Sun in Winter 2010The American Baskir Curly is a friendly and almost natural breed of horse
A stable breeding a rare breed of horse located near the Pallas Fell.
Curly-haired horses, the American Baskir Curly horses feel at home in Lapland. In the village of Raattama in the Municipality of Kittilä is a Northern European centre for the breeding of curly-haired horses, Lapin Curly Talli.
This is a very rare breed of horse throughout the world. The breed lived naturally rather late in the Rocky Mountains of North America and was a breed favoured by the Red Indians. It was saved and made an official breed rather late in the twentieth century. The natural characteristics of this curly-haired breed of horse are still evident to this day. It has not been refined as a competition breed and has a good temperament, is friendly towards people and works well in a herd. It enjoys being outside even in cold weather, seeks shelter in the snow much like the elk, and is even skilled at breaking the ice cover of a frozen river or lake to obtain water.
Lapin Curly Talli is located in a little village called Raattama in the community of Kittilä just next to the arctic fell of Pallas about 220 km from Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland.
Lapin Curly Talli is the Finnish name of a horse ranch. The name can be translated as ‘Lapland Curly Horse Ranch’. On the ranch, we breed American Bashkir Curly horses. Lapin Curly Talli is the first and biggest breeder of curly horses in Finland. Today, we have over 20 Curlies. The breeding is done according to natural horsemanship. The horses are kept in a herd from the beginning of their lives. Our guests get to experience an ancient, natural and unique horse.
The young riding instructor Bertta Laaksonen grew up at home with the horses in the village of Raattama, and she has become an expert with this horse breed. Bertta tells:
"On the ranch we have 3 stallions, Sun Walker, Troy and Xerxes. The parents of our horses include: Oreo ll, Miss Berndt Warrior, Missour Dream, BNC Fancy, May Day’s Sunrise, North Big Boy, BB Eagle Dancer, Warrior Seek White Crow Sunrise. Most of the foals we sell are a year old. Sometimes we also sell adult curlies. Curlies we have sold work for instance in old English (Classic) riding, westerns, horse teams, as well as being praised for therapy riding. We strive to maintain the original characteristics of the breed. A gentle nature is particularly important. The curly coat and horsehair is an important part of the horse’s appearance.
"Here you can experience the exotic Lappish nature in its natural splendour by riding a calm and curly American Bashkir Curly horse. A horseback riding tour can take from an hour to several days according to your own wishes. Tours are led through the beautiful arctic hillside and fell sceneries where you may encounter wild reindeer. "We also arrange weddings, anniversaries and programs for groups like stag (hen) nights, etc. The horse wanders in the forest, and you and your loved one head towards your future together, towards a true promise. "We arrange a theatre production with animal actors which is called “The Santa Claus Testing Workshop”. Perfect for children and children’s day care. For instance, Mum-Ihaa and Elf-Pipa will introduce the latest hit toys for Christmas. "Katri will document your journey to Lapland by digital photography or video. We will take care of photography during weddings or during your group events, or have a portrait taken of yourself. Katri also arranges photo tours."
In The Levi Times -Travel Newspaper in december 2009 - may 2010
Travel Newspaper
http://www.levinsanomat.fi/pages/english.php
