In an impressive display of talent and tradition, 18 equestrian teams from the Fes-Meknes region have qualified for the national championship of traditional horseback riding, known as Tbourida. This qualification was confirmed following the regional trials held in the city of Tissa, located in the Taounate province, from April 16 to April 18, 2026.
The final results of the competition, organized by the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Horses, indicated that 12 teams in the senior category out of a total of 54 participants successfully advanced to the national level. The qualified teams include four from Fes, two from Taza, two from Meknes, and four from the Taounate region.
In the junior category, six teams qualified from the nine that participated in the events held at the equestrian arena in Tissa. These teams comprised two from Fes, two from Meknes, and two from Taounate, showcasing a diverse representation across the region.
A total of 63 teams participated in the regional trials, representing the cities of Fes, Meknes, Taza, and Taounate, with nearly 1200 riders competing in various traditional equestrian displays. Mustafa El Malaki, a representative of the Al-Wifaq Equestrian and Culture Association in Tissa, praised the well-executed organization of the event, highlighting the impressive turnout of both junior and senior teams from the four cities in the Fes-Meknes region.
El Malaki emphasized the significant interest and attendance from visitors who came from Taounate and neighboring areas to witness the event and enjoy the Tbourida performances. He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders that contributed to the success of this traditional festival.
The regional trials were conducted in partnership with the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Horses and several local partners. These competitions aim to preserve the heritage of traditional horseback riding and promote its practice among future generations.
The qualified teams will represent the Fes-Meknes region in the inter-regional competitions scheduled to take place in May in the city of Bouznika. These events serve as a gateway to the Hassan II Tbourida Award, which will be held in Rabat, the capital of Morocco.
The Hassan II Tbourida Award is a key highlight in the annual calendar of traditional equestrian activities in Morocco. It attracts significant attention from enthusiasts of cultural heritage and traditional sports alike.
As the inter-regional competitions approach, a fierce rivalry is expected among the qualified teams from different regions of the country, each striving to secure a place in the national finals, which will ultimately confer the title of Moroccan champion in Tbourida.
As reported by aljareeda.net.
