Hundreds of riders from across Morocco will gather in Rabat this month for the 25th Hassan II Tbourida Trophy, one of the country’s biggest traditional horse riding competitions.
The event will take place from 15 to 21 June at the Dar Es Salam Equestrian Complex. It is organised by the Royal Moroccan Federation of Equestrian Sports (FRMSE).
A total of 24 teams, known as sorbas, have qualified for the competition. They include 18 senior teams and six junior teams.
Qualifying rounds will be held from 15 to 18 June. Horses will have a mandatory rest day on 19 June before the finals on 20 and 21 June. The final stage will feature the top 10 senior teams and top five junior teams.
Tbourida, often called fantasia, is based on old cavalry traditions that date back centuries in Morocco. In 2021, UNESCO added the practice to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
During the competition, teams of riders perform two main displays. The first focuses on the riders’ traditional clothing and the appearance of their horses and equipment. The second involves riders galloping side by side before firing their traditional rifles at the same moment. Judges award the highest scores when the shot sounds as one single blast.
The sport also supports Morocco’s horse breeding sector. More than 1,000 sorbas are active across the country, according to organisers.
Most teams use Barbe and Arab-Barbe horses, breeds known for their strength, speed and calm behaviour during the gunfire displays.
Entry to the event is free for the public.
