Riding Out of Taroudannt
The Souss Valley is horse country. The Barb and Arab-Barb breeds that have carried Berber riders here for centuries are still bred on the plain, and the culture of horsemanship runs deep. Our horses are well-trained, calm around beginners and still capable of a proper canter when the terrain opens up and the mood calls for it.
We depart from stables just outside the city walls, where horses are kept in spacious paddocks and exercised daily. The briefing takes 15–20 minutes — sufficient for a complete beginner to feel confident, and non-patronising for experienced riders. Within ten minutes of mounting, you'll be on open tracks with the Atlas mountains on the horizon and the city receding behind the palmeries.
The Routes
The Souss Plain Ride (Beginner–Intermediate)
This 2-hour circuit covers the agricultural plain east of Taroudannt, moving through date palm groves, argan orchards and the dry channels of the Oued Souss. The going is mostly flat on firm tracks, ideal for beginners finding their seat. Experienced riders will enjoy the pace and the quality of the landscape; beginners will return feeling they've been riding for years.
The route passes through two Berber hamlets where you'll often encounter daily life that hasn't changed substantially in generations: women carrying water, men working the irrigation channels, children running alongside briefly before returning to whatever else they were doing. It's not a performance — it's just life, and being on horseback makes you part of it rather than an observer.
The Anti-Atlas Foothills Ride (Intermediate)
A longer, more adventurous circuit that leaves the valley floor and climbs into the first folds of the Anti-Atlas. The route follows old Berber trails through argan forest (the argan tree, used to produce Morocco's famous oil, grows wild only in this part of the world) before reaching a ridge with a panoramic view over the entire Souss Valley.
The return descent crosses a series of dry riverbeds where the horses often like to move quickly — for experienced riders, this is the best part of the ride. Duration approximately 3 hours. Previous riding experience recommended.
Sunset Ride (All Levels)
Perhaps our most popular offering: a 1.5-hour ride timed so that you're on the open plain as the sun drops behind the High Atlas. The light in the Souss Valley at golden hour is something photographers come specifically to capture — the red earth turns deeper red, the atlas snow turns pink, the palm shadows grow impossibly long. On horseback, in that light, with that landscape, it is genuinely one of Morocco's great experiences.
The sunset ride is most spectacular in autumn (October–November) and spring (March–April), when the light is richest and the air is clear. Book 24 hours ahead and specify your preferred departure time — we'll calculate the exact timing to hit golden hour.
Horse Welfare
We take horse welfare seriously. Our animals are fed, watered and exercised according to a strict daily programme regardless of bookings. Horses are not ridden in extreme heat (above 38°C) or for more than 4 hours per day. You are welcome to meet the horses before your ride and to ask our stable team any questions about their care.
Weight limit for riders is 100 kg. Riders over this limit should contact us — we may be able to accommodate depending on the horse available that day.
What to Wear
- Long trousers — jeans or trekking trousers are ideal
- Closed-toe shoes with a small heel (trainers work fine; no sandals)
- A layer for the return if it's an evening ride
- Sunscreen and a hat or cap
Riding helmets are provided and must be worn. If you prefer to use your own certified helmet, you are welcome to bring it.
For Children
Children aged 6 and over can ride on the Souss Plain route. Children under 10 ride alongside a guide who leads their horse. Younger children (4–5) can ride in front of an adult on the same horse on the flat sections. We love having families ride with us — the kids inevitably end up more confident than the adults by the end.
Practicalities
Price: From €30 per person. Price includes horse, helmet, and a guide throughout.
Group size: 1–6 riders per session.
Booking: At least 24 hours notice required. WhatsApp bookings preferred — click here to book.
Meeting point: We collect from your riad or hotel in central Taroudannt. Drop-off after the ride included.
Ask your guide about the fantasia — the traditional Moroccan equestrian display where riders charge at full gallop and fire rifles in the air. It's a living art form and festivals featuring it happen in the Souss Valley several times a year. With enough notice, we can time your visit to coincide with one.
Combining Rides with Other Activities
Our most popular combination is a morning horseback ride followed by an afternoon leather workshop in the medina — the contrast between the two could not be greater, and both give you access to aspects of Moroccan culture that most visitors never see. See our full guide to Taroudannt for more combination ideas.
