Beginner Riders Morocco - From the Basics to Equestrian Trekking

There are moments in life when we feel the need to change pace. That’s when the desire to experience something new and challenge ourselves is born. And what if the equestrian world were calling you? A horse, nature, the silence that helps you truly feel.

This intensive programme guides you from the foundations of equestrian tourism to a first, real trekking experience. In complete safety, with respect, and with high-quality guidance from people who genuinely love horses.

The intensive equestrian tourism programme: Beginner Riders lasts 8 days and is designed to introduce you to the world of trail riding. It is not just a course, but a full immersion in the equestrian world: technique, relationship, emotion—outdoors, learning how to manage your horse in a wide variety of situations.

Every morning, you learn how to take care of your horse: grooming, preparing, listening. Then you get in the saddle and, step by step, learn how to move forward together.

The programme takes place between the Ranch de Diabat and the natural landscapes surrounding Essaouira: dunes, forests, beaches. Every morning and every afternoon, a practical session will help you experience riding not as a sport, but as a deep connection between two living beings.

By the end of the programme, you will no longer be a beginner. You will have completed the first stage of your equestrian journey and will be able to approach more intense experiences, such as a multi-day horseback tour, with greater confidence.

• For those starting at a beginner level, who have already taken a few riding lessons and wish to deepen their knowledge by riding outdoors.
• For those who want to learn in a safe and respectful way.
• For those seeking an authentic experience and the creation of that invisible bond with their horse.
• For those who dream of riding through the desert one day—and who want to begin the journey today.

You don’t need extensive experience—just the desire to give it a try.

We know what it means to take the first step: that mix of excitement and apprehension, the feeling of not being quite ready. But that is exactly where every great story begins.

Beginner Riders Morocco is not just a course. It is an invitation to get to know yourself better, to overcome fears, and to rediscover the beauty of learning something new with care, respect, and the professionalism of people who have been working in the field for many years.

Because the relationship with a horse teaches us a great deal about ourselves, improves the way we handle situations, and teaches us to listen, to trust, and to breathe together.

And who knows… perhaps in a few months it will be you setting off on your first real trekking experience.
We’ll be here, waiting for you.

Arrival at Marrakech or Essaouira airport. A private taxi will be waiting for you at any time for the transfer to Essaouira.

Accommodation in a central hotel in the medina, with breakfast included for all 7 nights (from Saturday to Friday).

Lunches and dinners not included. Recommendations on where to eat in Essaouira:

• Fish Burger
• Fresh fish at the port
• Al Adwak
• Mandala Society
• La Clef de Voûte
• Seafood Corner
• Taverna Bolognese
• Ksou Restaurant (rooftop)
• Dar Baba Restaurant
• Mimti
• Triskala

Morning Session
09:00 – Meeting in front of Hotel des Iles and transfer to the Ranch (3 km – 5/7 minutes).

09:30 – Activity start:

• complete grooming of the horse (coat, mane, tail, hooves)
• saddling techniques for equestrian tourism with suitable saddle and saddlebags

10:00 – 12:00 – Outdoor ride during which the guide will teach you:

• correct posture in the saddle
• communication and connection with the horse
• management of the three gaits
• overcoming natural obstacles encountered outdoors

Return to Essaouira with transfer included.

Afternoon Session
The meeting will take place 2h30 before sunset (time communicated according to the season).

Activities:

• Outdoor ride at sunset lasting 2 hours
• Upon return: practice unsaddling, cleaning, and arranging equestrian equipment
• Feeding the horses together with the staff
• Return transfer to the hotel

Morning Session
09:00 – Meeting in front of Hotel des Iles and transfer to the Ranch (3 km – 5/7 minutes).

09:30 – Activity start:

• complete grooming of the horse (coat, mane, tail, hooves)
• saddling techniques for equestrian tourism with suitable saddle and saddlebags

10:00 – 12:00 – Outdoor ride during which the guide will teach you:

• correct posture in the saddle
• communication and connection with the horse
• management of the three gaits
• overcoming natural obstacles encountered outdoors

Return to Essaouira with transfer included.

