Flatmoen Natur · Alta, Arctic Norway

Working Holiday & Internship

Discover ranch life in the Arctic wilderness.

  • 2programmes
  • 2–4weeks working holiday
  • 18+years old

Experience everyday life on a working ranch in the heart of the Arctic.

Located in Alta, Northern Norway, Flatmoen Natur gives horse enthusiasts the opportunity to experience everyday life on a working ranch in the heart of the Arctic.

Our ranch brings together traditional Norwegian horsemanship, Western riding, horse training, and Arctic tourism. With both Norwegian Fjord Horses and American Quarter Horses, we offer a varied environment for riders looking to improve their skills and gain valuable hands-on experience.

Whether you're an experienced rider hoping to take your horsemanship further or someone dreaming of spending time on a real horse ranch, Flatmoen offers different opportunities to become part of our community.

Flatmoen farm from above in winter, with the mountains behind

Two programmes

Paid stay

Working Holiday Maker

For those who would like to experience ranch life without committing to a longer internship.

Length
2–4 weeks
Price
NOK 10,000 per week
Level
No need to be an expert
Discover the Working Holiday →
Sponsored by the ranch, no fee

Ranch-Sponsored Internship

For capable, confident riders who want to take their horsemanship to the next level.

Length
Minimum 4 weeks
Price
No fee
For
Experienced riders
Included
Accommodation & meals
Discover the Internship →
The best horsepeople are developed through real experience, not just hours spent in the riding arena.

Our horses work in many different environments, from mountain trails and forests to snowy Arctic landscapes. We aim to develop horses that are reliable, adaptable, and confident, while helping our interns build those same qualities in their horsemanship.

Working Holiday Maker · Paid stayInternship →

Three riders crossing the green plateau in summer

Working Holiday Maker

For those who would like to experience ranch life without committing to a longer internship, we offer our Working Holiday Maker programme. This is also an excellent option for horse enthusiasts who are still building their experience and would like to learn through an extended, practical ranch experience.

2–4 weeks · NOK 10,000 per person per week

Request your stay

Who is it for?

You don't need to be an expert rider, although some previous experience with horses is beneficial.

What matters most is that you're enthusiastic, open to learning, and genuinely interested in horses and ranch life.

During your stay, you'll spend time alongside our ranch team and interns, joining suitable activities and getting a genuine feel for everyday life at Flatmoen.

How long would you like to stay?

Programme price, per person NOK 20,000 NOK 30,000 NOK 40,000 NOK 10,000 per person per week. Accommodation, meals, and participation in the ranch learning programme are included.

What you'll be doing

Your programme will be shaped by your riding experience, personal interests, and the horses and activities available during your visit.

This programme allows you to spend several weeks learning about horses and understanding what goes into running a working ranch. Our team will guide you through activities appropriate for your experience, helping you develop your confidence and abilities along the way.

What you may take part in
  1. Developing your riding and horsemanship
  2. Western riding and groundwork
  3. Handling and learning about young horses
  4. Riding through the Arctic wilderness
  5. Working with Fjord Horses and American Quarter Horses
  6. Introduction to roping and Western riding skills
  7. Daily horse care and stable routines
  8. Learning about horseshoeing and hoof care
  9. Exploring carriage and sleigh driving
  10. Participating in suitable ranch activities
  11. Joining educational sessions with our interns
  12. Experiencing the everyday rhythm of ranch life
A rider galloping a Fjord Horse through the snowy forest

Discover the Arctic lifestyle

Living at Flatmoen means experiencing Northern Norway in a way that few tourists do. Whatever the season, you'll get to experience a lifestyle centred around horses, nature, and the outdoors.

Riders on the green plateau under the summer sky A horse-drawn sleigh in the snowy forest at sunset

WinterFrozen forests, sleigh rides, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights overhead.

SummerThe Midnight Sun brings almost endless daylight, green landscapes, and beautiful outdoor riding.

What's included?

  • Accommodation at Flatmoen
  • Daily meals
  • Participation in the Working Holiday programme
  • Supervised riding and horsemanship activities
  • Groundwork and horse-handling experience
  • Learning alongside our ranch team
  • Access to suitable ranch activities and learning opportunities
  • An unforgettable experience in Arctic Norway

Not included

  • Flights
  • Transport to Alta
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities outside the programme
Good to know

The Working Holiday is a recreational and educational programme rather than an employment position. Participants are not expected to replace paid employees or independently carry out commercial work.

To maintain a personal learning environment, we only accept a limited number of participants at a time.

Request your stay

If you'd like to join us, get in touch and tell us about yourself, your experience with horses, and when you'd like to visit.

The Working Holiday is a paid stay of 2 to 4 weeks, at NOK 10,000 per person per week. We'll reply by email to agree dates and details.

