Souss-Massa Shines at the El Jadida Horse Show and Wins National Awards

The Souss-Massa region made a remarkable showing at the 17th edition of the El Jadida Horse Show, combining cultural visibility, the promotion of its authentic equestrian heritage and commendable results in competition. This reflected the richness of the region’s local heritage and the deep attachment of the Soussi people to horses and traditional equestrian arts. The region’s participation was crowned by several awards, as well as fourth place in the Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for traditional equestrian arts (Tbourida), now in its ninth edition. This achievement testifies to the efforts of the participating riders and sorba, their skill, discipline and the harmony of their performance, as well as their commitment to the authentic traditions of this ancestral art.

The Souss-Massa regional stand: a window onto the ancestral bond between the Soussi people and the horse

As part of this participation, the Souss-Massa regional stand, located in the regional pavilion, attracted large numbers of visitors eager to discover the region’s equestrian heritage. The stand showcased the various equipment used by horses and riders, as well as their historical and symbolic significance, illustrating the ancestral bond that has united the Soussi people and horses across generations and their deep attachment to equestrian arts and Tbourida—an integral part of their cultural and heritage identity.

The stand also gave visitors the opportunity to discover aspects of the cultural and heritage identity of the Souss-Massa region and to highlight the richness and diversity of its equestrian heritage. This initiative aimed to preserve local memory and promote traditional practices passed down from generation to generation, thereby strengthening the presence of Soussi heritage in the national cultural landscape.

“Noujoum Al Janoub” stud farm: an achievement that enhances the region’s profile in thoroughbred horse breeding

In the field of thoroughbred horse breeding, the “Noujoum Al Janoub” stud farm, owned by Mr. Bachir Kouaabel of Taroudant, distinguished itself by winning the Breeders’ Cup, as well as second place in the Arabian-Barb Horse Breeders’ Cup and the Arabian-Barb Mares and Stallions Breeders’ Cup. It also won two silver medals and one bronze medal in the Barb mares category.

The competition unfolded in an atmosphere of excellence and intense rivalry. This success reflects the importance attached to breeding Barb horses and preserving their authentic qualities, while highlighting the contribution of stakeholders in the Souss-Massa region to promoting Morocco’s equine heritage and safeguarding the country’s horse breeds.

With this result, the “Noujoum Al Janoub” stud farm reaffirmed its national standing, following an impressive performance at the previous edition, where it won the 2025 Barb Mares Champions’ Cup during the 16th edition of the El Jadida Horse Show.

These distinctions mark an important milestone in the stud farm’s journey and demonstrate the presence of local expertise in horse breeding and care. They further strengthen the region’s position within the national equestrian landscape and highlight the role of breeders and professionals in preserving and developing this heritage.

In terms of competition, the fourth-place finish in the King Mohammed VI Grand Prix, along with the awards won, was a highlight of the Souss-Massa region’s participation in this 17th edition. These results reflect the competitive level of the sorba led by moqaddem Lhoussaine Akrad, representing the Souss-Massa region, and reaffirm the importance of continuing efforts to preserve and develop the know-how associated with the art of Tbourida, while respecting its authenticity and traditional rules.

Traditional equestrian art, with its precise collective displays, traditional attire and equipment specific to the horse and rider, is an essential component of Morocco’s cultural heritage. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen social ties and pass values and traditions from one generation to the next.

A participation combining heritage preservation with the promotion of Souss-Massa’s assets

This remarkable participation confirms the Souss-Massa region’s commitment to promoting its intangible cultural heritage and showcasing its assets through its presence at major national events celebrating Moroccan equestrian art and helping highlight the diversity of the Kingdom’s cultural influences.

Thus, the Souss-Massa region’s participation in the 17th edition of the El Jadida Horse Show combined a notable cultural presence, reflected in the large turnout at its stand, commendable competition results and the showcasing of local achievements in thoroughbred horse breeding. It demonstrated that equestrian art is not merely a traditional practice, but a living memory encapsulating the history of the bond between humans and horses, as well as a symbol of identity and authenticity that Soussi generations continue to preserve and pass on.