Morocco's Equestrian Rally Begins in Chefchaouen
On May 1, 2026, the Royal Moroccan Equestrian Promotion Company launched the fifth edition of the Morocco Equestrian Rally in the heart of the Bouhachem Natural Park located in Chefchaouen. This event, organized in collaboration with the National Agency for Water and Forests, was inaugurated by Mr. Zakaria Hashlaf, the governor of the Chefchaouen province, marking a strategic shift towards leveraging the potential of northern regions and showcasing their natural and economic capacities. By selecting this region for the first time, following previous editions held in Ifrane and Ait Bouguemez, the Royal Moroccan Equestrian Promotion Company reiterates its commitment to structuring a sustainable offering in the equestrian tourism sector. The initiative aims to position horses as a practical tool for revitalizing rural economies and enhancing the role of these territories within the national equestrian chain.
Promoting Sustainable Development Through Equestrian Sports
The competition, which spans three days, features technical routes that combine forest paths and mountain trails, serving as a practical platform to highlight national expertise in environmental tourism. The course has been meticulously prepared in accordance with precise standards and in coordination with local authorities and the National Agency for Water and Forests. This collaboration aims to establish sustainable circuits that benefit local communities while promoting the unique horse breeds that the kingdom boasts, particularly the Barb and the Barb-Arab horses.
By emphasizing an immersive experience within local communities while respecting natural spaces and maintaining their ecological balance, the Morocco Equestrian Rally aligns with an integrated development approach that positions sport as a bridge between heritage, tourism, and local economy. This event adds significant value to breeders and tourism stakeholders in the region by opening new avenues for activities related to horses, nature, and discovering the unique characteristics of rural areas.
In this context, Hicham Dabbagh, the assistant director of the Royal Moroccan Equestrian Promotion Company, emphasized that the primary ambition is to transform horses into a genuine economic catalyst for rural areas. This will be achieved through the establishment of a favorable system for developing horse breeding and encouraging the sustainable use of national equestrian resources. This vision is further supported by the expertise of the National Agency for Water and Forests. Kouther Aouane, director of the Bouhachem Natural Park, stated that this initiative exemplifies a tangible model of active and responsible environmental tourism that respects the natural balances of the region while consciously and sustainably utilizing its resources.
By prioritizing orientation over speed, the Morocco Equestrian Rally offers a distinct experience that places human beings and the territory at the heart of the competition. This event transcends its sporting aspect, establishing itself as a structured project for the national equestrian chain, thereby enhancing the cultural identity of the kingdom, supporting the economic dynamics of rural areas, and opening new avenues for development through horses and sustainable tourism.
As reported by alaan.ma.
