Growing up in the '90s, I would watch Lawrence of Arabia and dream of galloping endlessly through the desert until the horse would say, ‘no more!’ But growing up means adjusting to a slightly different reality. For one, anyone who has ridden Arabian horses knows they rarely show signs of exhaustion. And galloping endlessly in the deep sand of the dunes? That would leave your horse lame the next day. Dreaming is one thing, but discovering an incredible country while respecting your horse is another. And believe me, it’s just as magical as my childhood dreams!

Back in 2019, I explored southern Morocco on my own and had an unforgettable experience riding Barb-Arab stallions. So, when I had the opportunity to host a Discovery Ride along the Atlantic Coast as part of the World on Horseback team—to scope out a new partnership with a local stable—I was thrilled at the prospect of going back. This time, it wasn’t just about riding and exploring beautiful places; it was a fully immersive experience: living like a nomad, sleeping in tents under the stars, and embracing the local culture and gastronomy. Our Discovery Ride was 5 nights and 4 riding days, during which we completed the 'Loop of Iftane.'

I’m excited to share my experience with you, along with some lessons and tips I picked up along the way.

RIDING STALLIONs- don’t be nervous!

In Moroccan culture, the Barb horse holds a special place. Stallions are traditionally preferred for riding due to their spirited nature, strength, and historical role in ceremonies like tbourida (also known as "fantasia")- performances that reenact wartime cavalry charges. Mares, meanwhile, are often reserved for breeding. If you’re an experienced rider, you’ll find it easy to connect with your horse. Of course, there are always some basic safety measures to follow (I.e. keep your distances, don’t let them sniff each other too long, etc), but overall you probably won’t realize there is a difference between riding a stallion or any other horse!

Barb-Arab stallions are spirited yet sweet and docile. Renowned for their hardiness and stamina, they excel in endurance and trail riding. Their sure-footedness makes them ideal companions for traversing Morocco’s diverse terrains. Personally I get nervous when I'm up high on the cliffs and fortunately my horse knew how to manage!

Historically, the Barb has profoundly influenced horse breeds worldwide. Its introduction to Europe during the Moorish invasions contributed to the development of Andalusians and Thoroughbreds. Coming from Andalusia and being deeply in love with Andalusian horses, I couldn’t help but fall for the Barb-Arab stallions too!

TRAIL RIDING THROUGH ESSAOUIRA’S LANDSCAPES

I could never have imagined how diverse the Atlantic Coast could be! Over four days, I was amazed by the ever-changing landscapes. From dry, seemingly lifeless argan forests to lush green valleys, we climbed red canyons, crossed dusty stone meadows, and suddenly found ourselves facing a vast, golden dunes overlooking the ocean.

The rides involved long hours in the saddle -up to six hours a day- going through various terrains, many of which allowed no faster pace than a walk. But oh, the views made every moment worthwhile! And when the chance for a trot, a canter, or a gallop came, the excitement was huge, the pleasure was great, and a moment after we were back to a calm walk with long reins, as if nothing had happened- the horses were so calm and I was impressed by how easily they were able to cool down and return to ‘normal’ after a gallop!

SLEEPING UNDER THE STARS

Living like a nomad is fun—especially when someone else takes care of all the logistics! Our camps were always set and ready when we arrived, with tea waiting alongside a plate of nuts, dates, chocolates, and biscuits. A bucket of hot water and a mug made for a rustic and quite unique shower experience, followed by relaxing conversations around the table. Every meal was definitely a huge highlight of this trip! And the infinite kindness of every person of the organization too.

If camping isn’t your thing, sleeping in a tent might feel challenging at first. But waking up to a sky full of stars, hearing the gentle sounds of the horses nearby, and feeling worlds away from your everyday life quickly changes your perspective. You might even find yourself wishing to do it all over again!

packing tips FOR YOUR ESSAOUIRA TRAIL RIDE:

Warm and breathable clothing: Apart from breathable fabrics for the day and warmer layers for cooler nights, add a wolly hat or a hoodie for the moment spent out at night.

Bring a Headlamp! A hands-free headlamp is far more convenient than your phone’s flashlight.

Power bank: You’ll take tons of pictures and videos, and while we don’t have access to electricity when out camping, running out of battery on your phone is the last thing you want.

Comfortable riding gear: Ensure your gear suits long rides and your boots allow some walking.

Water bottle: We recommend bringing one that’s easy to use while riding and can fit easily in a saddle bag. The guides will provide water refill as needed.

Sleeping bag & pillow:  Bring a quality sleeping bag suitable for the expected temperatures (Essaouira temperatures can drop to around 10-12 degrees celsius at night in the colder months, and humidity can make it feel even colder. We also recommend bringing a small pillow- it will make a big difference for a more comfy night!

Finally, if you’re the type who loves staying connected, consider getting an eSIM in your home country before your trip, and turn it on as soon as your plane has landed. I used Holafly, which provided unlimited gigs and coverage across 99% of the areas we visited. Pro Tip: activate the eSIM when you arrive in Morocco and make sure your other roaming is off so you don’t pay any fees with your provider in your local country! You can get a 5% discount on your first eSIM by clicking on the following link: http://rwrd.io/n3d2zbu

Want to know more about the Atlantic Coast Trails in Morocco?