Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan officially opened the 16th edition of the El Jadida Horse Show on Monday, marking the start of one of Morocco’s most celebrated equestrian events. Held at the Mohammed VI Exhibition Park, this year’s edition runs through October 5 and focuses on a theme of animal welfare, emphasizing Morocco’s growing commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in the horse world.
Upon his arrival, the Crown Prince was welcomed by Moulay Abdellah Alaoui, president of the organizing association, before inspecting a ceremonial detachment of the Royal Guard. He was then introduced to a number of high-ranking civil and military officials, along with representatives from diplomatic missions and partner institutions.
The official delegation included Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari, Casablanca-Settat’s regional governor Mohamed Mhidia, and the heads of both the regional and provincial councils. The Prince also greeted key sponsors and members of the association’s board of directors.
Among the international guests were Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan, president of Türkiye’s Ethnosport Federation, and ambassadors from the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The Prince also engaged with prominent figures from the Arab equestrian community, including the director of the Emirati Arabian Horse Society and the president of Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Authority.
Following the opening protocol, the Crown Prince toured the showgrounds, where each thematic zone highlights a different aspect of Morocco’s equestrian heritage. From breeders and craftsmen to government bodies, regional showcases, and artists, the event presents a comprehensive view of the horse’s enduring place in Moroccan life. A dedicated children’s area aims to introduce younger generations to the country’s deep-rooted horse culture.
At the heart of the venue, the main arena hosted spectacular riding displays, including acrobatics and artistic performances by both local and international troupes. The Prince later visited the arena dedicated to Tbourida, Morocco’s traditional equestrian art form. There, 18 teams—known as sorbas—from various regions demonstrated synchronized fantasia displays. Afterward, the Prince took photos with the moqaddems, the team leaders of each sorba.
Held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the El Jadida Horse Show has become a cornerstone event for Morocco’s equestrian community. It serves not only as a professional platform but also as a cultural showcase, highlighting the horse’s powerful symbolic role in Moroccan identity and tradition.
Driven by both national ambition and growing international recognition, the event features a packed agenda that includes competitive tournaments, educational exhibits, conferences, and cultural programming. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness major events such as the Barb and Arab-Barb Horse Champions Cup, the Moroccan Breeders Cup for Purebred Arabians, and two prestigious King Mohammed VI Grand Prix competitions—one for show jumping and another for Tbourida.
In a notable first, this year’s edition introduces an international Purebred Arabian conformation competition classified as a Title Show—an elite status that underscores the event’s rising profile on the global stage.
