Terms & Conditions
Atlas Hoof – Horse Riding of Essaouira
Wahib Benagdoul
These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings and services offered by Atlas Hoof – Horse Riding of Essaouira (“Atlas Hoof”, “we”, “us” or “our”). By making a booking, the guest (“you” or “guest”) agrees to these Terms & Conditions.
1. General Terms
These Terms & Conditions apply to all experiences and services offered by Atlas Hoof, including Beach Rides, Two-Day Treks, Photo Shoots and any other experiences offered from time to time.
The specific details, inclusions and requirements of each experience are described on the relevant experience page of our website. Where individual arrangements have been agreed with a guest, these may supplement the information provided on the website.
By making a booking, you confirm that you have read and accepted these Terms & Conditions.
2. Booking & Confirmation
Bookings may be requested through our website, by email, WhatsApp or another method agreed with Atlas Hoof.
A booking request submitted through the website or sent to us is not binding until it has been expressly confirmed by Atlas Hoof.
A booking becomes confirmed once Atlas Hoof has accepted it and confirmed the arrangements with the guest, normally by email or WhatsApp.
The booking confirmation may include the selected experience, date and time, number of participants, agreed price and any other arrangements agreed individually.
After a booking has been confirmed, changes requested by the guest may be possible depending on availability and require prior agreement from Atlas Hoof.
3. Prices & Payment
Prices displayed on the website may vary depending on the selected experience, destination, accommodation and individually agreed arrangements. The final price applicable to a booking will be confirmed by Atlas Hoof before the booking is confirmed. Prices may be displayed in EUR and MAD.
Atlas Hoof reserves the right to adjust prices displayed on the website from time to time, including where significant changes in exchange rates or other relevant costs occur. Any price already confirmed for a booking remains binding unless otherwise agreed with the guest.
3.1. Beach Rides
Beach Rides are charged per person and paid in cash on site.
No deposit is required.
3.2. Two-Days Treks
Two-Day Treks are charged per person.
A deposit of 50% of the total price is required to confirm the booking.
The remaining balance must be paid before the trek starts.
3.3. Photo Shoots
Photo Shoots are charged per package.
No deposit is required. Payment may be made in cash on site or by bank transfer before the Photo Shoot.
4. Changes & Cancellation by the Guest
4.1. Beach Rides
Guests are asked to cancel as early as possible if they are unable to attend.
As no deposit is required for a Beach Ride, no cancellation fee will normally apply.
Requests to change the date or time of a Beach Ride are subject to availability and must be agreed with Atlas Hoof.
4.2. Two-Days Treks
Cancellations made at least 5 days before the scheduled start will receive a full refund of the deposit paid.
If a Two-Day Trek is cancelled less than 5 days before the scheduled start, the deposit is non-refundable. If the guest has already paid more than the deposit, any amount paid above the deposit will be refunded.
A Two-Day Trek may be rescheduled if the request is made at least 5 days before the scheduled start, subject to availability and agreement with Atlas Hoof.
If a guest starts a Two-Day Trek but cannot continue for personal reasons, no refund will be provided.
4.3. Replacement Participant
At its discretion, Atlas Hoof may allow a guest to transfer a confirmed booking to another person.
Any replacement participant must be agreed with Atlas Hoof in advance and must meet all applicable requirements for the experience, including riding ability and physical suitability.
The original guest remains responsible for the booking unless Atlas Hoof has expressly confirmed the transfer.
4.4. Photo Shoots
For Photo Shoots, guests are asked to cancel as early as possible if they are unable to attend.
Changes and rescheduling are subject to availability and agreement with Atlas Hoof.
5. Changes & Cancellation by Atlas Hoof
Atlas Hoof may need to make changes to a confirmed booking in circumstances where this is necessary for safety, availability or other reasons outside our reasonable control.
Where possible, Atlas Hoof will offer a suitable alternative date or arrangement.
If Atlas Hoof is unable to provide the booked experience and no suitable alternative can be arranged, or if the guest does not accept the proposed alternative, the guest will receive a full refund of amounts paid for the affected booking.
5.1. Changes to the Experience
Depending on circumstances, Atlas Hoof may need to make changes to the route, destination, accommodation or other arrangements.
Where a change is necessary, Atlas Hoof will aim to provide a comparable alternative wherever reasonably possible.
If a significant change is required and no comparable alternative can be offered, the guest may cancel the affected booking without cancellation fees and receive a full refund of amounts paid.
5.2. Weather & Safety
The safety of our guests, horses and team always comes first.
Atlas Hoof may postpone or cancel an experience if weather conditions or other circumstances make it unsafe to carry out the activity.
Normal or expected weather conditions, including the wind that is common in Essaouira, do not automatically mean that an experience will be cancelled.
