A week combining 3 days of lessons/short trails based at the ranch with a 3 day point to point trail. The 3 days at the ranch are a great warm-up before the 3 day trail ride. This programme is the ideal way to get a bit of everything! You don't miss out on staying at the delightful ranch but you also get to explore further into the Moroccan countryside.

During the days at the ranch, guests can ride morning and afternoon having either basic lessons or trail rides out to the local beach and mountains. Then there is the three days of point to point trail riding (2 nights of camping) before returning to the ranch for the final night and to prepare for departure.Holly from Far and Ride escorted a group of ladies on a programme like this in September 2011 so can tell you all about it. 

This is an intensive riding programme designed to introduce guests to the discipline of endurance riding, combining time in the saddle with theory. Riders will improve their knowledge of the horse and learn how to obtain the best performance from themselves and their horse whilst maintaining optimum health for both. The programme is supervised by René Chambon, former team manager of the French Endurance Team.

The Arab-Barb horses (and a few purebred Arabs) at the ranch are ideal for this type of training as they possess excellent stamina and are hardy. The ranch surroundings offer a variety of interesting terrain which is great for this type of training and the local Moroccan guides know the area and the horses well. The ranch staff also includes a farrier. English and trekking saddles are primarily used (Wintec, Forestiers, Gaston Mercier) and participants are expected to prepare their own horses - feeding, grooming, tacking up etc. with assistance where necessary.

Suggested Itinerary (can be adapted according to the level of the riders, weather conditions etc.):

Day 1: Arrival at Agadir airport and transfer to the ranch. Guests will be introduced to the team and their room, the horses and the programme. There will be a briefing and evaluation of the level of each rider in order to adapt the programme where necessary and choose the horses.

Day 2: In the morning you will have an intensive lesson, focusing on trot and canter. After lunch there will be the first session of theory, provided by René - this will include hippology (study of the horse), veterinary knowledge relevant to endurance riding and the general notion of endurance racing and putting it into practice. 

Day 3: The morning involves another intensive training session based on trotting for extended periods and the cardio side of training. The afternoon is another theory session to prepare you for the upcoming trail riding! 

Day 4: Today you will ride approximately 40km. You will ride towards the mountains and do some climbing. This is a steady ride, less about speed and more about maintaining a sensible pace to match the terrain. You pass the village of Aarba Sahel and will camp close to the foot of the mountain with beautiful sights overlooking a mosque. This day represents difficulties in terms of climbing and the mountainous/rocky terrain - you will be glad to relax in the dining tent and chat about your day. The horses are nearby and you will enjoy listening to them as they also relax. 

 Day 5: This day is approximately 50km. You will ride back down towards the ocean experiencing flatter ground and trail riding on the sand. You will experience both steady riding and some speed. Camping tonight is close to the beach and you will enjoy your delicious Moroccan dinner and traditional mint tea with new friends.

Day 6: Today's ride is roughly 30km and is a simulation of an endurance race. You will ride back along the seaside with plenty of trots and canters. You will enjoy a picnic of around one hour which will correspond to a "vet check" which will be performed by René. Although not an actual vet, René is experienced at assessing horses after long distance riding to ensure that they have maintained excellent health - he will be able to demonstrate how a vet check after endurance riding works and to explain to you the different things that a vet would look for. 

Day 7: A day of rest for both riders and horses. Today you will enjoy a one hour massage and visit the area with a guide. The evening will be spent on the beach enjoying your last Moroccan dinner and traditional music played by the staff. A lovely way to end the week. 

Day 8: Departure and transfer back to Agadir airport. 

This is a two week stay with a twelve day trail ride exploring the beauty of southern Morocco. The riding takes you between a variety of beautiful landscapes including deserts, warm springs, stony mountains, rivers and stunning beaches where you can ride with the waves lapping at your horse's hooves. This is a great way to escape from your everyday life and to experience Moroccan hospitality, delicious meals and to ride a great horse through this magnificent countryside. 

