Every trek has a carefully planned itinerary: stages, timings, breaks, and campsites. Everything is designed so participants can enjoy themselves, discover an authentic side of Morocco, and improve their riding skills.
Although the route is planned in detail, there are always variations to manage. We are outdoors, many variables are beyond our control, and after all these years of experience, we can say this: what is truly normal is not the ordinary, but the extraordinary.
Unexpected situations are part of the journey, and over time we have learned to handle them calmly, with experience and teamwork.
When a horse is unwell
One of the most delicate unexpected situations involves the horses. If a horse shows signs of a health problem during the trek, we have the experience to tell whether it is a minor ailment we can treat ourselves or whether the horse needs to stop.
We never work with an animal that is not in perfect condition. This means recognizing the problem immediately, contacting the base, and arranging a change.
First, we find a new horse-rider pairing and coordinate with those who stayed at Ranch to arrange transport. For the desert trek, which takes place far from Ranch, we always bring horses ready for a change to a nearby support base.
When a rider is unwell
Sometimes the rider is the one who needs a break. Often, resting during the lunch break or in the evening is enough, and the next day they can get back in the saddle without any problems. If they need more time, we call a support vehicle so they can skip one stage and resume from the next one. At that point, the unexpected challenge is managing the horse that is left without a rider. Our horses cannot simply be left free; they are stallions and need to be managed.
There are several options:
- if another staff member is available, they ride the horse
- a guide leads it on the lunge line
- in some cases, someone comes from the base to collect it
The choice always depends on the route and the situation at the time.
“It never rains in Morocco”… really?
Many people arrive convinced that it never rains in Morocco, but that’s not entirely true.
In the Essaouira region, where we organize many of our treks, the climate has a particular feature: there are no mountains to hold back the clouds, and the trade winds blow frequently. That’s why it’s common to see the sky darken and think a storm is about to arrive, only for the clouds to pass without a drop of rain.
In recent years, however, we’ve seen that it can rain here too. When that happens, the simplest solution is also the most obvious: we cover up with waterproof jackets, hoods, or hats and carry on with the day. Rain alone won’t stop a trek. L’the only thing we always assess is the safety of the route. If the weather conditions become truly difficult, we can change the itinerary or head to areas where the forecast is better.
What if the rain makes it impossible to sleep in a tent?
In that case, we have another option: along the routes, we know people, small hotels, homes, and lodgings where we can move the group to spend the night indoors.
Where do the horses sleep when it rains?
Horses can stay outdoors even when it rains; their coats are naturally waterproof. Even when they seem completely soaked, if you run your hand against the direction of the hair beneath the coat, their skin is dry.
However, we are very careful about where we keep them. We need to find a safe place away from waterways or areas at risk of landslides. When the group moves to indoor accommodation, some of the staff always stays with the horses. We leave them with everything they need: food, water, a veterinary first-aid kit, and equipment for spending the night. No one is left behind: not the clients, the horses, or the staff.
The desert and sandstorms
In the desert, the most important variable is not the rain but the wind. Sandstorms are part of these landscapes and can quickly change the landmarks.
Before every trek, we scout the routes to see whether they have changed and map the water points for the horses.
During a storm, the most important thing is to stay together. The guides keep the group united, navigate the terrain, and stay in contact with the mobile camp, the truck that follows the trek and carries tents and equipment.
If necessary, we change the route or find an alternative way to reach the next stop.
LThe toughest unexpected challenge: inexperienced riders
There is an unforeseen event that has nothing to do with the weather, horses, or terrain, but can be more dangerous than you might think. It is the client who is not truthful about their riding ability.
Before each trip, we conduct phone interviews and clearly explain that our treks are for experienced riders. Despite this, someone occasionally arrives having underestimated the difficulty. It is easy to sound confident in words. But when we see someone in the saddle, we immediately realize if something is off, and at that point we have two options.
The first option is to send the client back to base at their own expense. It is the most drastic solution and truly a last resort, when there is no cooperation.
The second option, which we try to use most of the time, is to take the rider under a guide’s wing, asking them to stay close to the staff and follow the instructions they receive exactly. It works, even if it means assigning a guide almost entirely to one person.
No plan is perfect
Organizing a trek means preparing every detail, but it also means accepting that something will eventually change. There is no fixed rule to apply to every unforeseen event; each situation must be managed according to the environment and the people involved.
What really makes the difference is experience, the ability to stay level-headed, and teamwork that lets us find the right solution when reality decides to change the plans. Operational management of experiences is one of the reasons why agencies and tour operators choose to work with a local DMC specializing in organizing trips and activities in Morocco.