Norway

Improvers Horse Riding and Yoga Holiday

4 nights from £ • € • $

Activities

4 days guided adventures

Accommodation

4 nights mountain hotel

Level

Improver

Food

Delicious restaurant meals

Difficulty

Group Size

Moderate

Transfers

5 new friends

Dates

Fly into Oslo, Norway

TBC

  • Horse-Riding

     Level up your horse riding in Norway's oldest national park

  • Døle Horses

    Get paired with these calm, sure-footed Norwegian horses, built for mountain terrain

  • Trail Rides

    Guided rides through forests, open plateaus and mountain paths

  • Yoga

    Stretch out saddle-sore muscles, done by the lake if the weather behaves

  • Wild Swimming

    Take the plunge in an icy mountain lake, Norwegian-style

  • Regional dishes

    Incredible meals prepared fresh each evening, using locally sourced ingredients

  • Mountain Lodge

    A family-run hotel with real Norwegian character and mountains on the doorstep

Always wanted to take your riding beyond the arena? Spend four days exploring Rondane National Park on your own Norwegian Døle horse, riding along forest trails, through open mountain plateaus and around glacier lakes. You'll get stuck into the full experience too with our guides teaching you grooming, tacking up and how to build a real bond with your horse. By the end of the week, you'll be riding for up to three hours at a stretch through terrain that will stay with you long after you unpack.

You’ll spend most of your time at the stables or on horseback, but back at the mountain hotel, a sauna, yoga sessions and a very cold lake are waiting for you (wild swimming is optional, but we encourage it). There’s also incredible three-course dinners, tea and coffee on tap and cosy rooms so you can get a good night’s sleep.

This trip is for anyone who’s ready to leave the arena behind, enjoy some incredible trail rides at a walk and trot and really get to know more about these incredible animals.

Location

Sitting on the edge of Rondane National Park, our base for the week offers horse riding at its best. Uncrowded trails cut through birch forests, open out onto wide plateaus and wind past some seriously blue lakes, with mountain scenery that will have you reaching for your camera constantly. The varied terrain will push your confidence in the best way, as will the horses who are bred for this wild mountain landscape. 

Activities

  • Horse Riding

    If you want to upgrade your riding from arena basics to exploring Norway's oldest national park, this is your trip. You'll be paired with your own horse at the start of the week and spend the next four days building a real bond both in and out of the saddle. From your first arena session to a three-hour mountain ride on day four, the week is structured to boost your skills and your confidence.

    This isn't a beginners' trip. If you've never ridden or it's been years, we recommend our Beginners Horse Riding Adventure first. But if you've got the basics down and you're ready to go further into the mountains, you're in the right place.

  • Hiking

    Learn horsemanship

    Horse riding is always fun, but there’s more to it than just time in the saddle. This week you'll get a real experience of what it actually means to look after a horse - grooming, tacking up, feeding and turning them out at the end of the day.

    You'll be paired with a Norwegian Døle horse from the start, who will be your companion for the whole week. Calm, sure-footed and built for mountain terrain, these horses are ideal partners for riding in the national park. Don't mistake steady for boring though, they've all got a lot of personality which you’ll get to know as the week goes on.

  • Yoga

    Stretch with three yoga sessions across the week, designed around post-riding recovery. When the weather cooperates, sessions move lakeside. When it doesn't, you’ll be in the yoga studio.

  • 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

If you want to upgrade your riding from arena basics to exploring Norway's oldest national park, this is your trip. You'll be paired with your own horse at the start of the week and spend the next four days building a real bond both in and out of the saddle. From your first arena session to a three-hour mountain ride on day four, the week is structured to boost your skills and your confidence.

This isn't a beginners' trip. If you've never ridden or it's been years, we recommend our Beginners Horse Riding Adventure first. But if you've got the basics down and you're ready to go further into the mountains, you're in the right place.

Learn horsemanship

Horse riding is always fun, but there’s more to it than just time in the saddle. This week you'll get a real experience of what it actually means to look after a horse - grooming, tacking up, feeding and turning them out at the end of the day.

You'll be paired with a Norwegian Døle horse from the start, who will be your companion for the whole week. Calm, sure-footed and built for mountain terrain, these horses are ideal partners for riding in the national park. Don't mistake steady for boring though, they've all got a lot of personality which you’ll get to know as the week goes on.

Yoga

Stretch with three yoga sessions across the week, designed around post-riding recovery. When the weather cooperates, sessions move lakeside. When it doesn't, you’ll be in the yoga studio.

