Not every horse riding experience is the same.
A relaxed ride through the Palmeraie is very different from a canter along the beach in Essaouira, just as a half-day trail is very different from a multi-day trek in the mountains.
The right choice depends on more than your riding level. How much time you have, the kind of landscape you want to see, the pace you enjoy, the size of the group and, perhaps most importantly, how comfortable you feel riding outside a riding arena all make a difference.
If you are looking at horse riding in Morocco and aren’t quite sure what to book, here are a few things worth considering before making your choice.
Start with your riding level
This is probably the first question any good riding provider should ask you.
But simply saying “I ride” doesn’t always tell the whole story.
Someone who rides regularly in an arena may feel very different on a horse outside, on uneven ground or at a faster pace. Equally, someone who hasn’t ridden for several years may still be perfectly comfortable at walk and trot.
Think about what you are genuinely comfortable doing rather than how long you have been riding.
Are you happy riding independently? Can you trot comfortably? Are you confident in open spaces? Would you enjoy a canter outside, or would you rather keep things relaxed?
Being honest about your ability isn’t about limiting what you can do. It helps make sure you are matched with the right horse and the right experience.
If you are a beginner
Look for an experience that is specifically suitable for beginners, with a calm horse, an experienced guide and a relaxed pace.
A shorter ride can also be a good starting point. You can always come back for something longer if you discover that you love it.
If you are an experienced rider
You may be looking for something with more freedom, longer hours in the saddle, varied terrain or opportunities for faster riding.
In that case, ask specifically about the pace of the ride and the type of horses available rather than assuming that an “experienced rider” experience automatically means fast riding.
Think about how you want to spend your time
A one-hour ride can be perfect if you want to add something different to a city break.
If riding is one of the main reasons for your trip, however, you may prefer a half-day, full-day or multi-day experience.
The length of the ride also changes the experience itself.
A short ride gives you a taste of the landscape without taking up much of your day. A longer ride allows you to get further away from busy areas and settle into a rhythm with your horse.
For a multi-day trek, other questions become important: accommodation, luggage, meals, daily riding time and the level of comfort involved.
So don’t just ask “How long is the ride?”
Ask what that time actually looks like.
Choose the landscape, not just the location
One of the great things about riding in Morocco is the variety of landscapes.
In Marrakech, you might be looking for a relaxed ride through the Palmeraie or surrounding countryside.
Around Essaouira, the coast creates a completely different experience, with open beaches, Atlantic air and wide landscapes.
Further into the Atlas Mountains, riding becomes more about trails, elevation and mountain scenery.
And in the south, desert and more remote landscapes offer yet another kind of experience.
The important thing is to think about what you actually want to see.
Would you rather ride beside the ocean, through palm groves, across open countryside or through mountain landscapes?
That answer may tell you more about which experience to choose than the name of the destination itself.
Consider the pace
This is one of the details that is surprisingly easy to overlook.
A horse ride can be described as an “adventure” while still being mostly walking. Another may be designed around a more active pace.
Neither is necessarily better.
Some people want to slow down, enjoy the landscape and spend time with their horse. Others are looking for a more energetic ride with opportunities to trot or canter.
If pace matters to you, ask before booking.
A simple question such as “What is the usual pace of the ride?” can help avoid disappointment.
Don’t forget the horse
It is easy to focus entirely on the destination and the photographs when choosing a ride.
But the horse is a big part of the experience.
A good match between horse and rider can make a huge difference, particularly for beginners or riders who are less confident outside an arena.
You can ask:
- How are horses matched to riders?
- Are there horses suitable for beginners?
- How long do the horses typically work?
- What equipment is provided?
- How are the horses cared for between rides?
You don’t need to be an expert to ask these questions.
In fact, asking about the horses can tell you quite a lot about how an experience is organised.
Think about what matters to you beyond riding
For some people, the riding itself is the priority.
For others, the horse ride is part of a bigger day.
Perhaps you want photographs, a beautiful sunset, a beach experience or simply a quiet few hours away from the city.
Maybe you’re travelling with someone who doesn’t ride and want the experience to work for both of you.
Or perhaps you’re looking for something special for a birthday, celebration or private group.
There isn’t one definition of the “perfect” horse ride.
The more clearly you know what you want from the experience, the easier it becomes to find the right one.
What to ask before booking
Before confirming a ride, a few simple questions can make a big difference.
Ask about:
- Your riding level and whether the experience is suitable
- The usual pace of the ride
- The size of the group
- How long you will actually spend on horseback
- The type of terrain
- The horses and how they are matched to riders
- Whether helmets are provided
- What you should wear and bring
- What happens if the weather changes
- Whether the ride is private or shared
- What is included in the price
A good provider should be able to answer these questions clearly.
If you are struggling to get basic information before booking, that is worth paying attention to.
There is no single “best” horse ride in Morocco
This is perhaps the most important thing to remember.
The most popular experience isn’t necessarily the right one for you.
A first-time rider may have a much better day on a quiet countryside trail than on a long beach ride. An experienced rider may find that a short tourist ride doesn’t give them enough time in the saddle. Someone visiting Marrakech for two days may want something completely different from a traveller coming to Morocco specifically for a riding holiday.
The best experience is the one that fits your riding ability, your expectations and the kind of experience you want to have.
And sometimes, choosing well is less about finding the most impressive-looking ride and more about asking the right questions beforehand.
Not sure which experience is right for you?
Tell us a little about your trip, your riding level and what you would like to experience.
We work with local equestrian partners across Morocco and can help you find an experience that fits rather than simply sending you the first option available.
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