A horse trek is much more than a simple adventure immersed in nature. Behind every safe, well-organized, and unforgettable experience lies a huge amount of work. From logistical preparation and horse care to managing the campsite and mobile kitchen, every team plays an essential role. Today, we'll take you behind the scenes to discover everything it takes to make a multi-day trek run smoothly.
Before the trek: preparation
Organizing a multi-day horse trek takes weeks, sometimes months of preparation. Every detail needs to be planned in advance to avoid unexpected issues and ensure an enjoyable and safe experience.
Planning complex itineraries requires local knowledge and operational coordination, skills that also define a DMC specializing in experiential tourism in Morocco.
Choosing the route
The first step is to define the itinerary. Even though we know the routes well, we retrace them before each departure to check that everything is in order: trails are passable, there are water points for the horses, and there have been no changes due to the weather or new roadworks. In the desert, for example, a sandstorm or flood can completely change the terrain. That's why before each trek, we scout the route and prepare to improvise if needed.
Reception work
Meanwhile, the Back Office team has plenty to do. Inquiries come in through several channels, and each person has their own requests: details about the trip, help finding flights, vegetarian menu options. In addition to responding and supporting each person up to their departure, we book accommodation for the first and last nights, arrange transfers to and from Marrakech and - essential for multi-day treks in Morocco - request camping permits in good time, providing passport details and GPS coordinates.
In addition to managing the various promotional channels, the office must:
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receive inquiries, answer various questions, manage bookings, and help clients organize their trip and additional services
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book accommodation in the city for the first and last nights, ensuring that everything is ready for participants' arrival and departure
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check that all the necessary permits are in place for setting up bivouacs along the route, handling the paperwork to ensure the trek runs smoothly
Transport logistics
When the trek doesn’t start directly from the Ranch, a new challenge begins: getting everything to the starting point. The horses, equipment, field kitchen, tents, hay - nothing can be left behind.
The truck becomes our headquarters on wheels: it must always be orderly, stocked, serviced, and insured. Every space has a specific purpose. The equipment must be arranged so it’s easy to access, and the kitchen must be ready to use as soon as we stop. Loading the truck is a bit like playing Tetris: get the pieces wrong, and you have to start all over again.
Horse training and care
L’ training and care of the horses lasts all year and must be adapted to the season and type of activity. As a long trek approaches, we step up our attention: we carefully select horses and riders to match not only by weight, height, and experience, but also by temperament and energy level. It’s not just a technical matter: it’s a way of listening.
We always pay close attention to the animals’ well-being, checking the horses both physically and mentally. If a horse has spent a month on gentle rides with beginners, it may need a few days of groundwork to regain its focus and confidence before tackling a challenging trek with experienced riders. Every horse has its own pace and approach to work, and we do our best to respect that.
The kitchen and meal planning
Eating well on vacation, especially during treks, makes all the difference. It’s not just about energy: it’s a time to come together, get to know one another, and laugh. The mobile kitchen follows the group, organized in carefully sorted crates. Every detail is designed to make the best use of time and space. During longer treks, we also plan resupply points to stock up on what we need: fresh bread, fruit, and vegetables. And when someone has special dietary requirements, we do our best to accommodate them with care. When the light fades and the tents are already set up, someone asks us: “But where does a dinner like this come from, out in the middle of nowhere?” The answer is: organization, experience, and a few secret tricks from our magical staff.
Bivouac equipment
When the group arrives at the bivouac, everything must already be ready. The tents pitched, the blankets distributed, the horses with their tethers and fresh water available. Every evening brings a new setup, and each time we find a different solution. The equipment is packed neatly before departure and loaded onto the truck so it can be easily accessed: Berber tents, blankets, ropes, saddlery. Everything has its place.
During the trek: operations on the move
When the trek begins, the logistical operation gets underway on several levels to ensure that everything goes according to plan.
Managing the group
Every trek has its own rhythm, and each group finds its balance along the way. Our role as guides is to bring it all together: observe how people are doing, how they interact with the horses, and step in if something is not working.
The day follows a well-defined structure: we set off early in the morning, stop at shady spots where the horses can drink and eat, have lunch - sometimes at a table, sometimes as a picnic from the saddle bags - and arrive at the bivouac in the late afternoon, where everything has already been set up.
Safety and unforeseen events
No matter how well we prepare, a multi-day trek is still an experience on the move, and there are many variables: a horse getting injured, a sudden storm, a route becoming impassable from one day to the next. That is why we always have a plan B. We bring reserve horses, keep in direct contact with the logistics staff and, when necessary, change the route. We have had to divert to avoid a flooded ford or an area where beehives had been placed right on the trail. But we are prepared and ensure the safety of all people and horses, even when conditions change.
Work at the bivouac
When the group arrives at the bivouac, everything has already been prepared. The tents are pitched, the bathroom and shower are available, and the horses find their place with hay, water and ropes ready. The kitchen is also in full swing preparing dinner.
So when we arrive after hours on the trail, we are greeted warmly: a tasty meal, a bed ready, the spectacle of the sunset and, finally, the starry sky.
After the trek: returning and maintenance
When the trek ends, each horse is checked individually to make sure there’s no fatigue or minor injuries.
The equipment is taken down, cleaned, and put away for the next departure. Everything is checked, from saddles to tents, from kitchen utensils to hay nets. It’s an important moment, almost as important as setting off. One journey ends, the final details are gathered, and we’re already starting to think about the next one.
Feedback and planning the next trip
After returning, we take some time to gather feedback from the participants: what went well, what we could improve, and whether there were any particularly enjoyable or challenging moments.
Feedback helps us improve, but also confirms what’s working. Sometimes it’s about small details; other times, it offers ideas that lead to concrete changes. Every new departure grows out of this too: listening, wanting to do better, and learning from the experience just completed.
Special touches for our guests
One of the most delicate aspects of preparing a trek is assigning the right horse to each participant. On treks that start directly from Ranch, assignments can be changed at the last minute to suit what we discover when we meet the participants in person. For multi-day treks, where horses are chosen in advance, assignments are made remotely, based only on information, intuition, and a good deal of experience.
To make the welcome even more personal, each participant receives a folder with useful information about the itinerary and their assigned horse, written by someone who knows the horse well. It’s a way to start building a bond before even getting in the saddle, and to show how important the relationship with our trusted travel companion is to us.
Work done with heart
Behind every multi-day trek is meticulous organization, with people working tirelessly to make the experience perfect. From the guides to logistics, from the kitchen to horse care, everyone has a role in making it all work. It’s practical, hands-on work, but it also has an emotional side that can’t be taught.
Next time you take part in a trek, you’ll know that as you ride through the landscape, everything you experience has been carefully and thoughtfully prepared - and, above all, with heart. Now that you know what goes on behind the scenes, when will you come and experience it for yourself?