Catherine Evrard: A Journey from Belgium to Morocco
Hailing from Incourt in the Walloon Brabant, Catherine Evrard grew up immersed in a rural setting surrounded by expansive landscapes, animals, and especially horses. It is no surprise that horses would become a defining element of her life. However, Catherine never envisioned building her life in Morocco. Her first encounter with the country occurred in 2013 when she was invited to provide training at an equestrian academy. What was initially meant to be a brief assignment quickly transformed into a life-altering adventure. By 2015, Catherine had made Morocco her permanent home, although her early days there were far from idyllic.
The stark contrast between her verdant village in Walloon Brabant and the bustling, sun-soaked city of Marrakech was overwhelming. The heat, aridity, noise, and distinct aromas of Marrakech were a significant adjustment for her. She also faced a considerable challenge within the Moroccan equestrian community, which was predominantly male-dominated and had a different approach to horseback riding compared to what she was accustomed to. Determined to prove herself, Catherine embraced a philosophy centered around understanding horses deeply before attempting to train them.
Today, Catherine has evolved into a multifaceted professional, serving as a rider, trainer, equine behaviorist, and equestrian artist. She creates captivating performances and spectacles centered around horses while also educating riders on how to better connect with their equine companions. In Morocco, horses are not mere animals; they hold a special place in the country's history and cultural imagination, symbolizing freedom, travel, tradition, and national pride.
A New Dream on the Horizon
After spending over a decade in Morocco, Catherine is now preparing for an exciting new venture: a guesthouse unlike any other. This establishment will be wholly dedicated to horses, focusing on therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities. This project encapsulates everything Catherine has built over the years. As her dream begins to take shape, she feels a mix of excitement and trepidation. She often reflects on a guiding principle: an unsuccessful project does not equate to personal failure; rather, it may simply necessitate a change in direction.
Catherine’s Moroccan journey has also gifted her with unexpected memories, such as the day she found herself guiding Victoria Beckham on horseback through the Agafay desert. Intriguingly, Catherine spoke very little English at the time and had no prior experience with the desert. She had to navigate the situation as if she were entirely confident, all while hoping not to lose Victoria Beckham amidst the vast sands—a tale that could easily inspire a captivating equestrian show!
Despite her long stay 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 learned to adapt, innovate, and build a significant portion of her life. If she had to name a true love in Morocco, it wouldn't be a landscape or a monument; it would be the people—their kindness, generosity, and the warmth of human connection that she gradually came to appreciate. Thus, both countries represent two integral parts of her identity.
As reported by rtbf.be.
