El Jadidia to Host 9th Salon du Cheval

Under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 9th Salon du Cheval (Horse Show) will be held at Exhibition Park Mohammed VI in El Jadida, from the 11th to the 16th of October 2016

Since its creation in 2008, the Horse Show Association aims to promote the horse industry, and highlight the heritage and ancient equestrian traditions of the Kingdom. It contributes to economic and social development of rural areas and brings together the efforts of various operators and professionals in the equine industry in Morocco

A range of different activities highlighting all aspects of the horse: sports, culture, crafts, fun, economical ... and the equine industry: saddlery, farriery, armoury, riding and driving. For the edition 2016, the Organising Committee held a press conference yesterday to present this year's programme.

Under the theme "Traditional equestrian arts", the 9th edition showcases Morocco's equestrian arts such as the famous Tbourida (Fantasia). Troops of the various regions of the Kingdom will compete for the Grand Prix of Tbourida from His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

The 9th edition will feature a number of important breeds including Purebred Arabian and the Moroccan Breeders' Cup for Arabian Horses, the National Competition for Arab-Barb horses, the International Championship of Bearded Horses, as well as an international jumping competition counting towards qualification for the World Cup.

In order to sustain Morocco's equestrian culture, the show dedicates a range of activities for younger children with a competition for ponies and an art event for young talent in a special village for children.

Horse displays will be held daily and will highlight equestrian excellence through the participation of leading international figures.

Lectures on scientific and cultural topics will also take place in order to exchange information about important current topics such as "stem cells in veterinary medicine" and "Tbourida art among Moroccan traditional equestrian arts."

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Moroccan Tbourida, ~ the Powder Game ~ on Show in Beijing

Photographer John Horniblow has a major exhibition opening in Beijing on July 4th. The exhibition Tbourida : The Fantasia of Morocco, is a series of photographs describing the thunder, smoke and dust, colours, energy and spectacle of the Moroccan Tbourida

Shot at a number of moussem across Morocco including Moulay Abdellah Amghar, Moussem des Cerises Sefrou, Tissa, Festival du Cheval, El Jadida, and Meknes, the photographs are part of a selection for a pending book publication.

Gunpowder smoke and muzzle blasts as the sorba ( riding team) ends its charge in Seffrou

Tbourida, also known as the ‘Powder game’, is a traditional and popular equestrian art inspired by the historical wartime attacks of the once feared and fiercely brave cavalrymen of Morocco.

The sorba wait anxiously before forming charge lines. Moussem Moulay Abdellah Amghar in Doukkala

A seasoned rider poses stoically atop his horse in the trooping of the sorbas in Seffrou, Morocco

The colourful spectacle of Tbourida is a contest of speed, endurance, grace, discipline and manoeuvrability for Morocco’s horsemen and horses. Tbourida is practiced across all rural areas of Morocco to celebrate national and religious moussem (holidays), as part of Morocco’s national culture and the past tribal identity. Tbourida or Fantasia is wildly popular with Morocco's predominant rural population and troops or sorba can be found all across the country and congregating to celebrate moussem in colourful tournaments often lasting for days.

Reflective young horseman, mentally preparing for a pending charge. Oued Merzeg, Morocco

John Horniblow past his work has been referred to as having an understanding of the human connections that are common across the cultures of the world. His work is often shot in close intimacy with his subjects using a style of work that immediately invites the audience into being present in the scene, a style referred sometimes as « candid intimacy », like a window or invitation into a scene.

A riding mentor  offers some advise to a young woman rider in Oued Merzeg

The work is on exhibit at Zarah,  46 Guloudongdajie, Dongcheng , Beijing Sat July 4th ( opening 6.00 pm ) - August 28th   北京东城鼓楼东大街46号

About John Horniblow
John Horniblow is a photographer, writer and filmmaker who recently moved to Beijing after living for 4 years in Morocco. John's photography has been published with Time publications, Geo Mundo, National Geographic, Penguin books and many other periodicals. He commenced his photographic documentary career as media and documentation officer on Expedition to Circumnavigate South America including voyaging to Antarctica. He has worked on assignment for National Geographic with leading wildlife photographer Franz Lanting , and CNN and produced documentary stories on a range of subjects.

He is also the Founder, Editor in Chief and publisher of the online photo documentary magazine Photojournale. In 2010 he published Photojournale’s first book anthology “Photojournale – Connections Across a Human Planet “, a virtual, web 2.0 global publishing collaboration with Photojournale’s global community of photographers. John trained as a cinematographer and has shot, directed and produced award winning short, television documentary and industrial films working with broadcasters such as BBC, SBS, and ABC. His documentary and drama work has also been screened at International film festivals and on network television.

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Horsing Around Fez ~ A Photo Essay

Leave the densely packed Moroccan city behind and head for the hills on horseback, suggests Suzanna Clarke 

Horse riding is a leisurely and enjoyable way to take in the vibrant spring growth and spectacular landscapes of the Fez-Boulmane region. Our weekend expedition began on the top of Mt Zalagh - the mountain not far from Fez. On our obliging mounts, we meandered into the valley below, through olive groves and fields of flowers replete with gambolling lambs, kestrels flying overhead and friendly waves from farmers along the way.  

Our small party camped out overnight, and in the morning we were greeted with a sea of cloud below, which made us feel literally on top of the world.

Dinner and breakfast were locally produced fare. There are few things that enhance the appetite more than fresh air, a beautiful view and the prospect of another day's riding.  

Suzanna Clarke's horse riding trip was arranged through the Centre Equestre Ain Amyer. 
It included horse hire and equipment, a guide, food and accommodation and transfers to and from Fez. For more information, phone 06 61 174404 or www.cti-fes.com or contact ctisaida@hotmail.com

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Morocco's Tissa Horse Festival 2012 - A Reminder

A reminder that the Tissa Horse Festival 2012 edition begins on the 19th and runs through until September 23.  Below is all the information you need in order to make the trip - It is a fantastic day out, so don't miss it! 

Getting there
The easiest way to get to Tissa on time for all the action is to catch the bus provided by Plan-it-Fez. The vehicle will depart each day (from the 19th to 23rd September) from Batha (outside Batha Poste) at 7am arriving Tissa at 8am.

For the return journey the bus will be departing Tissa at 3.30pm for arrival in Fez approx 4.30pm.

The price per person is 350 Dirham. Please note: this must be paid in cash. A minimum of five passengers are required for the bus to depart - so make sure you bring your friends!

Most important:   People MUST book 2 days in advance by emailing Plan-it-Fez.    
email: info@plan-it-fez.com

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Morocco's Equestrian Week 2012

The twenty-seventh edition of the equestrian week is been scheduled to take place in Rabat from May 28th to June 24th.

The 27 edition of the equestrian week has been scheduled to take place in Rabat from May 28 to June 24. The competition is organized under the auspices of HM King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan equestrian sports federation (FRMSE).

The programme includes the Hassan II trophy of traditional equestrian arts to take place from May 28 to June 10

For more details visit: FRMSE

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