Horse Riding in Morocco: Beaches, Mountains and Desert
Horse riding Morocco: gallop on the beach near Essaouira, ride through High Atlas villages or the Agafay desert near Marrakech. Beginners to experienced.
Horse riding Morocco
Horse riding Morocco offers three very different worlds: wide Atlantic beaches, green valleys in the High Atlas and the stony hills of the Agafay desert. Morocco has a long horse culture, and many stables keep Arabian and Barb horses, the hardy local breed of North Africa. We match you with a ride that suits your level, from a calm walk for beginners to longer canters for confident riders.
The favourite for many guests is horse riding Essaouira style: a ride along the beach and through the dunes south of the town, towards Sidi Kaouki, with the ocean wind in your face. Near Marrakech you can ride in the Agafay desert or in quiet Berber villages of the Atlas foothills. Rides usually last from one or two hours to a half day, and we arrange transport, helmets and a guide who speaks your language or English.
Best seasonMarch to June and September to November
Why choose horse riding in Morocco
Ride on an Atlantic beach
Around Essaouira you can ride on long sandy beaches and through coastal dunes, with the sea on one side and argan country on the other. For many riders it is a dream ride.
Arabian and Barb horses
Horses here are often Arabians, Barbs or a mix of both: tough, sure-footed and used to sand and rocky paths. Your guide chooses a horse that matches your experience.
Quiet mountain villages
In the High Atlas, rides follow old tracks between terraced fields, walnut trees and earth-brick houses, far from busy roads.
Desert landscape near Marrakech
The Agafay desert is less than an hour from Marrakech. Its bare hills and wide views make a great setting for a sunset ride.
For every level
Beginners walk with a guide at their side; experienced riders can trot and canter where the ground allows. We tell the stable your level in advance.
Who is horse riding in Morocco for?
Beginners
A calm horse, a slow pace and a guide close by. Short beach or desert rides are the easiest way to start.
Experienced riders
Ask for a longer ride with trots and canters on the beach or in open country. Tell us honestly how often you ride.
Families
Older children can ride with a guide holding the lead rope; very young children may only be able to ride a pony or sit for a short walk.
Couples
A sunset ride on the beach near Essaouira is a romantic way to end the day. Riding is not ideal with back problems, during pregnancy or for riders above the stable’s weight limit.
“The favourite for many guests is horse riding Essaouira style: a ride along the beach and through the dunes south of the town, towards Sidi Kaouki, with the ocean wind in your face.”
— Our team in MoroccoHow it works
- Tell us your dates
Send us your dates, where you are staying and how many you are – on WhatsApp or by email.
- We plan it with you
We suggest the best time and option for horse riding and send you a clear price.
- Meet our team
On the day, our team meets you and explains everything before you start.
- Enjoy every moment
Live the experience – and add more adventures to your trip if you like.
Ways to do it with us
Book it on its own, or as part of one of our itineraries.
Beach ride south of Essaouira
Ride along the sand and through the dunes towards Sidi Kaouki, often timed for the late afternoon light.
Ask us on WhatsApp →Agafay desert ride from Marrakech
Pick-up from your riad, a ride across the stony hills of Agafay with Atlas views, mint tea and return.
Ask us on WhatsApp →4 Days in Morocco: Marrakech, Atlas & Essaouira
Combine the city, the mountains and the coast, with a horse ride on the beach in Essaouira.
See the itinerary →5 Day Active Desert Tour from Marrakech
An active trip with cycling, hiking, a camel ride and a horse ride along the way.
See the itinerary →A typical day
Times are approximate and based on a 2-3 hour afternoon ride; sunset rides start later in summer and earlier in winter.
- Pick-up or meeting point
We collect you from your hotel or meet you at the stable outside town.
- Meet your horse
Your guide gives you a helmet, adjusts the saddle and explains the basic commands.
- Ride out
Set off at a walk through the dunes or countryside while you get used to your horse.
- Beach or open country
Ride along the sand or open tracks; confident riders may trot or canter with the guide.
- Back to the stable
Say goodbye to your horse, drink some tea and transfer back to your hotel.
Where it happens
Horse riding with us takes place in these parts of Morocco – tell us where you are staying and we suggest the closest option.