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 - you’ll be active and outside from large portions of the day, but with a three-course dinner and comfy bed waiting for you each evening. A good base fitness is essential to make the most of this trip however.

    You’ll need to be

    • Comfortable being active for a full day, across four consecutive days

    • Capable of riding for up to three hours at a stretch

    • Able to control a horse at rising trot

    • Happy getting going in the mornings - the horses won't wait

    • At a decent base fitness before you arrive; this isn't the week to start getting fit

  • Improver - To fully enjoy this adventure, riders must be confident at both walk and trot, and have mastered rising trot. Canter or a willingness to try is a bonus and you should definitely know how to steer and stop.

    No prior trail riding experience needed, but this isn't a beginners' trip; if you've never been on a horse or it's been a long time, start with our Beginners Horse Riding Adventure first. For safety reasons, if you don’t have the right experience you won’t be able to come out on the rides. 

  • Duration: Up to three hours at a time in the saddle per day or two shorter rides, across three consecutive riding days. Add in grooming, tacking up and horse care either side, and you're looking at full, active days throughout the week. Don’t forget the yoga sessions too.

    Skill Level: Walk and rising trot are essential. Canter is preferable, but we’ll only go that fast if the whole group is happy to.

    Terrain: A mix of arena work, with easy trails on mountain terrain. It's not technical, but it's a step up from everything you've done in the arena. 

    Weather: Mountain weather does what it likes. Rides go ahead in most conditions - your guides know the terrain and will adjust the plan if needed. Pack for all eventualities and assume it'll be unpredictable.

    Real talk: If you've had lessons but never taken your riding much beyond the arena, this trip will change that. You'll need to muck in with horse care, handle varied terrain and ride for longer than you're used to. If you can trot, are ready to push your riding forward and want to know more about horses, you'll leave a different rider to the one who arrived.

  • Calm, sure-footed and full of character, the Norwegian Døle horse is built for this kind of terrain. You'll be paired with your own horse at the start of the week, and they'll be yours for the duration. Don't let the steady temperament fool you; these horses have personality, and getting to know yours is half the experience.

    Our horses have a 100kg weight limit. If you need us to check availability of other horses, get in touch before booking.

  • You'll stay at a family-run mountain hotel where every window frames views that go on forever. Think cosy and traditional; a comfortable lounge, a yoga studio for morning stretches, a sauna to ease tired muscles, and a lake cold enough to take your breath away if you fancy a wild swim.

  • Hearty Norwegian food, built to fuel long days outdoors - breakfast and lunch to keep you going, three-course dinners to help you wind down. All meals are included from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure. Just tell us your dietary requirements ahead of time and we'll make sure you're covered.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Evening: Transfer to the hotel, check in, meet your group over a three-course dinner and get the lowdown from your guides on what the week has in store.

  • Day 2

    Morning: Start with yoga before breakfast, then head to the stables. Before anyone gets in the saddle, you'll learn all about horse communication. Groom and tack up, then have your first riding lesson in the arena. Afterwards you’ll give your horse their lunch, then have yours.

    Afternoon: After lunch it’s back out for a one hour ride in the National Park. Back at the stables you’ll untack and then take the horses back to their paddocks for the evening.

    Evening: Wild swim if there’s time, then three-course dinner. 

  • Day 3

    Morning: After breakfast, bring the horses in from the fields and get them ready for today’s ride. Walk and trot through the mountain paths.  

    Afternoon: Feed the horses, then have your own buffet lunch, followed by a short afternoon ride. Walk and trot as standard, with canter on the table if the whole group is up for it.

    Evening: A post-ride yoga session to stretch everything out, then a three-course dinner.

  • Day 4

    Morning: Pack your lunch at breakfast and prepare for a day at the stables. Today's ride is the biggest of the week, approximately three hours out in the mountain area. 

    Afternoon: Picnic lunch at the stables, then more time with your horse, grooming, taking care of tack and learning more about essential horse care. Then say goodbye to your equine pal.

    Evening: A dip in the lake is on offer, then enjoy your celebratory three-course dinner.

  • Day 5

    Morning: One last yoga session, breakfast, then time to pack up and head home.

Dates

  • Item description

Price

Twin Room Ensuite £ (approx. € / $)

Private Room Ensuite £ (approx. € / $)

  • 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

  • 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

  • You can find a detailed packing list here.

Questions?

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