Dedicated and passionate people who ensure that every moment of the retreat is thoughtful, fun, and filled with genuine care for both riders and horses.
Emilie has been around horses for more than 20 years. Riding has shaped the way she moves through the world. She has ridden in different countries, worked as a trek guide, volunteered in stables, and learned to adapt to new horses, new landscapes, and new ways of doing things. For her, horses are not just a sport , they are a way to connect, travel, and understand people and places.
In August 2024, she discovered horseback archery thanks to Eva, and it quickly became more than just a new hobby. She now trains once to twice a week at Kultarannan Talli and also helps with the training of a friend’s horse. What she loves most about the discipline is the balance it requires: focus and freedom, precision and trust between horse and rider.
In her everyday life, Emilie works as a travel designer for the Nordic countries, creating meaningful experiences for others. Her dream is to bring riders from different countries together through horse riding retreats, where they can discover new riding traditions and share perspectives. The first step of this journey is the very first edition of the horseback archery retreat, a project close to her heart, built on passion, curiosity, and connection.
Eva is a dedicated horseback archer who has been training and competing in the sport since 2019. She represented Finland on the Finnish National Team in 2022 and 2023, earning a bronze team medal in the GP competition in 2022. She also achieved individual success with a silver medal in the Finnish Championship Hunt Track in both 2023 and 2024.
Since 2022, Eva has been teaching horseback archery, where she combines technical precision with a deep understanding of both horse and rider. Her greatest strength as an instructor lies in her ability to recognize how different bodies and minds function, allowing her to adapt her coaching to each individual. She has strong expertise in archery technique, various shooting styles, and solid knowledge of horses and riding.
Eva brings a unique personality to her teaching — her humor may be a little wild and self-described as “stupid and horrible,” but she balances it with accuracy, focus, and a genuinely encouraging approach. She challenges her students to improve while making sure they feel supported, understood, and motivated to grow.
Sanna is the heart of Kultarannan Talli, a small, family-owned stable tucked into the peaceful Lappish forest. Horses have been Sanna’s passion since childhood, and over the years she has worked with them across Europe, learning to understand their minds, needs, and ways of moving. This deep connection shapes everything at Kultaranta, where calm, trust, and care come first.
Together with her husband Jani, Sanna treats every horse at Kultaranta like part of the family. Their wellbeing is always the priority, and that gentle, attentive approach shows in the relaxed atmosphere of the farm. Visitors immediately sense the calm, safe environment: a place where both horses and people can feel understood and supported.
Sanna is always present to welcome guests, guide them, and help with any organisation on site. Her warmth, reliability, and genuine care make it easy to feel at ease, trust the process, and fully enjoy the experience of being at Kultaranta.
Emmanuelle is a passionate Pilates, fitness and Stand Up Paddle coach based in the Alps. Formerly a high-level gymnast and multiple-time French Stand Up Paddle champion, she also guided stand up paddle expeditions in Sweden and Norway. Despite a busy life, she still makes time to visit her daughter Emilie in Lapland twice a year.
During your stay, Emma will take care of all the meals, preparing hearty, balanced dishes that nourish the body while satisfying the soul. Her cooking combines wholesome nutrition with flavour, making sure every meal supports energy, strength, and enjoyment. Emma is used to cooking in all kinds of conditions, even during outdoor expeditions!
Emma will also guide gentle morning activation sessions to wake up the body and prepare for the day’s riding, as well as relaxing stretch sessions in the evenings to help you unwind. Her approach focuses on mindful movement, alignment, and listening to your body, helping you feel stronger, more flexible, and fully present throughout the retreat.
Anu is the guide who will lead the midnight sun trail rides during the retreat. She has been part of the Kultarannan Talli family for many years. Her educational background includes a Vocational Qualification in Animal Care, a Further Qualification in Animal Training, a Vocational Qualification in Equine Services, and a specialization as a Trail Riding Guide.
Anu shares a special bond with every horse at the stable. She knows their personalities, their strengths, and their little quirks, and this connection creates a calm and trusting atmosphere on every ride. When you head out under the midnight sun, you are not just following a guide, you are riding alongside someone who truly knows and cares for the horses beneath you.
With her steady presence, warm smile, and quiet confidence, Anu makes riders feel safe and welcome, whether they are experienced or trying something new. Her goal is simple: that each trail ride feels peaceful, personal, and unforgettable.
At Kultarannan Talli, the horses are at the heart of everything. Most of the herd are Irish Cobs — strong, sturdy, and perfectly suited to the northern climate with their thick coats and generous manes. They have a naturally calming presence that helps riders feel at ease. Alongside them, the archery team also includes a Finnish Horse, an Icelandic horse, and a Norwegian cold-blooded trotter, each bringing their own movement, temperament, and rhythm to the experience.
Some of the horses have been archery partners for years and know the flow of the discipline with quiet confidence. Others joined more recently and are gradually building their experience, as new horses are introduced slowly and thoughtfully over time. Each horse has a different personality and speed: some steady and grounding, others more forward and energetic, but all learn to enjoy the clear rhythm and focus that archery creates.
Their wellbeing always comes first. No horse is ridden more than once a day, allowing them proper rest and recovery. Care, patience, and respect guide their training, creating balanced horses who feel secure in their work. This thoughtful approach builds the quiet trust you can feel the moment you sit in the saddle.
Horseback Archery Retreats in Lapland.
Pull. Aim. Shoot. At the rhythm of hoofbeats.
