{"id":16967,"date":"2026-04-22T07:11:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T04:11:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ruskalaukka.sapartners.site\/?page_id=16967"},"modified":"2026-09-08T07:26:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T04:26:00","slug":"faq-frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ruskalaukka.sapartners.site\/en\/faq-frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Mets\u00e4tarhat,<\/span>
\n

Ronivaara \u00b7 Kuusamo, Finland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Practical answers for planning your visit and choosing the right Finnhorse experience.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you cannot find what you need here, contact us. Tell us a little about your group, previous horse or riding experience and what you would like to do, and we will help you find a suitable experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan Your Visit<\/a><\/strong> \u00b7 Contact Us<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Choosing and booking an experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How do I book an experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Available experiences can be booked through our online booking system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also contact us at info@ruskalaukka.fi<\/a><\/strong> or +358 40 5300 603<\/strong> if you need help choosing an experience or would like to ask about other available times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book an Experience<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do I need to book in advance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Experiences at Ronivaara are booked in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gives us time to prepare the horses, guides and other practical arrangements for the people arriving that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the individual experience page and booking calendar for current availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How do I choose the right experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start with what you would like to do and how much previous horse or riding experience you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some experiences are suitable for beginners and first-time riders, while others require previous riding experience. You can also meet the Finnhorses without riding through farm experiences and other Finnhorse experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each programme page gives the participation requirements for that experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You do not need to make yourself sound more experienced than you are.<\/strong> An accurate description helps us guide you towards a suitable experience and Finnhorse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore Finnhorse Experiences<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Can I book a private experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private Finnhorse experiences are available for people who would like to spend time with the horses with their own family, partner or small group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also private options for riding and horsemanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private Finnhorse Experiences<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I have never ridden before. Can I still come?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Several experiences at Ronivaara are suitable for people with little or no previous riding experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will be guided before and during the activity, and a suitable horse is chosen with the rider and the experience in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the individual programme description before booking, as not every riding experience is intended for beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I used to ride, but it has been a long time. What level should I choose?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tell us approximately how much you have ridden, what kind of riding you have done and how long it has been since you last rode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Years alone do not tell everything about riding experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are unsure, contact us before booking. We can help you choose an experience where you can begin at a comfortable level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I feel nervous around horses. Can I still visit Ronivaara?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell us if you feel nervous or uncertain around horses. Knowing this helps us guide the first meeting calmly and choose an appropriate way to begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also choose an experience where time with the Finnhorse begins from the ground rather than in the saddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Can I meet the Finnhorses without riding?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Riding is only one way to meet a Finnhorse at Ronivaara. Farm experiences and other Finnhorse encounters give you opportunities to spend time around the horses and learn about them without riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In snowy winter conditions, horse-drawn sleigh rides offer another way to experience the Finnhorse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm Experiences<\/a><\/strong>
Finnhorse Encounters<\/a><\/strong>
Sleigh Rides<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Children and families<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are children welcome?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Many experiences at Ronivaara are suitable for children and families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minimum ages and other participation requirements depend on the individual programme, so always check the experience page before booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are travelling with children of different ages or experience levels and are unsure which programme suits everyone, contact us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Does everyone in the family need to ride?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are different ways to meet the animals at Ronivaara. A farm experience, for example, can be a good choice when a family would like to spend time around the Finnhorses and other animals without everyone taking part in a riding activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farm Experiences<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Clothing and equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What should I wear?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dress for the weather and for spending time on a farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear. For riding, wear long trousers and a long-sleeved top or jacket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In winter, warm layers, warm footwear, gloves and a hat are important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the season, the farmyard and natural ground can be snowy, icy, wet, muddy or uneven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan Your Visit<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do you provide riding helmets?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A riding helmet is always used when riding. Helmets are available at Ronivaara, and safety vests can also be borrowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Can I bring my own riding equipment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can bring your own suitable riding clothing and equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equipment that has been used at another stable must be cleaned and disinfected before bringing it to Ronivaara.