The Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida: A Shared Moroccan Passion

Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida has, over the years, become the flagship event of Morocco’s equestrian sector. A trusted working companion, a sporting partner, a guardian of tradition and a link between generations, the horse has been woven into the fabric of Moroccan history for centuries. Under the theme “The Horse in the Service of Humanity”, this year’s 17th edition celebrates the richness of this enduring relationship.

From 13th to 18th October 2026, the Mohammed VI Exhibition Park invites visitors on a journey through the Kingdom’s equestrian heritage, exploring its regions, traditional craftsmanship, renowned horse breeds, military traditions and contemporary equestrian practices. A vibrant and immersive experience awaits both passionate enthusiasts and first-time visitors.

Tbourida: Pure Emotion

The perfectly synchronised crack of gunfire is enough to reveal the enduring power of this centuries-old tradition. At El Jadida, tbourida, Morocco’s traditional equestrian art, remains one of the highlights of the Salon. The Kingdom’s finest sorbas (traditional cavalry teams) come together to compete for the Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for Tbourida, a competition that celebrates horsemanship, precision and the cohesion of the group.

In a cloud of dust, riders surge forward at full gallop before firing their traditional muskets in perfect unison. The power of the horses, the splendour of the traditional attire and the gleam of the saddles combine to create a breathtaking spectacle. More than a demonstration, tbourida is a living tradition, passed down from generation to generation.

Charif Moulay Abdallah Alaoui presents the Grand Prix of His Majesty The King Mohammed VI of Tbourida.

From Iconic Breeds to Prestigious Competitions

The Salon also offers the opportunity to discover the horses that embody the richness of Morocco’s breeding heritage. Strong and resilient, the Barb has been at the heart of Moroccan horsemanship and tbourida traditions for centuries. The Arab-Barb combines the Barb’s endurance with the refinement of the Arabian horse, while the Purebred Arabian is admired for its elegance and flowing movement.

Conformation and gait competitions showcase the excellence of Morocco’s breeding programmes, while the show jumping events offer an altogether different kind of spectacle. In 2026, the Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI is elevated to five-star international status, the highest level of international competition and a qualifier for the FEI World Cup in show jumping.

The Armed Forces: A Journey Through History

The pavilions of the Royal Guard, the Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie and the Kingdom’s other official services trace the history of Moroccan cavalry through ceremonial uniforms, ornate saddles, equipment, archives and live demonstrations. Together, they illustrate the enduring role of the horse in ceremonial duties, official ceremonies and military training. A fascinating visit, even for those new to the equestrian world.

A Journey Through Morocco’s Regions and Craft Traditions

The Salon des Régions ( Regions Pavilion )offers a different way to discover Morocco. Each region showcases its equestrian traditions, traditional attire, craftsmanship, rural trades and local produce. Throughout the exhibition, the horse becomes the thread that weaves together a rich cultural journey across the Kingdom.

Around it has grown an entire world of craftsmanship and tradition. From intricately carved saddles and beautifully embroidered harnesses to traditional muskets and elegant hand-crafted bzioui garments (made from a fine, precious traditional fabric), every piece reflects exceptional craftsmanship passed down from one generation to the next.

Celebrating the Art of the Horse

At the Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida, the horse is also a muse. An endless source of inspiration, it is celebrated through exhibitions of paintings, engravings and photography. This celebration of artistic creativity continues with the prestigious Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Photography Prize, an international equestrian photography competition open to young photographers, as well as a poetry competition celebrating the horse’s place in Arab memory and culture.

As evening falls, Equestrian Nights take centre stage. Since the Salon’s very first edition, they have brought together riders, horses and performing companies from Morocco and beyond in spectacular performances that play to sold-out audiences year after year.

A Family Experience

The Salon also gives pride of place to its youngest visitors. Through educational workshops, live demonstrations, interactive activities and discovery areas, children can learn to recognise different horse breeds, discover the many professions associated with the equestrian world, and embrace the values of respect, patience and responsibility.

From the arenas and pavilions to the bustling walkways, the Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida brings past and present together. Visitors come to admire the horses, but stay for the stories they tell. Blending culture, sport and family entertainment, it offers a unique opportunity to discover Morocco through one of its most faithful companions.

September 2026