If Atlas Hoof cancels an experience for safety reasons, the provisions above regarding an alternative date or a refund will apply.
5.3. Early Termination
If a guest voluntarily ends an experience early or is unable to continue for personal reasons, no refund will be provided.
6. Horse Riding, Safety & Participant Requirements
6.1. Safety
Guests must follow the safety instructions and guidance given by Atlas Hoof and its guides throughout the experience.
Guests are expected to behave responsibly around the horses, other participants, guides and the surrounding environment.
6.2. Riding Experience
The riding requirements depend on the experience booked.
Beach Rides are suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced riders.
For the Two-Day Trek, guests must have basic riding experience and feel secure and confident on a horse. Guests must be physically able to ride for several hours per day. Depending on the route and pace, riding time may be up to approximately six hours per day.
For the Photo Shoot, no specific riding requirements are needed, but basic experience for the video is an advantage.
6.3. Age Requirements
There is no specific minimum age for Beach Rides. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The minimum age for Two-Day Treks is 16.
No specific minimum age is currently specified for Photo Shoots. Any participation by guests under 18 is subject to the accompanying adult requirement above.
6.4. Weight Limit
The maximum rider weight is 90 kg.
6.5. Physical Suitability
Guests are responsible for ensuring that they are physically able to participate safely in the booked experience.
Guests should inform Atlas Hoof in advance about any physical limitations or circumstances that may affect their ability to participate safely.
Atlas Hoof may refuse or end participation if, in the reasonable judgment of the guide, continuing the activity would create a safety risk for the guest, other participants, the horses or the team.
6.6. Medical Conditions
Guests should inform Atlas Hoof before the experience about any relevant medical conditions, injuries or physical limitations that may affect their ability to participate safely.
This may include, for example, back or joint problems, balance or mobility issues, heart conditions, pregnancy or other medical circumstances affecting physical activity.
Providing such information does not automatically prevent participation. It allows Atlas Hoof to assess whether the activity can be carried out safely.
6.7. Alcohol & Drugs
Guests may not participate in an experience while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Atlas Hoof may refuse or end participation if a guest appears to be under the influence and continuing the activity would create a safety risk.
6.8. Helmets & Equipment
Helmets are available on request.
Wearing a helmet is not currently mandatory, and guests may choose whether to wear one.
Guests who choose not to wear a helmet do so at their own responsibility, subject to applicable law.
6.9. Failure to Follow Safety Instructions
If a guest seriously or repeatedly fails to follow safety instructions and this creates a concrete risk to the guest, other participants, the horses or the team, Atlas Hoof may end the guest’s participation.
In such circumstances, the guest receives no refund.
6.10. Risks of Horse Riding
Guests acknowledge that horse riding and horse-related activities involve inherent risks, including the risk of falls, unexpected movements or reactions of horses and other accidents.
Guests are responsible for providing accurate information about their riding experience, physical condition and any relevant medical circumstances, and for following the safety instructions given by Atlas Hoof.
Atlas Hoof will not be responsible for loss, injury or damage to the extent that it results from the guest’s own actions, failure to follow safety instructions, inaccurate information provided by the guest, or other circumstances for which Atlas Hoof is not legally responsible.
7. Insurance
Guests are strongly recommended to have appropriate travel and medical insurance that covers the activities they are participating in, including horse riding where applicable.
Guests are responsible for checking the terms and coverage of their own insurance before participating.
Atlas Hoof does not provide insurance for guests.
8. Behaviour & Care
8.1. Respect for Horses
Guests are expected to treat the horses calmly and respectfully at all times.
Violence, rough handling or other inappropriate treatment of the horses is not permitted. Guests must not feed the horses or give them treats without permission from Atlas Hoof.
8.2. Respect for People
Guests are expected to behave respectfully towards Atlas Hoof, its guides, team members and other participants.
Aggressive, threatening or seriously inappropriate behaviour is not permitted.
8.3. Damage
Guests may be held responsible for damage they intentionally or through gross negligence cause to Atlas Hoof’s property, equipment, accommodation or other property used during the experience.
Guests are not responsible for ordinary wear and tear or accidental damage occurring despite reasonable care.
8.4. Environment
Guests are expected to respect the natural environment and to avoid behaviour that unnecessarily damages or disturbs the surroundings.
8.5. Ending Participation
Atlas Hoof may end a guest’s participation if their behaviour is aggressive, dangerous or seriously inappropriate towards people, horses or the environment.
Where participation is ended for such reasons there will be no refund.
9. Personal Belongings
Guests are responsible for their personal belongings during the experience.
Atlas Hoof is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to personal belongings, except where such responsibility cannot legally be excluded or limited.
9.1. Beach Rides & Photo Shoots
Guests may bring personal items such as a phone or small bag.
Personal belongings may be left at the stable during the ride.
