Abdelkebir Ouaddar: Morocco’s Standard-Bearer in Show Jumping

Abdelkebir Ouaddar is one of the defining figures of Moroccan equestrian sport. Born in Aït Ourir, near Marrakech, in 1962, the two-time Olympian and Morocco’s flag bearer at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games has been a pioneer of elite show jumping and has played a leading role in raising Morocco’s profile on the international equestrian stage.

Behind the accomplished competitor is a man of remarkable humility. His generosity and commitment to passing on his knowledge have earned him the respect of fellow riders and the affection of the public, both in Morocco and on the international circuit. After more than fifty years in the saddle, and with his sights already set on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, he continues to inspire generations of riders through his achievements, his values and his enduring passion for horses.

When did horses first become part of your life?

I learned to ride from a very young age, thanks to the late HRH Princess Lalla Fatima Zohra and the late HRH Princess Lalla Amina. I have now spent almost fifty years in the saddle. From the moment I discovered these remarkable animals and the sport itself, I was completely captivated. Today, it is far more than a profession – it is a true vocation.

I am deeply grateful to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, whose vision and enduring commitment to horses and equestrian sport have transformed the development of the sector in Morocco. It is thanks to His support that I have been able to build the career I have today, and that an entire equestrian community continues to flourish.I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Charif Moulay Abdallah Alaoui, President of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Equestrian Sports (FRMSE), whose tireless work continues to drive the development of equestrian sport in our country.

What has the horse taught you?

It has taught me humility, patience and respect. With a horse, nothing can be forced; everything is built on hard work, discipline and trust. Those are values that guide me, both in sport and in life.

How would you describe the Morocco Royal Tour to an international rider?

I’d tell them to expect world-class competition, organised to the highest international standards, but above all to experience the warmth of Moroccan hospitality.

Prize-giving ceremony for the 2026 Moroccan Senior Championship. Charif Moulay Abdallah Alaoui; Abdelkebir Ouaddar, gold medallist; Mohammed Azoum, silver medallist; El Ghali Boukaa, bronze medallist. All Rights Reserved FRMSE.

What do you gain from competing against the world’s best?

Competing against the very best is essential if you want to improve. It pushes us to raise our own standards and gives Moroccan riders the opportunity to test themselves against the world’s finest while proudly representing Morocco on the international stage.

What are you most proud of today?

Morocco is now home to two of the world’s leading international show jumping competitions: the Morocco Royal Tour and the Longines Global Champions Tour of Rabat. Both competitions have helped raise our country’s profile, while our riders continue to perform at an increasingly high level on the international stage. What makes me proudest of all is seeing the Moroccan flag carried with ambition and respect around the world.

What message would you like to share with young riders?

I’d tell them to believe in themselves, work hard and never give up. Success doesn’t come overnight; it is built through perseverance, dedication and hard work.

Why should a young person join a riding club?

Because the bond you build with a horse is unlike any other. Once you’ve experienced it, you never look at the sport in quite the same way again. It’s something that stays with you for life.

October 2026