Celebrating Equestrian Tradition in Morocco
The 25th edition of the Hassan II Prize for Traditional Equestrian Arts, known as "Tbourida," commenced on Monday at Dar Es Salam in Rabat. This prestigious championship, which showcases Morocco's rich equestrian heritage, is organized by the Royal Moroccan Federation of Equestrian Sports and will run until June 21, under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The event aims to honor and preserve the traditional practices associated with equestrianism in Morocco, fostering a sense of pride and cultural identity.
A Competitive Showcase of Skill and Heritage
This year, the competition features 24 participating teams, referred to as Sorbas, with 18 in the senior category and 6 in the junior category. These teams qualified through elimination rounds held in various regions across the Kingdom. The competition unfolds in two distinct phases: a qualifying round that takes place from Monday to Thursday, where teams vie for a spot in the finals, followed by a final round scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, which will bring together the top Sorbas to determine the champion of Morocco for 2026.
In the senior category, notable competitors include the Sorba of El Haloua Abdelhadi from the Skhirat-Témara Province, the Sorba of Cherrat Abdelfattah, Chabab Houara Ouled Rahou from the Guercif Province, and several others from across different regions. The junior competition features rising talents, with teams such as the Troupe Lagzouli Mohammed Amine from Khémisset, and Chabab Guercif from Guercif, among others.
The traditional equestrian events begin with the Sorba, led by the Mokaddem, performing a salute to the audience before returning to the starting line to embark on an exhilarating race that showcases the riders' skills in controlling their mounts and firearms. At the signal given by the Mokaddem, typically the oldest member of the Sorba, riders must fire their guns simultaneously, as the success of Tbourida hinges on this synchronized display.
Judging criteria set by the Royal Moroccan Federation of Equestrian Sports assess the Sorbas based on various factors, including the unity of the riders' movements, the rhythm of the gallop, the handling of firearms, timing of the shots, traditional attire, and saddle aesthetics. Judges also evaluate the riders on their coordination, communication, mastery of the horse, and the overall presentation of both horse and rider.
Riders proudly don traditional attire, which includes the Jellaba, Salham, turban, and high shoes, often accompanied by ornate daggers and guns adorned with intricate decorations. The saddles, crafted by skilled artisans, feature designs and embroidery that reflect Morocco's authentic heritage, enhancing the beauty of both horse and rider while signifying their social status within their tribes.
The recognition of Tbourida as part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list in 2021 reinforces the symbolic significance of this age-old equestrian practice.
As reported by lopinion.ma.
