Mountains & Trails
Horse Riding in Marrakech (Palmeraie & Countryside)
Marrakech has a genuine equestrian scene, and a guided hack is a beautiful, quieter way to explore the countryside around the city — walking, trotting and, if you can, cantering through the Palmeraie's palm groves and the olive and orchard country beyond. Established stables cater to complete beginners and confident riders alike, and there are gentle pony-led rides for children.
- Duration
- 1–3 hours
- Price band
- From ~350 MAD per hour
- Group size
- Small group, matched by ability
- Suitable for
- All levels · pony-led options for kids
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Overview
Reputable stables around the Palmeraie and the countryside south of the city keep well-schooled horses and match you to a suitable mount after a quick assessment of your experience. Beginners are led at a walk on calm horses; experienced riders are given a livelier horse and the space to trot and canter across open ground.
Rides head out through the palm groves, along dusty tracks between smallholdings, and out into olive groves and open plains with the Atlas as a backdrop. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times — cooler, softer light, and the horses are fresher.
For families, most stables offer short pony rides or led walks for young children, so the whole group can ride together. Longer half-day hacks with a picnic are available for keen riders who want more time in the saddle.
How it runs
A typical outing runs about 1–3 hours. Here is the usual shape of it:
- 1
Meet & match
Arrive at the stables, a quick check of your riding experience, and you are matched to a horse.
- 2
Mount & basics
Helmet on, a leg-up, and a refresher on the basics before setting off.
- 3
The hack
Ride out through palm groves and countryside — walking for beginners, faster paces for the confident.
- 4
Cool down
Back to the stables, dismount and often a mint tea before you head off.
What to expect
Expect the ride to be graded to your ability — say honestly how much you have ridden so you are matched to the right horse and pace.
Expect a real countryside hack, not a nose-to-tail tourist plod, at the better stables; that is the difference worth paying for.
What's included
- Well-schooled horse matched to your ability
- Riding helmet
- Guide, and instruction for beginners
- Often a mint tea afterwards
What to bring
- Long trousers and closed shoes with a small heel if possible
- A hat or cap you can wear under, or instead of, the helmet
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Cash for a tip for the grooms
Safety notes
- Always wear the riding helmet and be honest about your experience so you get a suitable horse.
- Listen to the guide's instructions on how to sit, hold the reins and stop — especially before any faster work.
- Approach and mount horses calmly from the correct side; avoid sudden movements and loud noises.
- Choose a stable that clearly looks after its horses — good condition, proper tack and reasonable ride lengths.
Frequently asked questions
Can beginners go horse riding in Marrakech?
Yes. Good stables put beginners on calm, well-schooled horses and lead them at a walk with instruction. You do not need any experience for a gentle hack, and there are pony-led options for children.
Where do horse rides go around Marrakech?
Typically through the Palmeraie palm groves and the countryside south of the city — dusty tracks between smallholdings, olive groves and open plains, with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon.
Is horse riding suitable for children?
Yes. Most stables offer short led pony rides or gentle walks for young children, so families can ride together. Older, more confident children can join a normal hack.