The terrible event that recently struck Morocco has deeply moved the equestrian world and in particular the international riders familiar with the Kingdom's circuits. All the riders registered for the Morocco Royal Tour 2023 immediately assured us of their participation in the competition - because the country must continue to live despite the tragedy - and many will join the solidarity effort by bringing donations and essential goods in their lorries. Being a great sportsman also means being generous and supportive, and our riders know how to be so.
Eight nations will be taking part in the Nations Cup in Rabat (15 October): Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and Morocco.
On an individual level, most of them will already be in Tetouan on 5 October, starting with Belgian Olympic team bronze medallist (Tokyo 2021) Jérôme Guery, one of the Morocco Royal Tour's loyal followers. Austria, the bronze medallist at the recent European Championships in Milan, will be sending Katharina Rhomberg, who was part of this fine team. A regular performer on the Global Champions Tour circuit, where he finished second a few years ago, France's Olivier Robert will be in Tetouan, as will Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano, a regular winner on the magnificent installations of the Royal Guard.
Eighteen nations will already be present in Tetouan, including riders from Ukraine, New Zealand, Tunisia and Senegal. The Morocco Royal Tour also has a role to play in discovering new talent, and we are proud of the fact that the Morocco Royal Tour is attracting an increasing number of riders from different backgrounds, some of whom have had their first international success at our competitions.
Morocco will of course be able to count on its national champions such as Abdelkebir Ouaddar, the only Moroccan rider to have won a 5* Grand Prix (in Paris, Saut Hermès 2016) and double winner last year of the Grand Prix of Tétouan and El Jadida, or El Ghali Boukaa who triumphed in Rabat.
A Horse Show that reflects Morocco's rich equine sector
After Tétouan (5 to 8 October) and Rabat (12 to 15), the third and final leg will take place from 19 to 22 October as part of the El Jadida Horse Show. This sumptuous event is an opportunity to discover all the richness and facets of the Moroccan equestrian industry, as well as the colourful Tbourida competitions, a traditional equestrian art dating back to the 15th century.
The jumping competition will be taking place indoors, on a track much smaller than those in Tetouan or Rabat, where the best riders on the circuit will be competing.
The Morocco Royal Tour 2023 kicks off in Tetouan on Thursday October 5, full of promise for sport and solidarity.
Source: R&B Presse Picture © R&B Presse - Adèle Renauldon