folklore & mountain history

Wild Swimming

Follow Norwegian tradition with sauna sessions and wild lake swimming – if you're brave enough for mountain water that'll wake every nerve ending. 

Fitness and Experience Level

  • We've rated this trip as moderate based on the physical demands of the activities.

  • Duration: Gear up for 2 - 3 hours of riding and another 3 hours of work in the stables (grooming, saddling, and theory) for two days, as well as a day of hiking and a morning ride on the day you depart.

    Hours in the saddle: If you’re not used to riding, even a few hours in the saddle can leave your body aching. Expect to have to push through some muscle soreness!

    Consecutive Days: Prepare for 3.5 consecutive days of activity, which may be physically demanding

    Hiking: Our hike to the summer farm will be 12 km in total, so including a good stop for lunch this makes for a full day hike. The terrain is likely to be rough and uneven and will have some hills, with 270m of ascent and descent.

    Weather Considerations: While we hope for sunny days, the weather can change rapidly. Come prepared with appropriate clothing for riding and hiking in various weather conditions, including rain

  • We recommend you have a good level of fitness to get the most from your time with us.

  • Stay in a family-run mountain hotel, with views for days over the mountain-strewn landscapes. Spacious rooms, a yoga studio for morning stretches, a sauna to ease tired legs, and a lounge with an open fire. It's cosy, welcoming, and exactly what you need after hours in the saddle. 

  • Enjoy a buffet breakfast and lunch, as well as three-course dinners - the food is unbeatable here. All dietary requirements are catered for, plus you’ll get the chance to taste test some local Norwegian dishes. 

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Afternoon: Board the train from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to Ringebu and watch Norway unfold outside your window. At the station, hop on the transfer bus for the final 20 minutes to the hotel. Your week starts now.

    Evening: Three course dinner with the group to kick things off. Afterwards, meet your Riding Guide Team who will talk you through the week ahead.

  • Day 2

    Morning: After breakfast, you'll meet your horse for the week and learn the basics - grooming, tacking up and how to read your horse’s body language. Then saddle up and head to the arena to get the essentials down.

    Afternoon: Fuel up at lunch, then head out for your first proper ride. Back at the hotel, stretch it all out with a much needed yoga session.

    Evening: Three-course dinner.

  • Day 3

    Morning: Start with yoga, then breakfast. Down to the stables to groom your horse and learn more about how to read equine body language, followed by another arena lesson to sharpen your skills.

    Afternoon: Lunch, then out on the trails. Stunning countryside, growing confidence, and that connection with your horse clicking into place.

    Evening: Swim or sauna, maybe both. Then dinner featuring traditional Norwegian fare and learn more about the culture and history of this incredible area.

  • Day 4

    Morning: Lakeside yoga if the weather plays nice, studio if it doesn't. Breakfast, then swap your saddle for hiking boots and trek to Lykkjesetra summer farm-12km through landscapes that'll stay with you. Learn local folklore along the way, then lunch at the farm.

    Afternoon: Back on horseback for a longer ride through the national park. This is the big one. Then it’s time to say goodbye and thank you to the horses for an incredible week.

    Evening: Another hearty three-course meal. You'll sleep well tonight.

  • Day 5

    Morning: Breakfast, then pack a lunch for the train. One last morning to buy any souvenirs and take any final photos.

    Afternoon: Transfer back to Ringebu station and trains back to Oslo.

Dates

    • Mon 15 June - Fri 19 June (guaranteed)

    • Mon 22 June - Fri 26 June (guaranteed)

    • Mon 29 June - Fri 3 July (guaranteed)

    • Mon 6 July - Fri 10 July (guaranteed)

    • Mon 20 July - Fri 24 July (guaranteed) ⚡2 SPOTS LEFT

    • Mon 27 July - Fri 31 July (guaranteed)

    • Mon 10 August - Fri 14 August (guaranteed) ⚡1 SPOT LEFT

    • Mon 24 August - Fri 28 August (guaranteed) FULLY BOOKED

    • Mon 31 August - Fri 4 September (guaranteed) ⚡1 SPOT LEFT

    • Mon 7 September - Fri 11 September (guaranteed) ⚡1 SPOT LEFT

    • Mon 21 September - Fri 25 September (guaranteed)

Price

Twin Room Ensuite £1649 (approx. €1895 / $2215)

Private Room Ensuite £1899 (approx. €2180 / $2550)

Please note: there are limited private rooms available on each date, so early booking is advised.

