Morocco's traditional equestrian art receives major preservation boost

Four key Moroccan institutions have joined forces to safeguard Tbourida, the country's UNESCO-recognized equestrian heritage, through a groundbreaking partnership agreement signed in Rabat. The collaboration aims to protect and develop this ancestral Arab-Amazigh art form, which earned UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status in 2021.

The agreement unites the State Secretariat for Crafts and Social Economy, the Royal Society for Horse Encouragement (SOREC), the Craftsman's House, and the National Association of Traditional Equestrian Arts – Tbourida. Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari attended the signing ceremony.

State Secretary Lahcen Essaadi emphasized that the initiative will particularly benefit artisans who create essential Tbourida equipment, including those specializing in embroidery, sewing, ironwork, and leatherwork. The partnership focuses on preserving artisanal heritage, enhancing craftsmen's skills, improving product quality and safety standards, and expanding marketing opportunities.

SOREC Director General Omar Skalli announced the launch of specialized training programs and incentive grants designed to help artisans develop their expertise while maintaining artistic authenticity. The agreement introduces two distinction awards: a National Prize at the El Jadida Horse Show for exceptional Tbourida-related artisanal products, and a Regional Prize recognizing the best "sarbates" (teams of riders) based on their traditional equipment quality.

Tbourida performances traditionally feature groups of 15 to 25 riders and horses arranged side by side under a central commander's leadership. The display includes two main components: the "hadda," a greeting parade with acrobatic weapon handling, and the "talqa," a simulated collective war departure featuring blank gunfire. Riders don period costumes with turbans, draped clothing, and traditional babouches, while horses wear traditionally sewn and decorated equipment.

The initiative is part of the State Secretariat's 2025 action plan, which emphasizes artisanal product development and marketing, human capital strengthening, and promotion of traditional equestrian arts events. National Association of Traditional Equestrian Arts President Yassine Oukacha highlighted that the partnership will facilitate skill transmission and sector development while establishing new quality labels to support both artisans and riders.