Afternoon Session
The meeting will take place 2h30 before sunset (time communicated according to the season).

Activities:

• Outdoor ride at sunset lasting 2 hours
• Upon return: practice unsaddling, cleaning, and arranging equestrian equipment
• Feeding the horses together with the staff
• Return transfer to the hotel

Morning Session
09:00 – Meeting in front of Hotel des Iles and transfer to the Ranch (3 km – 5/7 minutes).

09:30 – Activity start:

• complete grooming of the horse (coat, mane, tail, hooves)
• saddling techniques for equestrian tourism with suitable saddle and saddlebags

10:00 – 12:00 – Outdoor ride during which the guide will teach you:

• correct posture in the saddle
• communication and connection with the horse
• management of the three gaits
• overcoming natural obstacles encountered outdoors

Return to Essaouira with transfer included.

Afternoon Session
The meeting will take place 2h30 before sunset (time communicated according to the season).

Activities:

• Outdoor ride at sunset lasting 2 hours
• Upon return: practice unsaddling, cleaning, and arranging equestrian equipment
• Feeding the horses together with the staff
• Return transfer to the hotel

Morning Session
09:00 – Meeting in front of Hotel des Iles and transfer to the Ranch (3 km – 5/7 minutes).

09:30 – Activity start:

• complete grooming of the horse (coat, mane, tail, hooves)
• saddling techniques for equestrian tourism with suitable saddle and saddlebags

10:00 – 12:00 – Outdoor ride during which the guide will teach you:

• correct posture in the saddle
• communication and connection with the horse
• management of the three gaits
• overcoming natural obstacles encountered outdoors

Return to Essaouira with transfer included.

Afternoon Session
The meeting will take place 2h30 before sunset (time communicated according to the season).

Activities:

• Outdoor ride at sunset lasting 2 hours
• Upon return: practice unsaddling, cleaning, and arranging equestrian equipment
• Feeding the horses together with the staff
• Return transfer to the hotel

10:00 – Meeting with the driver for an alternative activity to riding lessons.

Activity: 2 hours of quad biking on the high dunes, accompanied by an expert guide to admire the landscape and have a different experience.

12:30 approx – Return to the center of Essaouira.

The rest of the day is free to discover the city, go shopping, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the medina.

Morning Session
09:00 – Meeting in front of Hotel des Iles and transfer to the Ranch (3 km – 5/7 minutes).

09:30 – Activity start:

• complete grooming of the horse (coat, mane, tail, hooves)
• saddling techniques for equestrian tourism with suitable saddle and saddlebags

10:00 – 12:00 – Outdoor ride during which the guide will teach you:

• correct posture in the saddle
• communication and connection with the horse
• management of the three gaits
• overcoming natural obstacles encountered outdoors

Return to Essaouira with transfer included.

Afternoon Session
The meeting will take place 2h30 before sunset (time communicated according to the season).

Activities:

• Outdoor ride at sunset lasting 2 hours
• Upon return: practice unsaddling, cleaning, and arranging equestrian equipment
• Feeding the horses together with the staff
• Return transfer to the hotel

Departure back to Essaouira or Marrakech airport.

A private driver will take you to departures (flight at any time).

Maximum weight: 90 kg

Passport: residual validity of at least 6 months from entry into Morocco

Mandatory clothing:

• riding trousers/breeches
• riding shoes/boots
• half-chaps

Everything available at Decathlon or in specialized shops (we can provide indications).

Clothing respectful of the host country: avoid revealing too much out of respect for local culture and staff

The programme runs all year round and takes place from Saturday to Saturday. You can choose when to start, as long as you notify us at least one week in advance. During the Ramadan period, afternoon sessions will be scheduled earlier, before sunset.