A 'cooking car' follows the tents for lunches and dinners - some areas are inaccessible by car and in this case the meals are picnics with salads and sandwiches. There are solar showers and camping style toilets available for your comfort. There is also a van and trailer which can follow the ride in case of a large group and guarantees the possibility of changing horse if required. 

Suggested Itinerary: 

Day 1: Transfer from Agadir airport to the ranch. Dinner and overnight at the ranch. 

Day 2: Departure from the ranch (on horseback) to the village of Aarba Sahel. You will enjoy a picnic by the village. Tonight you will camp under palm trees and beside a river, a pretty spot to spend the night. This day of ride is nice and easy to get you started and accustomed with your horse. 

Day 3: Today's ride is to Had Bifrouna. Overall you will ride approximately 33km. The picnic today is beside a spring and a mosque. The overnight camping is at the foot of a mountain where you will find another spring. There is a well near the campsite also. Camping is a lovely chance to become acquainted with new friends as you can spend your evening in the 'dining tent', chatting over tasty meals and talking with your guides about the day. 

Day 4: A ride of about 34km towards Tangarfa, with a picnic beside a spring. Tonight's campsite is in the stony desert, far away from any commotion. 

Day 5: This half day ride is around 18km - you will cross the desert towards Abaynou which has warm water springs. During the day the showers and swimming pools are separated for men and women and then in the evening they are mixed. The water is 38C and the perfect way to relax after riding. Bring your swimwear as this is how you will spend the afternoon. Lunch and camping is in the palm groves. 

Day 6: Departure from Abaynou to the palm groves of Goulmim. It will be necessary to carry the picnic today as you will be crossing a stony desert where the cooking car can't join. You will head in the direction of the palm groves at Tijgmert for camping by the spring of the oasis. Once the horses have been sorted out and are settled then you will visit the museum of the desert and meet the famous Abdou. Camping overnight as usual! 

Day 7: Today you will ride through the sandy desert until Fask and then the route becomes a stony mountain path. You will enjoy a picnic during the trail and will meet only the local nomads on this trail. There is a well on the trail ride, which is around 34km. The tents will be settled in the oasis of Irhame, under the palm trees and near to a culture of Lucerne. You will give the horses a small quantity of this as a treat. 

Day 8: Departure from Irhame oasis towards Tagmourt and Tagjiite. Lunch and overnight camping at the Tinzert oasis. Today's ride is around 30km. 

Day 9: You will leave Tinzert and head towards Amtoudi. This is a very nice half day ride. Your afternoon and night will be spent in the guesthouse known as "On dirait le sud". The bravest amongst you can go up on the mountain to see the springs and natural swimming pools. 

Day 10: After leaving Amtoudi you will follow a lovely trail which follows a river. From here you can observe Agadir - this is a beautiful ride with heights of 1400m and it is around 22km. After the picnic in Agadir Ezrie a truck will arrive to collect the horses. You will join by car and meet at the oasis of Assaka for camping in the palm groves. 

Day 11: You leave Assaka and ride above the lake of Massa. There is a picnic over the dam before following the valley path to meet the tents for your overnight stay. 

Day 12: By following the valley paths you will soon join the ocean, passing by the bird reserve of Massa. You will enjoy a picnic at the edge of the ravine. Camping tonight is by the sea in the country of the "cliff fishermen" of Sidi Boulfdail. Dinner tonight will be fish of course!

Day 13: Today the group will head for the caves of Aglou for lunch. The riding is along the coast on sea cliffs from which you can admire the fishermen and their old-fashioned huts. The trail then becomes sand. After your lunch you will head back to ranch along the beach - a glorious end to the trail! 

Day 14: Today you will enjoy a day at the ranch, relaxing. You can have some beauty treatments or a massage (small additional cost) or perhaps walk to the beach or swimming pool nearby. Dinner and overnight at the ranch. 