  • Gutsy Girls is a UK-based adventure company welcoming women worldwide. Prices are in pounds (£) with estimates in euros (€) and US dollars ($). The final amount dependant on your card provider’s conversion rate at time of payment and may fluctuate.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.

What’s Included

  • 3 days horse riding

  • 3 yoga classes

  • Wild swimming & sauna

  • Summer farm visit

  • Equipment provided

  • 4 nights accommodation

  • All meals

  • Expert team

  • Group transfer

Book Now

    • Flights

    • Train tickets - approx £30 each way

    • Alcoholic drinks 

    • Travel Insurance

    • Personal clothing/gear mentioned above

  • Cancellations are effective from the date we receive your written notice via email. The following fees apply:

    • 100% of the trip cost if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip.

    • 30% of the trip cost if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip.

    Full terms and conditions are available for review before you book and make payment

  • Every date on this adventure is locked in and happening. Book your flights, we're going.

Travel

  • Ringebu train station

    You are responsible for booking flights and trains to Ringebu. 

    We will pick you up from Ringebu train station at either 16:53 or 18:49 (or 18:35 on some Saturdays). These transfer times line up with our recommended trains below. The transfer to the hotel is a 20-minute drive.

  • Arrival Flight to Oslo Gardermoen:

    Book a morning flight to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Aim to arrive at least 1 hour before your train departure time to Ringebu, preferably more.

    Train from Oslo Gardermoen to Ringebu

    Book one of the following trains:
    Depart 14:29 Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen), Arrive 16:53 at Ringebu Station
    Depart 16:29 Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen), Arrive 18:49 at Ringebu Station

    On some Saturdays:

    Depart 14:29 Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen), Arrive 16:53 at Ringebu Station
    Depart 15:59 Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen), Arrive 18:35 at Ringebu Station (Train to Lillehammer, then change to bus VY710 to Ringebu)

    For details on booking your trains please read our FAQs.

  • We will transfer you from the hotel to Ringebu station in time for the following trains: 12:06 or 13:57.

  • Train from Ringebu to Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)

    Book one of the following trains:
    Depart 12:06 Ringebu Station, Arrive 14:21 at Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)
    Depart 13:57 Ringebu Station, Arrive 16:20 at Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)

    For details on booking your trains please read our FAQs.

    Departure Flight from Oslo Gardermoen to home:

    Book an afternoon or evening flight from Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Ensure there’s at least 2 hours between your train arrival from Ringebu and your flight departure.

FAQs

Packing List

    • Helmets

    • Waist bags for small items while riding

  • Personal

    • Water bottle

    • Toiletries

    • Personal medication

    • Daypack for bringing snacks, water and layers to and from the stables (you won’t bring much on the rides with you)

    • Sunscreen

    • Insect repellent

    • Sunglasses

    • Thermos for hot drinks (optional)

    • Snacks

    • Compeed or moleskin for blisters, just in case!

    • Hand warmers if you’re a cold person and it’s a cold week

    • Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots for the hike day (preferably waterproof) - these could be the same as you wear for riding but don’t have to be

    Clothes - Riding

    Your riding clothes will get dirty, but it’s fine to re-wear these the following day as they’ll just get dirty again!

    • Boots / shoes for riding - you can use any sturdy shoes or boots but ideally:

      • Boots should preferably have a some grip

      • Not too chunky as they need to fit in the stirrup

      • The shoe should cover the foot, preferably also the ankle, but with some ankle flexibility

      • They should be sturdy/water resistant/muck proof for stable work

    • Warm socks (hiking socks are good)

    • Hardshell jacket (waterproof) (mandatory)

    • Waterproof overtrousers (or a long knee length riding waterproof coat)

    • Gloves for riding - with a grippy palm (riding, cycling, leather gloves all work)

    • Insulated jacket (lightweight down or synthetic) in case you get cold

    • Trousers for riding - jodhpurs or any trousers without a rough / hard inside seam (as this will rub when you’re riding) - a pair or two will suffice NB you can’t ride in shorts

    • Warm base layers (top and bottom in case of cold weather)

    • Thin and thicker mid layers

    • T-shirts - lightweight and fast drying if the weather is warm

    • Fleece or jumper

    • Layers you can take on and off throughout the day as the temperature changes

    • Buff

    Clothes - Hotel

    When you’re in the hotel, you’ll need to wear some cleaner, non-riding clothes! The hotel is very relaxed though so there’s no need to dress up.

    • Relaxed evening clothes (remember it might be cool in the evenings)

    • Slippers - you can wear these round the hotel

    • Swimwear & small travel towel for lake swimming and the sauna

    • Yoga wear

Questions?

If you have any questions, check our FAQs or drop us a message below!