The 15th El Jadida Horse Show, “Salon du Cheval,” kicked off this week, offering activities tailored to children and youth giving them a first-hand introduction to the world of horses and Morocco’s longstanding equestrian tradition.
The event celebrates Morocco’s equine heritage and promotes youngsters’ interest in horses through a series of interactive workshops and games, according to the event’s official website.
Children’s activities are divided into four categories. In the Fun Workshops category, children can play and learn through games such as “creating a flipbook animation on the theme of horses, making a legendary horse or hobby horse, making pop-up books as well as equestrian puzzles.”
The Gaming Area offers the latest in gaming technology, including PS5, Nintendo, and PC Gamer consoles, to engage and entertain young gamers. Classic arcade machines with retro games are also available for those seeking a nostalgic experience.
The Educational Area is designed to educate children on horse-related themes, including horse breeding, equestrian disciplines, and horse anatomy. It also offers a collective painting activity on the Fantasia –“Tbourida” — tradition in Morocco, in which a precision formation of men on horseback gallop across a field and fire their rifles at the same moment.
The Pony Riding Areas facilitate hands-on experiences where children are introduced to horseback riding pony care and carriage tours.
Several schools have already taken students to visit shows to learn about horses and equestrian careers in an engaging and instructive setting, Morocco’s News Agency (MAP) reported on Wednesday.
Issam Achmaoui, Director of a private school, told MAP that his school students had participated in a variety of workshops and activities at the exhibition.
“Students enjoyed multiple activities across different spaces and stands, including reading and drawing, puzzles, horse performances, songs, dances, acrobatic play areas, carriage rides, and pony rides,” he said.
Running until Sunday, the “Salon du Cheval” — held under the banner “Horse Farming in Morocco: Innovation and Challenge” – is also a valuable platform for knowledge exchange among stakeholders in the equine industry.