Hanane Boulhimez, the first Moroccan woman to serve as a referee in Moroccan Tbourida-Fantasia-, highlighted the shift from a traditionally male-only sport to an increasingly inclusive one, during the 7th Granf Prize of King Mohammed VI of Tbourida, which concluded on Saturday, Morocco’s News Agency (MAP) reported.
Tbourida is a display in which a precise formation of men or women on horseback gallop across a field and fire their rifles at the same time. It is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
Her journey to becoming a jury was shaped by two key factors, including a lifelong passion for horses and a profound dedication to safeguarding Tbourida’s cultural legacy.
Boulhimez founded her equestrian troupe, conducted research into the sport’s history, and underwent rigorous training, according to MAP.
“Before becoming a jury, I was a rider. I grew up loving horses and equestrianism, a passion I inherited from my family,” Boulhimez stated.
After six years of intensive training, Boulhimez gained her position as an official member of the Bourida jury, supported by key figures in Morocco’s equestrian community.
She told MAP that the women riders had left a “good impression”, and their passion for this noble traditional art provided them with everything necessary to become good referees.
She encouraged women riders to pursue this profession, noting that the Tbourida is growing and occupies an important place in the national sports system, particularly since the kingdom hosts major national and international events.
With more women like Boulhimez leading the way, the future of Tbourida promises to become more inclusive while continuing to honor Morocco’s cultural and equestrian heritage.