Working Holidays with Natural Horsemanship
Duration: 7 days/6 nights (additional days optional)
Dates/Period: Starts days any Thursday in April, May or September.
Price: from £334/person
Accommodation: One or two-bed rooms at the farm.
Required: You should be able to handle a horse at walking pace, trot and gallop in a forest environment. Weight limit 110kg (240 pounds). You should be in general good health and able to participate fully in the maintenance work at the farm and care of the horses. Min. age 18.
Natural Horsemanship is a method of training and working with horses based on the observation of wild horses. The object is to create a partnership between human and horse similar to the kind of relationships which exist between horses themselves.
The technique avoids any methods involving pain or fear and uses release of pressure when riding and handling the horses, and the horses are ridden without a bit in the mouth.
A unique opportunity to work with Northern Swedish horses and learn the techniques of Natural Horsemanship in the forests of Östergötland.
For around four hours each day, you will assist with the general horse and maintenance work required in the day-to-day running of the farm and stables. Work will depend on the season and may include fencing, cleaning the stables, painting, training the horses, cutting the grass or working in the workshop.
You will have the opportunity to go riding for at least three hours each day. The farm is well-known as a centre of excellence for Natural Horsemanship techniques and you will learn a great deal about the way this method is used with the farm's Northern Swedish horses, practising the art on long rides through forested hills and picturesque pastures. You will be given a thorough briefing on these sturdy, strong horses and how to ride and handle them using Natural Horsemanship methods.
Accomodation during your stay in is one or two-bed rooms at the farm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served with the family or in the farmhouse "pub", where everyone gathers to relax and socialise in the evenings. The food served at the farm is local produce wherever possible, with game and fish from the surrounding forests and lakes.
This is a flexible experience with start days any day during April, May and September. Minimum stay is one week, but you are welcome to extend your stay with as many additional days at the farm as you wish.
See also: The Saga Rides
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Discover the beauty of the western archipelago on a self-guided sea kayaking tour.
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An extended dog sledding expedition inside the Arctic Circle with your own team of Siberian Huskies.
For the latest news and discussions on outdoor experiences in Sweden visit our blog at www.wildsweden.co.uk
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Comments on Working Holidays with Natural Horsemanship
"The family were very welcoming, sharing stories of Swedish history and culture. The lessons in understanding Natural horsemanship were fascinating and have broadened my knowledge, placing my new understanding into practice on the incredibly gentle and kind horses. The wildlife in the surrounding beautiful forests was secretive, but I was fortunate enough to see a pair of Golden Eagles, cranes, deer and a Moose! Admittedly the moose was far off in the distance, but it was an experience nevertheless. The Swedish horse adventure was an unforgettable and wonderful one. Thank you for your help in organizing my trip to Sweden. I had an unforgettable time, with memories that I will treasure." Cassandra, May 2010
"I found my hosts absolutely charming and welcoming. They allow you to be yourself, and their philosophy of horsemanship is inspiring!" Kim, April 2010
"[The highlights were] galloping through the Swedish forests, and seeing all the wild flowers. The friendliness of our hosts. I definitely want to return to Sweden for another holiday." Ann-Marie, May 2009