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are unsure about your equipment, ask us before your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Weather and seasons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are Finnhorse experiences available throughout the year?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most Finnhorse experiences at Ronivaara are offered throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The surroundings change with snow, spring thaw, summer pasture and autumn colours, while the Finnhorses and everyday life of the farm continue through the seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horse-drawn sleigh rides belong to the snowy winter months.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life & Seasons at Ronivaara<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What happens if the weather is difficult?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Weather and changing ground conditions are part of everyday life at Ronivaara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We follow the conditions when working with the horses and carrying out activities. For riding, the route and pace are chosen according to the riders, the horses and the conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the conditions significantly affect the safe delivery of your booked experience, we will contact you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Finnhorses and other animals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What kind of horses will I meet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ronivaara is a Finnhorse farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Finnhorse is Finland’s native horse breed, and the horses at Ronivaara are known to us as individuals with different characters, skills, strengths and relationships within their herds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can meet the individual horses on our Finnhorse page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet Our Finnhorses and learn about finnhorses<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How is horse welfare taken into account?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Horse welfare is part of everyday decisions at Ronivaara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The horses live with other horses and have opportunities for movement, outdoor life, rest and recovery. Their health, behaviour, individual needs and workload are followed as part of daily care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The horse\u2013guest combination is chosen with both the horse and the person in mind. If a particular horse needs rest or a lighter day, another suitable Finnhorse can take its place when needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our work is also supported by the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label, SRL Laatutalli and Hyv\u00e4Talli Silver level<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read About Horse Welfare<\/a><\/strong>
Sustainability & Responsibility<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Can I touch or photograph the animals?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, when the situation allows it and according to your guide’s instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Move calmly around the animals and give them space. Your guide will show you where and how to approach them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You are welcome to take photographs during your visit as long as doing so does not disturb the animals or the activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What other animals live at Ronivaara?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alongside the Finnhorses, sheep, chickens, dogs and cats<\/strong> are part of everyday life at Ronivaara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where you meet them depends on what is happening around the farm that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animals at Ronivaara<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Arrival and facilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Where is Ronivaara?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ronivaara is in Meskusvaara, Kuusamo, Finland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meskusvaarantie 79B<\/strong>
93800 Kuusamo<\/strong>
Finland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The drive takes approximately 20 minutes from Kuusamo town centre<\/strong> and 25 minutes from Ruka<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact & Getting Here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How early should I arrive?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Please arrive about 10\u201315 minutes before your programme begins<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gives you time to arrive calmly and get ready before the activity starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Are there toilets and changing facilities?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guests have access to toilet and changing facilities, as well as the stable cabin at Ronivaara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Payment, changes and cancellations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What payment methods do you accept?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We accept the most common payment cards and cash<\/strong>. We also accept the Finnish employee benefit payment methods Smartum, Edenred and Epassi<\/strong> where applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How do I change or cancel a booking?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contact us as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel your booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conditions for cancellations, changes and refunds are explained in our Booking & Cancellation<\/strong> terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Booking & Cancellation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Still wondering which experience is right for you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tell us who is coming, what previous experience you have and what you would like to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know our horses and the different ways of spending time with them, and we can help you find a good place to begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore Finnhorse Experiences<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact Us<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Choosing and booking an experience How do I book an experience? Available experiences can be booked through our online booking system. You can also contact us at info@ruskalaukka.fi or +358 40 5300 603 if you need help choosing an experience or would like to ask about other available times. Book an Experience Do I need\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16967","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruskalaukka.sapartners.site\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16967","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruskalaukka.sapartners.site\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruskalaukka.sapartners.site\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ruskalaukka.sapartners.site\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ruskalaukka.sapartners.site\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16967"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/ruskalaukka.sapartners.site\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16967\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20831,"href":"https:\/\/ruskalaukka.sapartners.site\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16967\/revisions\/20831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruskalaukka.sapartners.site\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16967"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}