The qualifiers will be played over four days with the participation of eighteen Tbourida” Moroccan Championship of traditional equestrian arts, from May 27 to June 2 in Rabat”>Sorbas Seniors (aged 17 and over) and six Sorbas Juniors (aged 12 to 16). The final phases are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday to determine the Sorba who will win the title of this edition.
The 18 qualified sorbas among seniors represent the regions of Marrakech-Safi (Safi-Youssoufia), Béni Mellal-Khénifra (Béni Mellal), Dakhla-Oued Eddahab (Oued Eddahab), Guelmim-Oued Noun (Guelmim), Daraa-Tafilalet ( Ouerzazate), Rabat-Salé-Kénitra (Skhirat-Témara-Salé 2), Oriental (Taourirt-Oujda Angad 2-Guercif) and Casablanca-Settat (Settat 2-El Jadida-Nouaceur-Casablanca).
These sorbas qualified for this prestigious event following regional and interregional competitions, organized last February and early May in the different cities of the Kingdom, in partnership with the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Horses (SOREC).
Traditional equestrian competitions begin with a passage of the “Sorba” led by the “Moqqadem” to greet the public, before returning to the starting line to embark on a beautiful race during which the riders show their talents, in the aim to master their mount and their rifle.
At the signal given by the “Moqaddem”, generally the oldest of the “Sorba”, the riders must press the trigger of their rifles, because the success of the “Tbourida” depends on the simultaneity of the shots.
The “Sorbas” are rated according to criteria set by the judges of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Equestrian Sports, and which take into account the unity of the riders’ movements, the rhythm of the gallop, the movement of the rifles, the timing of the shot, the traditional outfit and the saddle.
Riders are also graded on the degree of coordination and communication, control of the horse, and the general appearance of the rider and their horse.
The riders wear the traditional outfit consisting of the “Jellaba”, the “Salham”, the “turban”, and high shoes and carry the dagger and the rifle decorated with decorations and engravings.
The saddle, made by artisans, is decorated with designs and embroidery reflecting authentic Moroccan heritage, highlights the beauty of the horse and its rider and shows their social position within their tribe.
The 22nd edition of this trophy was won, among seniors, by Sorba du Moqaddem Harit El Yousfi (Casablanca-Settat region).
The recognition of Tbourida on the UNESCO intangible heritage list in 2021 reinforces the symbolic dimension of this centuries-old equestrian practice.