Our Reindeer Goes to School
Each winter, we welcome a new group of reindeer to our “Reindeer Sleigh School,” where they begin their journey towards becoming professional sleigh reindeer. The school season lasts from the beginning of November to late April, during which the reindeer are carefully trained using positive reinforcement methods. After the school season, the reindeer enjoy a well-deserved break, roaming free in the summer pastures until they decide to return to work.
The Reindeer Sleigh School consists of several stages, with each stage building on the skills learned in the previous one. Reindeer might take longer or shorter in certain stages depending on their personality and development. Some reindeer may take longer to adapt, while others may discover different paths for themselves, such as competing in races or focusing on breeding.
Here is an overview of the stages at the school:
First Stage (Yearling)
In their first winter, reindeer are known as yearlings. At this stage, the primary focus is building trust with humans. The reindeer learn to wear halters, walk on a leash, and stay still while being handled. The most advanced students are introduced to harnesses and start walking with light training equipment, such as tires. We carefully keep their stress levels low, ensuring they feel safe and secure in all situations, without any fear of humans.
Second Stage (Two Years Old)
In their second winter, the reindeer are two years old. At this point, they begin by reviewing the skills they learned the previous year. They become more accustomed to wearing harnesses and pulling light loads, like tires and practice sleighs. The reindeer also begin to work with more complex equipment and may start learning hoof care and basic health maintenance. The focus is on increasing their comfort with various environments and new experiences, such as traveling in a trailer.
Third Stage (Three Years Old)
At three years old, the reindeer enter the third stage of their training. In this phase, they review everything they’ve learned so far and begin to pull sleighs with familiar people aboard. They also start working in a raito—a line of reindeer pulling sleighs. The reindeer grow more comfortable with distractions such as loud voices, movements, and varied environments. At this stage, they also begin to learn basic health and hoof care practices, along with traveling techniques. By the end of this stage, they are fully ready to take on professional work.
Fourth Stage (Four Years Old)
By four years old, the reindeer are fully grown, strong, and confident. This is their final stage of training, where they revisit all the skills they’ve learned and refine them. The reindeer begin to work with travelers, initially for one or two days per week. As they gain confidence and experience, their workload gradually increases to the regular levels expected of professional sleigh reindeer, typically 4-5 days per week.
Throughout their training, each reindeer learns to trust humans, follow instructions, and perform their work with professionalism and grace. They are gradually introduced to different environments and challenges, ensuring that by the time they are ready to work with travelers, they are fully prepared for the demands of the job.
This structure allows for a smooth, progressive development for each reindeer, ensuring that they are well-prepared to perform their tasks as sleigh reindeer while maintaining their well-being and trust in humans.
Would you like to learn more about ethical animal training? Book a tour here: https://reindeerjourney.fi/winter-adventures/