Guests are advised not to bring unnecessary valuables, large amounts of cash or valuable jewellery.
9.2. Two-Days Treks
Guests should bring only the personal items they need for the two-day trek.
Larger or necessary luggage may be transported to the accommodation by a member of the Atlas Hoof team.
Guests may keep a small day bag with them during the ride. If their belongings fit into a small bag, they may also choose to keep everything with them.
Guests are advised to keep valuables, important documents and other essential personal items with them rather than placing them in transported luggage.
10. Accommodation & Additional Services
10.1. Accommodation
For Two-Day Treks, accommodation is included in the booking.
The accommodation depends on the destination and availability. The planned accommodation will be communicated to the guest after the booking has been confirmed.
If the planned accommodation becomes unavailable, Atlas Hoof may provide a comparable alternative in accordance with Section 5 of these Terms & Conditions.
10.2. Room Arrangement
The intended accommodation standard is a private room with a private bathroom.
Room arrangements may depend on the number of participants, destination and availability. Where appropriate, couples may share a double room, while individual guests may have a single room or shared room with other participants.
The exact accommodation and room arrangement may therefore vary depending on the circumstances of the booking.
10.3. Food & Dietary Requirements
Food is included as described on the relevant Two-Day Trek experience page.
Guests should inform Atlas Hoof of any dietary requirements or allergies when making their booking.
Atlas Hoof will make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary requirements where possible, but cannot guarantee that every special diet or allergy can be accommodated in every situation.
10.4. Accommodation Rules
Guests must respect the rules of the accommodation provider and behave considerately towards the property, staff and other guests.
10.5. Damage to Accommodation
Guests may be held responsible for damage they intentionally or through gross negligence cause to the accommodation or its contents.
10.6. Transport
The standard Two-Day Trek route runs from Diabat towards the destination and does not include separate transport along the route.
Transport to or from the stable in Diabat may be available on request, subject to availability and an additional charge and is not included in the booking.
10.7. Additional Services
Additional services or arrangements are only included in a booking if they have been expressly agreed with Atlas Hoof.
10.8. Travel Documents & Requirements
Guests are responsible for ensuring that they have all documents, permits and other requirements necessary for their travel and stay in Morocco.
11. Photography
Photos and videos may be taken during Atlas Hoof experiences by Wahib or a member of the Atlas Hoof team.
For Beach Rides and Two-Day Treks, photos and videos taken during the experience are included in the booking at no additional charge.
For Photo Shoots, the professional photos included in the selected package form part of the booked service.
By booking an experience, guests agree that Atlas Hoof may use photos and videos in which they appear for its own promotional and marketing purposes, including on the Atlas Hoof website and social media channels.
Atlas Hoof may edit, crop or otherwise adjust photos and videos for these purposes.
Guests may request that their photos or videos are not used for future promotional purposes. Such a request does not affect the booking or participation in the experience.
Atlas Hoof will make reasonable efforts to remove relevant content from its own platforms following such a request. However, Atlas Hoof cannot control copies, shares or other uses of content that may already exist elsewhere online.
Atlas Hoof does not automatically publish or disclose a guest’s name or social media username as part of this provision. Any tagging, mentioning or reposting of content shared by guests on social media may take place separately.
12. Complaints
Guests are encouraged to raise any concerns or problems with Atlas Hoof as soon as possible during the experience, where possible, so that we have an opportunity to address the issue directly.
This may include concerns relating to the riding experience, accommodation, food, organisation, communication, photography or other services included in the booking.
Complaints may be made directly to the Atlas Hoof team, by WhatsApp or by email.
If an issue cannot be resolved during the experience, guests may contact Atlas Hoof afterwards so that the matter can be reviewed and, where appropriate, a suitable solution can be discussed.
13. Force Majeure
Atlas Hoof will not be responsible for failure or significant changes to a booking where these are caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
Such circumstances may include, for example:
- extraordinary weather conditions;
- natural disasters;
- fire;
- war or terrorism;
- significant political unrest;
- government or official orders or restrictions;
- epidemics or pandemics;
- major traffic or transport disruptions; or
- other unforeseeable events beyond Atlas Hoof’s reasonable control.
Where such circumstances affect a confirmed booking, Atlas Hoof will first try to offer a suitable alternative date or arrangement where reasonably possible.
If no suitable alternative can be arranged, or if the guest does not accept the proposed alternative, the refund provisions in Section 5 will apply.
Atlas Hoof is not responsible for travel arrangements or other services that have been booked independently by the guest and are not provided by Atlas Hoof.
14. Privacy
Personal data is processed in accordance with the Atlas Hoof Privacy Policy.
The Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected, used, stored and shared in connection with bookings, communication and the use of the Atlas Hoof website.
15. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Morocco.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects any mandatory rights or protections that guests may have under applicable law.