From Rural Beginnings to Moroccan Adventures
Catherine Evrard, hailing from the quaint village of Incourt in the Walloon Brabant region of Belgium, grew up surrounded by the beauty of nature, vast open spaces, and a multitude of animals, especially horses. It is therefore no surprise that her journey has been closely intertwined with equestrian pursuits. However, Catherine never envisioned that her life would lead her to Morocco. Her first encounter with the country occurred in 2013 when she traveled there to provide training at an equestrian academy. What was intended to be a temporary mission quickly transformed into a significant adventure, culminating in her permanent relocation to Morocco in 2015. Yet, the initial phase of her new life was far from idyllic.
The stark contrast between the lush, green village of her upbringing and the vibrant, arid, and bustling city of Marrakech was overwhelming. The heat, the cacophony, the unique scents, and the ever-present sun presented a formidable challenge. Additionally, the Moroccan equestrian scene was predominantly male-dominated, and the approach to horse training diverged significantly from what Catherine had known. To establish herself, she had to prove her mettle, adhering to her belief that understanding the horse precedes any attempts at training it.
Today, Catherine has evolved into a multifaceted equestrian professional, serving as a rider, trainer, equine behaviorist, and equestrian artist. She crafts captivating performances and spectacles centered around horses and also educates riders on how to better connect with their equine companions. In Morocco, horses hold a unique place in the cultural and historical landscape, symbolizing freedom, travel, tradition, and a deep sense of national pride.
A New Dream in Marrakech
After more than a decade in Morocco, Catherine is now embarking on an exciting new project: a guesthouse dedicated to horses, equine therapy, and support. This initiative encapsulates the essence of everything she has built over the years. Naturally, with the realization of a dream comes a mix of excitement and apprehension. Catherine embraces a philosophy that resonates deeply with her journey: a project that does not succeed does not equate to failure; rather, it can prompt a necessary shift in direction.
Throughout her Moroccan journey, Catherine has gathered some unexpected memories, including a day when she found herself guiding Victoria Beckham on horseback through the Agafay desert. Remarkably, she spoke little English and was unfamiliar with the desert landscape, yet she had to project confidence while secretly hoping not to lose the celebrity in the vast expanse of sand. This whimsical adventure could easily inspire its own equestrian show!
Despite her years in Morocco, Catherine has not forgotten her Belgian roots. Belgium remains her homeland, filled with family, friends, and cherished memories. However, Morocco has become the place where she has learned to adapt, innovate, and build a significant part of her life. If asked about her true passion, she would not cite a landscape or a monument; instead, it would be the people— their kindness, generosity, and the warmth of human connection that she gradually uncovered. Thus, both countries represent integral parts of her identity.
As reported by rtbf.be.