Day 15: Departure for Agadir airport after breakfast. 

A superb week programme combining two rides a day with other activities such as massages, henna tattoos and a visit to a local town. This is an ideal group package to keep you busy and offer you some fabulous horseback experiences. It is also quite flexible and can be adjusted to suit - for example, if you do not wish to have lessons then the group can trail ride morning and afternoon. A full day ride with picnic can also be organised, as can a two day trail with camping in the mountains. Not forgetting the thrill of a daily beach gallop for those who fancy it!

1st Day: A welcome Mint Tea (traditional Moroccan), introduction to the ranch, the horses, guides and bedrooms. Dinner and night at the ranch.

2nd Day: After breakfast you prepare the horses at 9:00 and have 2 hours of lessons in the riding arena. Lunch at the ranch. 2 hours of riding out in the afternoon: climbing, crossing Berber villages and coming back down onto the beach past the dunes… your first taste of Berber country! Dinner and night at the ranch.

3rd Day: After breakfast you prepare the horses at 9:00 and have 2 hours of lessons in the riding arena. Lunch at the ranch. 2 hours of riding out in the afternoon: a ride into 2 villages with long gallops on the beach or across the dunes according to the sea-level. A session of henna tattoos for the hands and feet. Dinner and night at the ranch.

4th Day: After breakfast you prepare the horses at 9:00 and have 2 hours of lessons in the riding arena. Lunch at the ranch. 2 hours of riding out in the afternoon: Sidi Boulfdail runs along side cliffs which overhang wild beaches. Evening and dinner on the beach with music or at the ranch if the temperature does not allow it. Night at the ranch.

5th Day: After breakfast you prepare the horses at 9:00 and have 2 hours of lessons in the riding arena. Lunch at the ranch. 2 hours of riding out in the afternoon. A session of massages for relaxing the muscles after your fourth day on a horse! Dinner and night at the ranch,

6th Day: After breakfast you prepare the horses at 9:00 and have 2 hours of lessons in the riding arena. Lunch at the ranch. 2 hours of riding out in the afternoon. An evening at Mirleft to benefit from the market and the little restaurants. Night at the ranch.

7th Day: Your last day on a horse! You will ride towards the beach for this last day. You will have a picnic before returning to the ranch for a session of well-earned massages. Dinner and last night at the ranch.

8th Day: Departure. You will return home with a head full of great memories. There is the possibility of camel riding on this day (not included in the price, it costs approximately 25€).

A week based at the fantastic ranch combining horse riding activities with massages and beauty care. Allow the stable staff to show you the delights of riding in Morocco before you return to the ranch where Fatima will massage away the troubles of your everyday life. This is the perfect combination - plenty of horseback adventures with a big side order of relaxation!

1st day: You are welcomed with the famous and traditional Berber tea. After this you are introduced to the ranch, horses, staff and bedrooms before enjoying your first delicious dinner.

2nd day: After breakfast, you will help to prepare the horses at 9am for 2 hours of lessons or riding out in the Moroccan countryside. Lunch is taken at the ranch before an afternoon ride (also around 2 hours). Your evening will begin with your first taste of Berber relaxation - a soothing massage and a henna tattoo before dinner and night at the ranch.

3rd day: Riding as on day 2 - maybe with your first gallop on the long stretch of nearby beach! You will then enjoy an hour of relaxing massage before your dinner at the ranch.

4th day: Riding as on day 2 - today you will cross some Berber villages and can get a real taste of Moroccan life. Following this is a hot stone massage of around 50 minutes, a heavenly way to end another super day in the saddle. Dinner and night at the ranch.

5th day: Riding as on day 3- perhaps today you will explore the mountains or more beach... or maybe both! A session of lymphatic drainage (approx 1 hour) is to follow before dinner and night at the ranch.

6th day: Riding as on day 1, exploring different areas. Today's salon treatment is facial care. Dinner and night at the ranch.

