Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Shines at the 15th Edition of Salon du Cheval in El Jadida. Under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid officially opened the 15th edition of the Salon du Cheval on a grand note at the Mohammed VI Exhibition Centre in El Jadida, Morocco.
This prestigious equestrian event, held annually, continues to draw attention from all over the world, celebrating equestrian heritage and innovation.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Shines at the 15th Edition of Salon du Cheval in El Jadida
The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) has made a prominent mark this year, joining a large delegation of 40 Arab and European countries participating in the Salon. The QREC’s involvement this year carries even more significance as it comes under the framework of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, a program aimed at strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations.
Qatar’s equestrian prowess has been internationally recognized, and the QREC pavilion at the event has become one of the standout features. The QREC booth was honored with a visit from H R H Prince Moulay Rachid during the official opening ceremony, which was attended by heads of delegations from the participating nations. During this visit, QREC Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al Al Mohannadi presented the QREC Shield to Prince Moulay Rachid, a gesture symbolizing the strong ties between the two countries.
The booth not only highlights Qatar’s achievements in the field of equestrian sports but also serves as a promotional platform for key equestrian events, such as Arabian horse shows and race meetings at Qatar’s Al Rayyan and Al Uqda racecourses. These events are critical to promoting Arabian racing and the overall growth of equestrian sports in Qatar and beyond.
Prominent International Equestrian Events
Qatar’s influence on the international equestrian stage continues to grow, as highlighted by its sponsorship of major events like the Qatar Goodwood Festival in the UK and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France. The latter event, which coincided with the Salon du Cheval this year, underscores Qatar’s commitment to showcasing its equestrian excellence on the global stage. The participation in both events, coordinated meticulously by the QREC management, demonstrates Qatar’s comprehensive approach to representing its equestrian achievements.
Showcasing Qatar’s Equestrian Development and Heritage
Through its pavilion at the Salon, QREC has showcased the remarkable development of Qatar’s equestrian sport, particularly in the discipline of Arabian horse racing and horse shows. Visitors to the booth have had the opportunity to learn about the strides Qatar has made in both domestic and international racing circuits, bolstered by their Arabian horse heritage.
Qatar’s reputation in the Arabian horse show arena is well-deserved, with the nation regularly winning some of the world’s most prestigious titles. Qatar’s leadership in organizing world-class Arabian horse shows has been well-established over the years, a fact that is regularly celebrated at the Salon. The booth also highlights Qatar’s excellence in this area, emphasizing its role in elevating the profile of Arabian horses on a global level.
The Salon du Cheval: A Celebration of Equestrian Heritage
The Salon du Cheval, which continues until October 6, is more than just an equestrian event; it is a week-long celebration of Morocco’s rich equestrian heritage. The event includes a wide range of activities and championships, all centered around showcasing the beauty, power, and cultural significance of the horse.
This year’s theme, “Horse Farming in Morocco: Innovation and Challenge,” reflects Morocco’s focus on advancing horse breeding while maintaining deep-rooted traditions. The Salon features various exhibitions displaying equestrian art, manuscripts, and paintings, in addition to cultural and scientific lectures led by senior equestrian experts.
One of the most popular highlights of the Salon is Tbourida, a traditional equestrian display that remains a symbol of Morocco’s equestrian heritage. This thrilling show involves horsemen in traditional attire performing synchronized rifle shooting, symbolizing the bond between rider and horse. Visitors to the Salon also have the chance to explore other aspects of the equestrian industry, including modern and traditional saddle making, farriery, and rifle making.
The event also features an Arabian Horse Show and a show jumping competition, both of which attract participants and audiences from across the globe. These competitions highlight not just the beauty and agility of the horses but also the exceptional training and discipline that goes into the sport.
Conclusion
The 15th edition of the Salon du Cheval stands as a testament to Morocco’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its equestrian heritage while embracing innovation. Qatar’s participation in the event underscores its growing influence in the world of equestrian sports, particularly in Arabian racing and horse shows. Through its presence at the Salon, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club continues to strengthen cultural and sporting ties between Qatar and Morocco, ensuring that the two nations’ shared love for equestrianism continues to thrive on the global stage.
As the Salon continues to evolve, it remains a beacon of equestrian culture, attracting horse enthusiasts, experts, and international visitors alike, all eager to celebrate the art, science, and tradition of horse farming and equestrian sports.