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Rabat – The Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC) organized a brunch with the press this morning at the Haras National Center of Bouznika to announce the third edition of its Moroccan Equestrian Rally that will take place from May 23 to May 26 in Ifrane.
In an interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Hicham Debbagh, SOREC’s deputy general manager, stated that one of the main objectives of this rally is to promote equestrian and eco-tourism as well as to “monetize horses” in Morocco.
According to Debbagh, Ifrane National Park, the set location for the rally, was chosen as a crucial vector for tourists to discover the biodiversity of Morocco’s flora and fauna as well as to promote local associations and products.
SOREC wall of trophies
The director of Haras National Centers, Malak Benamar, also spoke with MWN, in which she elaborated on the details of the Moroccan Equestrian Rally. She stated that the rally will have national and international participants ranging from amateurs to professionals.
Before the start of the rally, the organizers will offer a workshop for the riders on May 22. This workshop will cover the lay-out of the site, as well as go over the specifics of the prime speed and pace for every participant based on their past horseback riding experience.
Malak Benamar also stressed the fact that the rally promises entertainment as well as security for both the participants and the horses. The organizing staff will provide ambulances, veterinarians, and support for those in case of emergencies.
Speaker at the SOREC event
The Royal Moroccan Federation of Equestrian Sport and the ANEF (Moroccan Ministry of Waters and Forests) are important collaborators and supporters of SOREC’s equestrian rally.
With this initiative, SOREC states that it is aiming to revive Morocco’s ancestral connection with horses by offering a 4-day rally that will immerse its participants in a setting that showcases the country’s cultural heritage.
Benamar told MWN that the next phase of the project is to work with international associations. By promoting horses as a national topic, SOREC aims to also expand its engagement worldwide.
Horseback riding is a tradition deeply rooted in Moroccan culture. One such example of its prevalence is with Tbourida, a famous Moroccan equestrian art that involves a troupe of riders performing acrobatics on horseback at festivals. Every year, Morocco hosts a diversity of Tbourida competitions.
An activity that holds a special place in Morocco, horseback riding is not only thought of as a sport but is also often featured at special occasions including weddings, festivals, and circumcisions.
