Pat who has been on 11 In The Saddle rides. A fun-filled week in the Arctic Snow | We both enjoyed riding a number of different horses, in the indoor arena, on the oval track and along the forest trails, riding some mornings, afternoons and one night ride. All the horses we rode (9 in total between us) were responsive and easy to look after - to catch, groom and tack up.
We both enjoyed tolting. It's a shame that we can't tolt on horses at home.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thanks so much for your feedback. We're really pleased that you enjoyed your return visit to Sweden.]

Debs who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS !! | Don't be fooled by their size, these Icelandic ponies would put a 17hh warmblood to shame.
Our ponies were strong enough to carry us, forward going, very light to the aids, sensible and well adapted to their surroundings and snowy terrain.

They were polite in the stables to groom and tack up. Responding to gentle aids to ask them to move over, pick up a foot etc. They came to call and led in willingly from their paddocks.

Because they had the natural freedom to interact and play in their paddocks, they all just seemed to rub along together. Amiable, well-adjusted and happy ponies !

Julie who has been on 9 In The Saddle rides. Icy cold outside but a warm glow inside | Less riding than on most ITS holidays but we knew that before we went. Riding the little Icelandic ponies above the arctic circle surrounded by beautiful snow covered scenery was a real treat. Learning how to tolt from the experts was really good.

Teresa (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Sweden - Explore Winter | I loved the night rides in the snow covered forest. The riding was slower than some trips, but that was because of the snow and the terrain. We did have one fast canter in the snow through the forest that was great fun, and we also did a bit of tolting. We also had a lesson in the arena that was a nice addition to the trail riding. The horses are well cared for and loved.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: We are so pleased that you had a fun time riding in the snow!]

Janet who has been on 15 In The Saddle rides. Truly Magical | It was as described

Jayne who has been on 11 In The Saddle rides. Sweden Explore Winter - Incredible Experience | Wonderful Icelandic horses, with impeccable stable manners, who were well cared for and really enjoy their work. We were lucky to experience clear and bright days and so the riding, albeit limited to around 2 hours at any one time, was thoroughly enjoyable. A good blend of forest rides and lessons in the oval with the evening forest ride being a highlight particularly as we experienced the northern lights. The planning and management of the riding at the farm was impeccable and the staff exemplary.

Naomi (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) A week full of bucket list adventures! | Incredible experience riding beautiful Icelandic ponies riding through thick snow; they were so clever, strong and sure footed. Also it was great fun learning to ‘tolt’ on the oval track and I really enjoyed a groundwork session learning new skills.

Emily who has been on 25 In The Saddle rides. Lovely holiday exploring snowy Sweden | This isn't a holiday of fast and furious riding; but it was lovely exploring the snow covered forests in a picturesque, winder wonderland setting. Due to the conditions, it not always possible to go fast as the horses can stumble in the snow. The horses are very sure footed and are lovely to ride. Tilting was an excellent experience.

Sandra (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Riding in a snowy winter wonderland on well schooled Icelandic horses - with lots of other exciting experiences | The riding was well planned and enjoyable. The stables were well run, organised and warm (important when its 20 below!). The staff leading the rides were delightful and gave good instructions. They knew the character and abilities of the horses very well and gave tips for each horse. They matched the horses to the individual rider's ability and personality. The horses were healthy and happy and well cared for. No bad behavior and willing. Although I have ridden for years, my husband has only been riding for 6 months and he had a wonderful experience. Tack was well maintained and saddles comfortable. We had 3 lessons while we were there as well as the hacks to help us with the 5 gaited horses. Instruction was excellent. One of the lessons was on the oval track - flying round the track on the ice in tolt and canter... good job the horses had studs! We were joined by a moose on one of our lessons as he ambled across the school. The instruction meant that both my husband and I were able to give the aids to tolt and we also had ground lessons to help with suppleness of the horses.
The hacks through the forests were during the day and night rides ( its dark at around 4pm) Tolting and cantering through forests on crisp snow in the dark with horses we could trust was a fantastic experience. Quite emotional.
While we were there there were parties of tourists from the nearby Ice Hotel - some of them with no experience of riding at all. They all enjoyed their trips out despite never having ridden before and were very well chaperoned and looked after. For the holiday experience we had though, staying at the farm and going out each day, it would be difficult to get the best out of it if you couldn't trot and canter easily before you went. You also bring in the horses, clean and tack them up so knowledge of horse care is needed too. We have our own horses so not a problem but some steeper learning for one of our group - "first catch your horse..."
There was a room filled with hats, balaclavas, wool socks, snow riding boots, padded overalls, wool trousers, jumpers, gloves etc to borrow. No reason to not ride because of the weather. No need to spend loads of money on kit if you don't want to ( though I liked the excuse for a new padded jacket) just good warm base layers needed.
We felt safe with the horses and well cared for by the staff.