Horses, Dunes & Nomads - Morocco

Kimberly who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic adventure in the beautiful Sahara | The riding was incredible. We did walk for quite some time but it was interspersed with a few trots, lots of canters and a long gallop or two each day. The horses were well cared for however the tack was tired and worn for some. I ride twice a week and have done lots of trail rides and for the first time got saddle sore. The saddle was a dressage style saddle and I think it was not ideally suited to trail riding on reflection. The horse did not show any sign of soreness - they had great padded saddle pads. Taking a saddle saver would help enormously, as one of the other riders did.
The bridle on my horse was changed from a plain snaffle to one with a curb chain and my horse (Neptune) hated it. It was changed because he was extremely fresh and strong the first couple of days. He did settle with the new bridle but I did wonder if it didn't fit properly because it led to the horse losing a tooth! The guides were very responsive to any comments about tack but they were limited in what they had.

Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

The owners and managers of the riads were so welcomiing and the beds were comfortable however it was freezing in the rooms which were clearly built to guard against heat. A fan heater to take the edge of the coolness of the room and a hot water bottle in the bed would have made such a difference.
The food was mainly rustic tagines, some better than others but all were nice. Breakfast was a spread, extensive in some places and limited in others.

How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?

I think you should let riders know to take hot water bottles where the temperatures dip low at night so they can take the edge of chill (and dampness as a result) in bed and seat savers for the non-trail saddles. (ITS comment: We are so delighted that you enjoyed your riding holiday. Thank you for the tips about a hot water bottle and seat saver. We advise to bring seat savers in our packing list if you like to use one).

Do you have any other feedback for us?

Rachid and Abdu were kind, friendly and the most proactive and responsive guides we have ever experienced. They checked in with us at least twice a day to ensure we were ok on our horses offering to swap if we wanted. They helped us tack up in the morning if needed. Before we mounted each day we were encouraged to walk the horses around which loosened us and the horse up and prepared us for the day ahead.