Description
Conditions and price details
Booking Notes / Instructions
Natural Horsemanship Training and Horseback Trekking in Morocco with Mattia Basso
A unique experience dedicated to those who wish to deepen their relationship with the horse through the principles of Natural Horsemanship, while simultaneously enjoying an authentic horseback trekking in Morocco among ocean, dunes, and unspoiled landscapes.
Supported by Mattia Basso, a professional in natural horsemanship with over twenty years of experience in training and horse handling, and the staff of Ranch De Diabat, specialized in equestrian tourism in Morocco for over 25 years, you will work with splendid Arab-Berber horses to develop communication, leadership, trust, and understanding of equine behavior.
The combination of Mattia Basso’s training expertise and the deep local knowledge of Ranch De Diabat makes this program a unique opportunity to learn horsemanship and immediately put it into practice in one of Morocco’s most spectacular environments.
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM
DAY 1 – Arrival in Essaouira
Arrival at Marrakech airport and transfer to Essaouira by shared shuttle. Logistic note: To attend the welcome dinner and initial briefing, it is recommended to arrive in Marrakech by 2:00 PM. Accommodation in a riad in the historic center of Essaouira, in double or triple rooms (single room available on request with supplement).
Included: Welcome dinner, program presentation, and group meeting.
DAY 2 – Intensive Horsemanship Training
After breakfast, transfer to Ranch De Diabat. The Natural Horsemanship course begins, led by Mattia Basso and the Ranch staff. The day is structured into two intensive sessions:
Morning: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Activities take place both in the round pen and outdoors, immersed in nature among ocean beaches, dunes, and coastal trails to learn the fundamental principles: communication, mutual respect, and leadership. All transfers between Essaouira and the Ranch are organized by our staff.
Included: Breakfast. Lunch and dinner free in Essaouira. Overnight in riad.
DAY 3 – Deepening and Preparation for Trekking
After breakfast, transfer to the Ranch for the second day of intensive training.
Morning: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Participants will have the opportunity to work with different horses, experimenting with various techniques and approaches under Mattia Basso’s guidance. These two days represent the ideal preparation for the itinerant trekking, allowing development of precision and confidence in horse management.
Included: Breakfast. Lunch and dinner free in Essaouira. Overnight in riad.
DAY 4 – Horseback Trekking on the Atlantic Coast
Breakfast at 9:00 AM and departure at 10:00 AM for the two-day itinerant trekking. Each participant will ride the specific Arab-Berber horse they worked with during the course, assigned based on the bond and characteristics of the pair. During the journey, horsemanship concepts acquired will be put into practice in the field. The logistical staff of Ranch De Diabat will support the group by managing meals and camp setup. We will cross endless beaches, high dunes, and eucalyptus forests until reaching a spectacular cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and overnight in equipped tented camp.
DAY 5 – Horsemanship in Nature and Certificate Presentation
Breakfast at the camp and departure at 9:30 AM after preparing the horses. A full day dedicated to practicing natural horsemanship in an open environment. Walk, trot, and canter become tools to refine communication and balance in the most authentic coastal landscapes. Return to the Ranch in the afternoon and transfer to the riad in Essaouira.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, and final group dinner with concluding debriefing and official Certificate of Participation presentation. Overnight in riad.
DAY 6 – Departure
Breakfast in the riad. Transfer by shared shuttle to Marrakech airport. Logistic note: It is recommended to book flights departing no earlier than 12:00 PM. For those needing to leave earlier, an optional private transfer is available (€80 per vehicle).
Included: Breakfast.
PRICE DETAILS
THE PRICE INCLUDES
- ✔ Training: 2 days of intensive Horsemanship training in the arena and 2 days of applied outdoor training with Mattia Basso
- ✔ Horses and Guides: Use of Arab-Berber horses and assistance from the professional guides of Ranch De Diabat
- ✔ Accommodation: 4 nights in a typical riad in Essaouira (in double/triple rooms) and 1 night in equipped tented camp
- ✔ Meals included: All breakfasts (days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), 2 lunches during the trekking (days 4 and 5), 3 dinners (welcome on day 1, camp on day 4, final dinner on day 5)
- ✔ Transfers: Shared shuttle Marrakech ⇄ Essaouira at indicated times and all internal transfers riad ⇄ Ranch
- ✔ Included extras: Official certificate of participation and trip cancellation insurance + adventure sports coverage
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- ✘ International flights to/from Morocco
- ✘ Lunches on days 1, 2, 3, and 6 (free lunches)
- ✘ Dinners on days 2 and 3 (free dinners in Essaouira)
- ✘ Drinks, tips, personal expenses, and anything not expressly specified in the "Includes" section
- ✘ Optional supplements: Single room accommodation in the riad (on request and subject to availability) and private shuttle outside scheduled hours (€80 per trip per vehicle)
Minimum 6 participants, Maximum 12
WHO IT IS FOR
This program is designed for riders and enthusiasts who wish to deepen the human-horse relationship through horsemanship, improve their sensitivity in the saddle, and experience an authentic travel adventure in Morocco with selected Arab-Berber horses.
Minimum 6, maximum 12 participants
DETAILED CONDITIONS AND PRICES: PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION TERMS
1. Payment Terms
Single Payment: To definitively confirm the booking for this trip, payment of the full balance (100% of the total amount) is required at the time of registration.
2. Cancellation Policy, Penalties and Refund Management
The cancellation and withdrawal rules for this activity are strictly governed by the following conditions:
- Refund through Insurance: If the customer must cancel the trip for one of the verifiable reasons covered by the policy (for example, illness, accident, etc.), the amount paid may be refunded exclusively by activating the Premium insurance coverage included in the package.
- 100% Penalty Applied by the Organisation: Due to the exclusive nature of the trip, once payment has been made at the time of registration, the amount paid is entirely non-refundable by us. Under no circumstances will the organisation provide direct refunds, date changes, vouchers or transfers to other trips. Therefore, any refund procedure will be handled and settled exclusively by the insurance company.
3. Included Insurance and Policy Conditions
- Included Insurance: The package price includes a Premium insurance policy covering trip cancellation, illness of the participant and specific accidents related to equestrian tourism and adventure sports.
- Mandatory Policy Activation: To benefit from the coverage in the event of cancellation before departure, it is mandatory to provide the organisation, at the time of booking, with the following personal details required to enter into the contract: first name and surname, residential address, tax identification number and telephone number. The policy will subsequently be sent to the customer by e-mail.
- Liability and Limitations: The organisation clearly states that it is not responsible for any clauses, coverage limits, deductibles or exclusions not included in the Premium insurance policy provided. The customer remains fully entitled to independently take out additional insurance with a provider of their choice.
4. Refund Exclusion Clause for Failure to Meet the Requirements (Rider Weight)
- Weight Limit: To protect the welfare and health of the horses, a strict rule applies regarding the weight of riders. The maximum permitted weight for participation is 90 kg.
- Exclusion and Loss of the Amount Paid: If, at the time of departure or during the trek, the participant exceeds this limit without having previously declared their actual weight during registration, the organisation reserves the unquestionable right not to admit the customer to the activity.
- In this case of exclusion due to a lack of transparency regarding the required physical requirements, no refund will be provided for the specific equestrian activity or for the trip itself, and the situation will not be covered by the cancellation insurance policy6
For any inquiries or to arrange a private tour, contact us via WhatsApp at 00212613049107 or by email at info@ranchdediabat.com.
