Equestrian tourism: riding holidays, modest dress and prayer on a long ride

A tradition that travellers can join

Equestrian art is part of living heritage in several Muslim-majority countries. Morocco's Tbourida, a traditional display of riders charging in line, is featured on the blog of the Moroccan National Tourism Office. Watching it, or visiting a stable where it is practised, can be as interesting as riding yourself.

For travellers who want to ride, the range goes from a one-hour lesson for beginners to guided trail rides across mountains, deserts and beaches. The right choice depends on your level, not on your enthusiasm.

Destinations to consider

Morocco offers rides around Essaouira, where Fleewinter runs lessons and hacks, and trail rides of one to five days in the Atlas Mountains, as well as longer multi-day journeys. In Türkiye, Ephesian Tourism, a TURSAB-verified agency based in Selçuk, offers horseback rides in Cappadocia and multi-day Turkey tours.

Equitours, a specialist riding-holiday agency, lists rides in several countries including Morocco and Egypt. Iceland is well known for its own breed, and Horses of Iceland, run by the Farmers Association of Iceland, gives background on the Icelandic horse but does not sell tours.

Dress, modesty and comfort

Riding clothes are practical by nature: long trousers, boots with a small heel and a hard hat. For women who wear hijab, a close-fitting under-scarf beneath the riding helmet is a common solution, and long tunics or loose tops can be worn over riding trousers. Check that nothing hangs loose that could catch on the saddle.

Ask whether the stable has a women-led group or a female guide if that matters to you. Many private rides can be arranged for a family or a small group, which gives more control over who rides together.

Prayer on a ride

Day rides leave plenty of time for prayer before and after. Longer treks, however, may cross one or more prayer times. Tell the organiser in advance, and ask whether the schedule can include a short stop at midday or at the camp.

How to pray while riding or in a remote setting, and whether prayers can be combined or shortened, depends on the school of thought, so follow your own scholar. Carry a small mat, water for wudu and a compass or qibla app, and ask the guide to pick a quiet, clean place for the stop.

Food, camps and overnight stays

Multi-day rides usually include meals at camps or guesthouses. Ask what is served and whether the meat is halal, and request vegetarian or fish dishes if you cannot confirm. None of the operators listed above states halal arrangements on the pages reviewed, so the answer must come from a direct question.

In Muslim-majority countries, local guesthouses and camps are more likely to serve halal food as a matter of course, yet the details still need confirming. In Europe, ask about the ingredients and whether you can bring your own supplies.

Safety, level and the horse

Be honest about your riding level. A good operator will match you with a horse and a route that you can handle, and a poor one will say yes to everything. Ask about the ratio of guides to riders, helmet policy, insurance and what happens if the weather turns.

Treat the horse as a living partner. Check that the animals look well fed, rested and calm, and that the tack fits. Islam places great emphasis on kindness to animals, and a stable that cares for its horses is also one that cares for its guests.

Families and beginners

Many centres offer pony rides or short supervised rides for children and a lesson for adults who have never ridden. Ask for the minimum age and weight limits, and whether a parent may walk beside a child.

If part of the family does not ride, choose a base with other things to do nearby, such as a village market, a beach or a walk. The riding can then be fitted into the morning while the rest of the day stays flexible.

A plan for booking

Start by choosing the country and the length of the ride, then read the operator's pages for level, group size and what is included. Put your questions in one message.

• Which level of rider is the route designed for?
• Can the group be private, or women-only if required?
• Are meals included, is the meat halal, and are vegetarian options available?
• How are prayer times handled on a long day?
• What are the insurance, helmet and cancellation rules?