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Horseback riding in Vesilahti, Finland
Horseback riding attractions and more...
For equestrian and western style riders and hobbyists - looking for a chance to Ride In The Countryside can take part in...
- Dressage or obstacle jumping
- Short 2 to 3 hour horseback vacation in Vesilahti, Finland. Trips are available at the Hovi Ranch.
The Western theme in the Finnish countryside.
Matti Hovi says: "Beside horseback riding and instruction, we have attractions for those who need to let some steam off." Some of the funnest attractions include...
...riding a bull OR throwing a lasoo !!
Photo: Anna Könnönen
"Riding Ferdinand the mechanical Rodeo Bull" Those who have tried...know it's fun!  Photo: Anna Könnönen
To make the western style atmosphere more alive, listen to a live Cowboy Band, participate in traditional 'Line' and 'Flamenco' style dancing.
 Knife throwing
And you can also...
- Practice using an authentic western whip. Getting it to CRACK is the trick!!
- Attend Western style horseback riding camp in Vesilahti. A 5 day camp with provided accommodation.
- Eat Good Ol' Western Cowboy meal at the Tilausravintola Hukianhovi after 'ya done some line dancin.'
- The ranch offers package programs for school aged children, bachelor parties, and history buffs.
- See a guided tours of the Klaus Kurki Road. Matti is an offical guide, leading the one-hour tour.
- Go on a walking tour to the devils mountain tuhnunvuori pirunvuori...where Klaus Kurki met his demise
The Horses
The Hovi ranch has got more than 30 horses. Among those are the Full-blooded Arabians arabialainen täysiverinen(window opens) whose training lasts 2-3 years.
There are foals and older horses up to eight years of age. A pony too.
 Ziroco -A full blooded Arabian Stallion
A heart-pounding experience with two StallionsMatti Hovi brings out Ziroco, one of the Stallions from it's paddock 5 meters from where I stand. As he leads the stallion on a short rope, the stallion restlessly paces around Matti, neighs out something. "Perhaps he is greeting me?" -I am thinking...as I am attempting to capture a picture of the scene.
 Matti with Ziroco - Out of the paddock
I can hear my heart pounding as I put the camera down. The horse is getting closer to me. Both Matti and the stallion walk past me 10 meters onward toward the end of his house. phew! Then they walk together toward another paddock, where another stallion awaits!
The other stallion immeditely flares up in agitation by Ziroco's presence.
Two stallions are withing 5 meters of each other at this point, squealing at each other.
" !!-What a display of horsepower-!!"
Between the two stallions - I could sence the tension and display of wild energy, even danger. Perhaps also, a show of "Who Is The Boss."?
Now they are close to each other - Almost too close. More snorting, puffing, and squeaaaling between the competing stallions.
Then...like lightening...Ziroco gets on his hinds and makes a proud poise. He's facing the other stallion. I get a side glimpse of Ziroco's one leg cocked -- a swift forward kick with the other front leg.
Finally Matti pulls Ziroco away from the presence of the other stallion.
The show is over as the three of us walk about 25 meters to the lower level paddock where the others are practicing advanced riding techniques.
At the Hovi Ranch Hovin Ratsutila you may just see what I did. This Finnish horseback riding ranch in Vesilahti ain't for beginners either.
Western style riding in the countryside of Finland
The one week camp incorporates a style of horseback riding which came from the elite unit of the Spanish Army Spanish Conquistadors, also used by ranches and Cowboy traditions in the Americas.
 Matti lives in this over a 100 year old house and is the 28th' owner of the Hovi Riding Ranch ratsutila.
Matti instructs everyone, including the adults, how to use the bow-and-arrow. The white plastic hay-bin on the right is our target! 
Matti Hovi and his stories
Matti's fascinations are with 'Indians'... Hence, as a youngster he collected books about them, and has a tale or two to tell.
He tells a group of visiting children a spooky legendary story how the local Finns in Vesilahti used to ward-off 'Witches.'
After the spooky story, kids shoot at baloon, the "witches heart" with a crossbow.
And quite often there are Art exhibitions
Of Matti's favorite horse paintings
Looking for Spelt Triticum spelta products? Contact Matti. He sells it in flake, powdered, even in Chili form.  Matti says: "People experience easier digestion after using Spelt in the diet."
For reservations and information contact Matti at the Hovin Ratsastustila:
Address: Ratsutilanraitti, 37470 Vesilahti
phone: +358 50 554 1374
Map of Hovin Ratsastustila Horseback riding in Vesilahti? - See the Green horse Icon on the second map of this map page
For another horseback riding ranch Vesilahti also see:
Vesilahden Ratsastuskoulu
Address: Sassintie 34, 37420 Valkkinen
phone: +358 40 583 7155
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