The Morocco Equestrian Trophy, an essential event on the sporting calendar in Morocco, is preparing to experience its 18th edition this Saturday, January 11, 2025.
Placed under the theme “The Gallop of the Stars… The Rings of Success”, this prestigious event will pay tribute to Moroccan riders and horses who shine on the Arab, continental and international scene. During a press conference held in Rabat on Thursday January 2, the main points of this exceptional event were presented, highlighting the importance of this ancestral art in Moroccan cultural heritage.
Horse riding, a noble art and a vector of international influence
Equestrian art in Morocco, a true national pride, is distinguished by its deep-rooted traditions and its modern evolution. It combines sporting performance and respect for a rich cultural heritage. The Morocco Equestrian Trophy aims to be a mirror of this balance, celebrating both the exploits of the riders and the nobility of the horses that accompany them.
During the press conference, the president of the Morocco Equestrian Trophy, Badr Fakir, expressed his pride in the central role of this event in promoting Moroccan horse riding. “This event is a unique opportunity to salute the exceptional performances of Moroccan riders who honor the Kingdom on the various circuits. It also allows us to bring together all the forces contributing to the development and influence of this noble sport,” he said.
A tribute to Moroccan horse riding heroes
The Morocco Equestrian Trophy will this year place particular emphasis on the exploits achieved by Moroccan riders, particularly during international competitions. Among the highlights of this edition, a tribute will be paid to the champions who participated in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This feat marks a new stage in the history of Moroccan equestrian, which shone during the previous Olympics across disciplines such as dressage (London 2012), show jumping (Rio 2016), team show jumping (Tokyo 2020) and eventing (Paris 2024).
The president wanted to underline the decisive role played by Moulay Abdellah Alaoui, president of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Equestrian Sports (FRMSE), in these successes. “The optimal conditions put in place for our champions are the result of the continuous efforts of the FRMSE, which ensures that they are offered quality supervision and infrastructure,” he added.
The jury, multidimensional expertise
Another notable element of this 18th edition: the composition of the jury, which reflects the diversity and wealth of skills surrounding horse riding. Chaired by Nadia Doghmi, emblematic horsewoman, the jury includes Jilali Erguig, Moqaddem of a sorba (troop) of Tbourida (equestrian representation which appeared in the 16th century. It simulates a succession of military parades, reconstituted according to ancestral Arab-Amazigh conventions and rituals ), and Samira Bennani, pioneer of automobile racing on an Arab and African scale. This plurality of expertise underlines the organizers’ desire to integrate the different facets of Moroccan sporting heritage, while being part of a dynamic of modernity.
A meeting at the service of tradition and innovation
The Morocco Equestrian Trophy is much more than an awards ceremony. It is a true celebration of Moroccan horse riding in all its forms. From dressage to show jumping via Tbourida, each discipline finds its place in this event which combines tradition and innovation.
This 18th edition promises to be a highlight for horse riding in Morocco, testifying to the richness and dynamism of this noble art. It reaffirms both the attachment to a unique heritage and the desire to carry the colors of Morocco high on the international stage.
>> Read also: Just published “Of horses and men: the art of Tbourida in Morocco” by Fouad Laroui