7th day: Today is your last day of riding and a chance to round off the week. After enjoying your last time in the saddle, you will head back to the ranch for a manicure - a wonderful way to finish off your trip and leave you feeling good. Dinner and your last night at the beautiful ranch.

8th day: Last day- time to head home with wonderful memories.

Please note: tuition at this destination is designed to improve a rider's competence for trail riding (such as balance, confidence etc.). This is not a destination where you will learn dressage or jumping. However, you will be able to improve your riding in order to fully enjoy the trails.

This programme is a combination of trail rides on the beach and in the mountains with optional lessons in the menage. Guests ride 2 to 3 hours in the morning, enjoying the landscapes, before having lunch and a nap. Then the afternoon lessons/trails (2-3 hours) will see you ride several of the horses there, according to your ability. This is a great programme for all riders and even beginners are welcome, though they may not be suitable for the trail riding.

The Arab-Barb horses will appeal to the most experienced riders but there are also more quiet mounts for the novices. There are 6 days of actual riding and this is quite flexible and can be combined with a trail programme or further tuition. There is no strict schedule as the hosts appreciate that this is your holiday and you will be able to talk about what you want to gain from the week.

If you would prefer just to trail ride twice a day or to ride just once a day, this is possible. For riding once a day, the price is lowered accordingly (see other programmes).

Rough guide to the week:

Day 1: You are welcomed to the ranch (with transfer from airport if applicable) and introduced to the team and their horses. You will also get to see the ranch and your accommodation before discussing your riding level and wishes for the week.

Days 2 - 7: You will ride twice a day for each of these days. In the mornings you will enjoy trail rides on the beach or in the mountains, usually 2 to 3 hours, and then you can have afternoon lessons (or more trail riding) after lunch and a rest. You will have the chance to ride a few of the horses there (dependent on your ability) as each will present you with their own characteristics. If you prefer, you can choose to ride only in the morning or the afternoon.

Day 8: Departure.

At some time during the training week there will be a whole day ride with a picnic BBQ.

Your hosts advise that guests get involved in caring for the horses and contributing to ranch life for the full experience, though they recognise that this is your holiday time and you are equally as welcome to relax!

Beginner riders will probably not be suitable for trail rides but don't be put off - this destination is flexible and something can be arranged to suit.

This is a week of trail riding which starts out at the ranch and takes you across beautiful landscapes of Morocco, including mountains and beaches. Some nights are spent in guesthouses with others camping in the mountains and riders will encounter typical Berber villages, old market places and other fascinating Moroccan spots. Food is traditional Moroccan style and the last night is spent back at the ranch for relaxation before departure.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at the ranch. Guests meet the staff and horses, see their accommodation and then discuss their riding level and their wishes for the week. A nice Moroccan style dinner before bed.

Day 2: A test in the outdoor menage before departing for the trail ride.

Day 2 - 6: During these days you will be riding for about 3 hours in the morning before stopping for lunch and a good nap. Then you will ride for around another 3 hours to the guesthouse or campsite. Some days are longer or shorter, depending on the distance needing to be covered, and each day the three main gaits are assured.

Usually during these trails, the first night is spent in a typical berber house where you will eat a tasty meal. The next two overnight points are campsites in the mountains and riders will cross villages, old marketplaces and mosques. These nights the Moroccan meals are cooked by the ranch's chef who can also play some traditional style music. After this, the group will head back to the north to visit a friendly Berber family in a typical village. The last trail day takes you back in the direction of the sea where you stay in a cave... with a real bed!

Day 7: Return to the ranch in the afternoon for dinner and a good night's sleep.

Day 8: Departure.

During the trail guests are responsible for their horse. This includes grooming, tacking up and feeding the horses. There is a professional guide accompanying the group at all times and camps are prepared ahead of your arrival.

Please note, the itineraries are not exact and are subject to change. Different routes can be planned if there is something you would particularly like.