Because of its varied natural landscape you can ride along paths and roads as well as into untouched wilderness. Sitting on the back of a horse you can reach far into the wilds and come into closer contact with nature than you can any other way. On organised trips you will be accompanied by expert guides who help inexperienced riders learn everything from the names of the equipment to how to show the horse affection.
You will find indoor riding, riding trips for the experienced and for beginners, plus opportunities to rent by the hour. Horseback riding is a wonderful way for families to enjoy their holiday together - with or without experience.
Norwegian horses
Today there are 3 different Norwegian horse breeds: The fjord horse, the North Norwegian mountain horse and the Forestry horse. In addition to these three, the national horse breed of Iceland, the Iceland horse, descends from Norwegian Viking horse.
The Fjord horse
The most famous Norwegian landscape, as known by tourists, is the long west coast to the Atlantic Ocean, where Fjords and Mountains are the keywords. In this steep landscape, the Fjord horse was developed. It is one the world’s oldest horse breeds, and it is probably quite closely linked to the ancient North Asian wild horse.
The North Norwegian mountain horse
In the north of Norway the main component of landscape is mountain. People live on only small stripes of flat land along the shores of the ocean. This is the region of the North Norwegian mountain horse, witch has got the same general features of body shape as the Fjord horse, but it is remarkably smaller.
The Norwegian Forestry horse
In the south-eastern regions of Norway is the region that the Norwegian Forestry horse has been developed. Through generations this kind of horses have been used for farm work, carrying loads up and down between the mountains and valleys, as riding horses, for driving with sledges in the wintertime and first and foremost they are famous for their skills when used in forestry. Norwegian forestry horses are famous for their mental skills as well. They are intelligent, gentle, very patient and get deeply involved with their owners. In Norway we use the expression “cold heads”, meaning that these horses are not easily scared.
Tracks for riding are available to the experienced and and the first time rider.
A number of hotels, holiday resorts and riding centres offer this type of riding, often as preparation for longer trips.
Several places in the country offer tours by horse and carriage. The most famous one is perhaps the tour to Briksdalsbreen glacier. Horses with carriage can also be rented for groups in connection with special occasions. Such tours are sometimes also offered in connection with various local events.
The great thing about a trip on horseback is the contact you have with nature and with your horse.
Forgotten are the demands of everyday life. The only thing that matters is your objective for the day.In Norway riding camps and trips are available in several forms. Some have a single lodging place from which you take new trips each day. Others have a planned route that takes several days, and lodging is in different places along the way. Both forms are very popular. Group trips are especially popular in the mountain areas of southern Norway and in the Trøndelag counties in Mid-Norway.Yet another alternative is riding from hotel to hotel while your baggage is transported by car. Fitness and experience requirements vary with the different trips.
The experienced rider can rent a horse and ride out on his or her own.
If you want a companion or an instructor, arrangements can be made either separately or as part of a group. Should you choose to ride on your own, be sure to ask about paths and roads designated for riding. Certain places in populated areas have restrictions.
Photography from Norway Tourism |
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