- 1Agafay desert
- 2Essaouira
- 3Marrakech
- 4Sidi Kaouki
Useful information for horse riding in Morocco
What a ride looks like
You meet your guide at the stable, choose a helmet and get a short briefing. The guide adjusts the stirrups and checks you are comfortable before you set off. Breaks for water, photos or tea are part of every ride.
Your riding level
Please tell us honestly if you are a beginner, ride sometimes or ride often. This helps the stable choose the right horse and the right pace for the group.
Weight and age
Stables usually have a weight limit for riders to protect the horses, and a minimum age for children. We confirm both with you before booking.
Horse welfare
We prefer stables where horses look healthy, are well fed and rest between rides. If anything about a horse worries you, tell your guide or us – you can always stop the ride.
Safety on horseback
Wear the helmet, keep a safe distance from the horse in front and follow the guide’s pace. On the beach, horses can get excited near the waves, so beginners stay at a walk.
Before you book
- Riding level
- Tell us honestly if you are a beginner or an experienced rider so the stable can choose the right horse.
- Weight
- Stables usually have a weight limit for riders to protect the horses – we confirm it with you before booking.
- Health
- Not recommended with back problems, recent injuries or during pregnancy – please tell us before booking.
- Children
- Children must meet the stable’s minimum age; send us their ages and we check what is possible.
Best time for horse riding in Morocco
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for horse riding in Morocco, with mild temperatures everywhere. Essaouira stays fresh in summer thanks to the ocean wind, but the Agafay desert gets very hot from June to August, so rides there start early or late. In winter the coast is pleasant, while Atlas villages can be cold.
- JanGood
- FebGood
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGood
- JulPossible
- AugPossible
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGood
BestGoodPossibleAvoid
Request your horse riding
Fill in the form and press send: your request comes straight to our team’s inbox (or WhatsApp, if you prefer) and we reply with the details and a clear price.
- No payment to send a request
- We adapt the option to you
- Or write to us: +212 600 643 098
Horse riding in Morocco: 10 questions
Where can I go horse riding in Morocco?
The most popular places for horse riding in Morocco are the beaches and dunes around Essaouira, the Agafay desert near Marrakech and the villages of the High Atlas. Each gives a different landscape, so choose the one that fits your trip.
Is horse riding in Essaouira good for beginners?
Yes. Beginners ride at a walk with a guide close by, usually on the quieter parts of the beach. Experienced riders can ask for a longer ride with trots and canters.
How much is horse riding in Essaouira?
The price depends on the length of the ride, the season and the size of your group. Send us your dates and riding level and we will send you a quote on request.
Can you go horse riding in Marrakech?
Yes. Horse riding near Marrakech usually takes place in the Agafay desert or the countryside around the city, with pick-up from your riad. Rides in the medina itself are not possible.
Is there horse riding on the beach in Morocco?
Yes. Beach rides are best around Essaouira, on the long sandy beaches and dunes south of the town towards Sidi Kaouki. Sunset is the most popular time.
What is the best time for horse riding in Essaouira at sunset?
Sunset rides usually start one to two hours before the sun goes down, so the time changes with the season. We confirm the start time with you the day before.
Is horse riding in Morocco ethical?
It depends on the stable. We prefer stables where horses are healthy, well fed and rested, and riders respect weight limits. If you see a problem, tell us – your feedback helps us choose.
What breed are the horses in Morocco?
Many Moroccan riding horses are Arabians, Barbs or Arab-Barb crosses. The Barb is the traditional horse of North Africa, known for being hardy and sure-footed.
Do children need riding experience for horse riding in Morocco?
No, but they must meet the stable’s minimum age and be happy to sit on a horse. Young children ride at a walk with a guide holding the lead rope.
Can I do a multi-day horse trek in Morocco?
Longer horse treks in the Atlas or along the coast can be arranged on request, depending on the season and the stables available. Tell us your level and dates and we will check what is possible.
Combine it with
Two experiences in one trip – our favourite pairings.
+
Horse riding + Surf & kitesurf experienceRide on the beach near Essaouira in the afternoon after a morning surf lesson on the Atlantic coast.See surf & kitesurf experience →+Horse riding + Hiking & trekking adventuresWalk through the High Atlas villages one day and explore them on horseback the next.See hiking & trekking adventures →
Add horse riding to your trip
Tell us your dates and where you are staying – we organise everything with you.