If you are planning to ride a horse in Morocco, one of the first questions you will probably ask yourself is: what am I actually supposed to wear?
The answer depends a little on where you are riding.
A morning ride through the Palmeraie outside Marrakech is quite different from a beach ride in Essaouira. A sunset ride in the Agafay desert calls for something different again, especially once the temperature drops.
The good news is that you do not need a suitcase full of specialist riding gear.
For most rides in Morocco, comfortable, practical clothing that allows you to move freely is more important than having the perfect equestrian wardrobe.
Here is what we recommend.
The essentials
For a typical two-hour or half-day ride, you can keep things simple.
You will generally want:
- Comfortable riding trousers, leggings or fitted trousers
- Closed-toe shoes with a small heel, if possible
- A comfortable top or T-shirt
- A light layer, depending on the season
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A properly fitted riding helmet
If your local partner provides helmets, use one. If you have your own helmet and ride regularly, you may prefer to bring it with you.
What trousers are best for horse riding?
You want something that is comfortable around the waist and thighs and that will not rub against the saddle.
Riding breeches or jodhpurs are ideal if you already own them.
But they are not essential.
A good pair of fitted leggings can work perfectly well for a shorter ride. Some riders also prefer lightweight outdoor trousers, particularly for longer rides where there may be branches, vegetation or uneven terrain.
What we would avoid is very loose clothing that can catch on the saddle or surrounding vegetation.
And jeans?
They can work for a short ride, but they are not always the most comfortable option. Stiff denim can rub against your legs, particularly if you are not used to spending time in the saddle.
If you are riding for several hours, you will probably be happier in something softer and more flexible.
What shoes should you wear?
You do not necessarily need riding boots.
For many of the experiences we recommend in Morocco, comfortable closed shoes are perfectly adequate, particularly for beginners and shorter rides.
A pair of trainers with a reasonably defined sole can work well.
If you ride regularly, short riding boots or paddock boots are a better option.
The important thing is to avoid shoes that are likely to slip through the stirrup.
Very bulky hiking boots can also be uncomfortable because of their size, while open shoes, sandals and flip-flops are not suitable for riding.
And yes, we know sandals can be tempting when you are in Morocco.
Save them for after the ride.
Do I need a riding helmet?
Yes.
A helmet is the one piece of riding equipment we would never recommend skipping.
If you have your own certified riding helmet, you may prefer to bring it.
Different local partners may have different equipment.
Do I need riding gloves?
Not necessarily.
For a short ride, most people will be perfectly comfortable without gloves.
If you ride regularly, however, gloves can make a noticeable difference, particularly if you are not used to holding reins for several hours.
They can also be useful in cooler weather.
For longer rides, they are definitely worth packing.
What about shorts?
This is one of those things that looks fine in theory and becomes less comfortable after an hour in the saddle.
We generally recommend trousers or leggings rather than shorts, particularly if you are not an experienced rider.
The saddle, stirrup leathers and your own movement can cause friction on bare skin.
If you are riding in very warm weather, lightweight breathable trousers are usually a better compromise.
You will stay cooler without spending the rest of the day wondering why your legs hurt.
What to pack for a full day of riding
If your experience lasts most of the day, bring a little more.
A useful small riding-day kit would include:
- Riding trousers or leggings
- Light jacket or fleece
- Closed shoes
- Helmet
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Small backpack
- Phone
- Portable charger
- A scarf or buff
- A small amount of cash if needed
Avoid bringing a large bag on the horse.
You want to be able to ride without worrying about straps, loose objects or valuables.
If transfers are included, you can normally leave most of your belongings in the vehicle.
What not to wear horse riding in Morocco
There are a few things we would leave at the hotel.
Flip-flops or sandals
Not suitable for riding and not secure in the stirrups.
Very loose trousers
They can become uncomfortable and may catch on things.
Very short shorts
The saddle can make them considerably less comfortable than expected.
Large handbags
They get in the way quickly.
Heavy coats in warm weather
Layers are much easier to manage.
Brand-new shoes
A horse ride is not the best place to discover that your new shoes give you blisters.
And perhaps most importantly, don’t dress for the Instagram photograph before dressing for the ride.
The best photographs usually happen when you are comfortable anyway.
What should beginners wear?
If this is your first time on a horse, don’t worry about buying specialist equipment just for the occasion.
A pair of comfortable fitted trousers, closed shoes and a breathable top are enough for most beginner experiences.
Tell the local partner that you are a beginner.
This is actually much more useful information than whether you own riding boots.
A good operator will want to know your riding experience so they can match you with an appropriate horse and experience.
And if you have never ridden before, don’t feel that you need to look like an experienced equestrian.
You don’t.
The first few minutes on a horse can feel unfamiliar, and that’s completely normal.
One final thing: dress for the ride you are actually doing
Morocco offers a huge variety of riding experiences.
A two-hour beach ride in Essaouira, a sunset ride in the Agafay, a morning through the Palmeraie and a multi-day Atlas trek are all very different experiences.
So rather than packing an entire riding wardrobe, start with three questions:
Where am I riding?
How long will I be in the saddle?
What will the weather be like?
Those three things will usually tell you almost everything you need to know.
And if you are unsure, ask before you book.
At Morocco Horse Adventures, we work with local equestrian partners across Morocco and are happy to help you understand what to expect before your ride – from riding level and duration to what to bring.
Because the less you have to think about on the day, the more you can enjoy the ride.
Planning a horse riding experience in Morocco?
Explore our horse riding experiences in Marrakech and Essaouira, or get in touch if you are not sure which experience is right for you.
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