Ranch-Sponsored Internship · No fee← Working Holiday

Two riders with their horses in the snowy paddock

Ranch-Sponsored Internship

Our Ranch-Sponsored Internship is intended for capable, confident riders who want to take their horsemanship to the next level through practical experience with our horses and ranch team.

We accept a small number of interns throughout the year, depending on the season, available horses, and ongoing ranch activities.

Internships last a minimum of 4 weeks, with no maximum length: the duration is agreed by email, to best fit each applicant.

Minimum 4 weeks · No fee · Accommodation & meals included

Apply for the Internship

What you can expect

Every day at Flatmoen brings something different. Your experience will depend on your riding background, the horses we're working with, and the activities happening during your stay. Opportunities may include:

  • A rider swinging a lasso behind the roping dummy in the arena

    Arena riding, groundwork, and horsemanship

  • A buckskin horse walking in the paddock

    Handling and developing young or inexperienced horses

  • Portrait of a Norwegian Fjord Horse

    Training Norwegian Fjord Horses and American Quarter Horses

  • A cowboy with a lasso on horseback in the arena

    Western riding and basic roping techniques

  • Riders heading down the trail across the plateau

    Exploring Arctic trails and wilderness on horseback

  • A pair of white horses pulling a carriage

    Learning carriage driving and traditional sleigh driving

  • A horse with a frosted mane at the paddock fence

    Daily horse care, feeding, and stable management

  • A rancher working with a brown horse on a lead rope

    Introduction to professional farrier work and hoof care

  • Two riders crossing a river on the plateau

    Preparing horses for different situations and environments

  • A rancher face to face with a chestnut horse in the pasture

    Learning directly from our experienced guides, riders, and farriers

  • Guides with a sleigh and a fire pit at the farm

    Being part of everyday ranch life

Life at Flatmoen

Interns live on the ranch throughout their stay, becoming part of our small international community.

Accommodation and meals are included under the agreed internship arrangement.

The programme welcomes Norwegian and international applicants aged 18 or older, subject to the relevant visa and work regulations.

We prefer to keep our groups small, allowing everyone to receive individual attention and become genuinely involved in the ranch environment.

Riders sharing coffee around a campfire on the plateau

Who we're looking for

We welcome applications from experienced riders with a good understanding of horse handling, whether their background is English or Western riding. Experience with young horses, groundwork, training, or driving is particularly valuable.

What else we look for

The right personality is just as important as experience. We want people who will fit into our team, enjoy the challenges of ranch life, and make the most of their time with us.

We also look for people who have

  • A friendly and positive attitude
  • A willingness to work hard
  • Curiosity and motivation to learn
  • The ability to listen and take guidance
  • A responsible and dependable personality
  • A relaxed, team-oriented mindset
  • Respect for horses, people, and the ranch environment

Beyond the riding arena

Throughout your stay, there may be opportunities to discover new skills, participate in special activities, and experience the unique lifestyle of Northern Norway. Depending on the season, these could include:

  1. Learning from experienced Western riders and trainers
  2. Practising roping and other Western riding skills
  3. Discovering the basics of horseshoeing and hoof care
  4. Experiencing traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides
  5. Exploring the surrounding wilderness on horseback
  6. Learning about Norwegian horse traditions
  7. Watching the Northern Lights during the winter months
  8. Enjoying the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun

Our aim is to offer an experience that develops you as a horseperson while introducing you to a part of Arctic Norway that most travellers never get to experience.

How to apply

Tell us about yourself

We would love to learn more about you before welcoming you to Flatmoen. When applying, please introduce yourself and tell us:

  • A little about yourself and where you're from
  • Why you'd like to spend time at Flatmoen
  • Your riding and horse-handling background
  • Any experience with young or developing horses
  • What skills you're hoping to improve
  • What you feel you could bring to our ranch
  • Why the Arctic ranch lifestyle appeals to you

Your introduction video

We encourage applicants to include a short introduction video. It doesn't need to be fancy or professionally made. Just be yourself! We'd much rather get a genuine impression of who you are than watch a perfectly edited presentation.

You're also welcome to follow our social media channels to get familiar with our horses, team, and everyday activities before applying.

Your Flatmoen adventure awaits

Experience the horses.Embrace the wilderness.Become part of Flatmoen.

At Flatmoen, horses have always been a central part of our lives. What began as a passion has grown into a lifestyle and a business that we love sharing with people from around the world. We believe that genuine horsemanship comes from spending time with horses, learning through experience, and being willing to improve every day.

Whether you join our internship or spend a few weeks on a Working Holiday, we hope you'll leave with new skills, lasting friendships, and memories of a truly unique place.

Apply now