Barb and Barb cross Arab stallions, which have huge stamina, great will and are forward going yet very biddable. With their small feet, big hearts and fast paces, these horses are ideally suited to this landscape. These horses must be ridden with light hands and very gently into the contact.
Height at the withers: 1.45 m to 1.55 m.

MINIMUM RIDING ABILITY

You should be a capable rider who is happy riding outdoors in all paces. You should be able to control your horse (speed and direction) in walk, trot and canter whilst maintaining a light hand.

If you weigh more than 90kg or are over 1.95m tall then please contact us to enquire about a suitable horse.

PACE

There is a lot of walking on this trail because of the mountainous landscape, however there are opportunities to trot and canter each day where the terrain allows.

Please note that canters are always in single file due to the fact you are riding stallions.

TACKING ABILITY AND PARTICIPATION

You will be expected to assist with grooming, tacking up and untacking your horse each day whilst out on the trail. It would also be appreciated if you could help with camp tasks such as putting up tents or watering and feeding the horses.

TRIP CONDITIONS AND REQUESTED EXPERIENCE

You need to be physically fit for long hours in the saddle in the sun and at high altitudes. The terrain is varied to include steep ascents/descents and there may be holes to avoid. You need to be able to mount and dismount your horse whilst on rocky paths so as to assist your horse during hard climbs and tricky descents - you will likely be asked to dismount and lead your horse on foot.
Temperatures are cooler in the mountains than in Marrakech because of the altitude but it can still be hot and very sunny in summer. Please remember than there is always a level of unpredictability when riding in the mountains and you may experience wind, cold or even storms.
Having previous experience of riding a trail of several days is compulsory on this ride. It is of particular importance to ensure you are comfortable and balanced when riding at speed across rough terrain and open spaces. You also need to be fit enough to walk on foot and lead your horse in the mountains.

You will ride across inhabited valleys and cross desert mountains. The support vehicle may not be able to reach you every day, so please make sure to pack your saddlebags sensibly (water, sunscreen, lip balm). Visiting a new country offers the opportunity to meet other cultures with different mentalities, therefore it is important to accept these differences and respect the local way of life.

EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT

There are saddle bags on some of the horses so that you can carry suncream etc with you during the day.
Comfortable trail riding tack.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit..

COMFORT

In camp: two man tents with mattresses, communal tent for meals, a hot shower and separate toilet tent.
In Marrakesh: a standard hotel in double rooms.

CLIMATE

The Atlas mountains have a typical mountainous climate with cold winters and the rides don't run during the winter months.
During the summer months the mountains offer a good alternative to the heat of the desert or Marrakech. The nights are cool without being cold (9-14c depending on altitude) and the days are usually sunny with temperatures around 25c. In short, the climate is ideal from May to September, with temperatures dropping in March/April and October.

Marrakech has a Mediterranean climate which is usually hot summers and a clear blue sky, with cold winters. The best season to visit this city is Spring/Autumn when the temperatures are pleasant all day (22-30c).

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the valid visa requirements for entry.
We will endeavour to keep this section up to date, but please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/morocco.html (US citizens) or https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements (UK citizens) for further information.

To enter Morocco, a passport valid for the duration of your stay is required by all British, American, Canadian and EU nationals. However, the Moroccan Consulate General in London advise that your passport should be valid for at least 3 months on your date of entry to Morocco. If your passport does not meet this requirement you may face difficulties and you should check with the Moroccan authorities and your travel provider before travelling.

Passport note:
You should ensure that your passport is stamped when you enter the country. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country because their passport bears no entry stamp. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in Morocco. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

Visas
Visas are not required by British, American, Canadian and EU nationals for stays in Morocco of up to three months.

Addresses of consulates

• Paris | Ambassade du Maroc
  5, rue Le Tasse
  75116 Paris
  Tél. : 01.45.20.69.35
  Fax :
  info@amb-maroc.fr
  
• Ambassade de France au Maroc
  1 rue Aguelmane Sidi Ali Agdal BP 602
  Rabat - Chellah
  
  Tél. : +212 5 37 27 66 00
  Fax : +212 5 37 27 67 11
  webmestre@ambafrance-ma.org
  
• Moroccan Consulate
  Diamond House
  97-99 Praed Street, Paddington
  W2 1NT London
  Tél. : +44 020 7724 0624
  Fax :
  

There are no legal requirements regarding vaccinations. Still, it's a good thing to get your vaccinations in order before travelling to Morocco. The general vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) is recommended. Also both hepatitis A as well as typhoid would be recommended.
Malaria is very rare and present only in a few remote areas. Don't underestimate this tropical disease and take precautions. Buy repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net.

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

The telephone dialling code is +212.
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in towns and cities, and across the west of Morocco, but a little more erratic east and further south.

Time zone: GMT

The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). One dirham is equivalent with 100 santimat (singular: santim).
• Banknotes 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 dirham
• Coins 1, 5, 10, 20 santimat; ½, 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirham

127/220 volts AC, 50Hz, depending on age and location of building. Plugs usually have two round pins or the standard three pin UK.