Interview with Dr. Vet El Habib Marzak Show Commissioner.
Since its inception in 2008, the ‘Salon of El Jadida’ has been fulfilling its task of contributing to the development of the horse industry in Morocco, the Kingdom is rich in its diversity, in its cultural heritage and in the strong links that unite all Moroccans with the horse, the Salon is also an event that aims to highlight the position of Morocco in Africa as well as the relationships and forms of cooperation that the country maintains with a large number of countries around the world in the horse industry. All contacts and communications with governmental institutions, the private sector, the civil society and with similar fairs abroad for the development of the equine sector in Morocco. The Association of the Salon du Cheval also works to revive the horse’s promotional activities in order to support the socio-economic development of the rural world by helping to raise awareness of the country’s equestrian traditions. The theme chosen for the 2018 Salon d’El Jadida was ‘Equestrian Sports in Morocco’.
MOROCCO 2018
11th Salon du Cheval - El Jadida 15th to 21th October 2018
The beautiful ‘Parc des Expositions d’Azemmour’ is now the much- awaited annual meeting place for an entire Moroccan population which, by all means of transport, comes here from all the provinces of the Kingdom eager to attend events and competitions that it keeps in its heart, in the name of truth, this show derives its full meaning by the Championship of Tbourida, an equestrian art which is the essence of the country with the participation of the most prestigious Sorbas, a cultural heritage that is protected and defended with force. It began with the highly prestigious Morocco Royal Tour initiated by Feue HRH. Princess Lalla Amina, an event that has become an almost unparalleled sporting reference of equestrian sports worldwide, the general program of the Salon is quite diverse, each year there are held symposia of high scientific and cultural level but, alas, exclusively in Arabic, this is a very questionable choice given that some support comes from abroad, and the second official language of the country is still French. An admiring mention shall be made of how the children have been generously welcomed in the Children’s Court Space by Majid Jaidi with an extraordinary presence of animators from the ‘Equimatic Academy’ that has offered a wide range of leisure activities, this year there have been registered more than 40.000 children, a formidable action towards the youth from which we should always learn. 7th Moroccan Cup of Purebred Arabian Horse Breeders Its origins are firmly rooted in a generous intention of highlighting the work performed by Moroccan breeders, but this is done in a spirit of full confidentiality which prevents competitors from getting the necessary support of an interested public audience, of some human reward for the work made throughout the year.According to the General Regulations and Conditions any breeder must have Moroccan nationality being himself the breeder of the entered hors, the competition is open to any foreigner who has settled in the country for more than two months before the closing date. With a view to encourage the locals, the Organizers offered a financial endowment for each preliminary class totaling about 25,000 euros, plus some complementary awards for the best handlers, including Anas Ait Faraji who delivered a great win. In accordance with the breeding principles of livestock development by means of events such as this Breeders’ Cup - and in a beautiful country where everyone is at the same level in the eyes of men - it would be good to apply absolute justice so that only Moroccan handlers would be allowed to present horses both at the National Championship and at this competition. The participation of foreign internationally known professionals, who are invited to present horses at great expense, it is humanly discouraging for the locals, as they do not enjoy the same equality of treatment, they do not have the same opportunities to compete for the coveted titles, these are all consequences related to the show Technical Director’s behavior, he should demonstrate more loyalty to his fellow citizens. The Disciplinary Commission in place should avoid any kind of slackness, and even more so, it should apply and abide by page 32 referring to ‘Horses well-being’ as specified in paragraph ‘Stress’ & Administration of Chemical Irritants / Ginger. Unfortunately, El Jadida is a finding about this lack of will. Thirty-one Moroccan breeders made almost seventy- nine horses compete in the ten preliminary classes, as regards the evolution of the competition the judges did not work miracles on the field.
YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold - Kounouz Bouznika, bay by Lammah Athbah & Gazala HBV – Haras Royal de Bouznika
Silver - Najmat Inès, grey by Yazid Chah Name & Amirat Inès – Haras Inès
Bronze - Jameelah Mams, bay by Picasso EA & Malawi – Mamoun Arabians
JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold - Jinane Bouznika, bay by Lammah Athbah & Gazala HBV – Haras Royal Bouznika
Silver - Soultana De Dream, grey by Kanz Al Bidayer & MZ Oa Sham Sabbah – Md Mgharfaoui
Bronze - Jannat Inés, chestnut by Yazid Chah Name & Mayya Inès – Haras Inés
SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold - Firdaouis Lazri, chestnut by Imperial Bisaam & Nassira Gam – Youssef Azri
Silver - Chloe Inés, grey by Khidar & Dona Kristina J – Haras Inès
Bronze - Amirate Inés, grey by Amalfi de Nautiac & Faiza – Haras Inés
YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold - Mashehour De Dream, bay by Eks Alihandro & Sham Sabbah – Md Mgharfaoui
Silver - Kifah Bouznika, chestnut by TSolo & Bouchra Bouznika – Haras Royal Bouznika
Bronze - Kadem Bouznika, bay by Lammah Athbah & Diyae Bouznika – Haras Royal Bouznika
JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold - Walil Inés, grey by Bs Specific & Jenufa De Nautiac – Haras Inés
Silver - Gharrar Bouznika, chestnut by Ts Apolo & Thee Black Pearl – Haras Royal Bouznika
Bronze - Ghali Bouznika, grey roan by Ts Apolo & Ee Auras Echo – Haras Royal Bouznika.
International-A Arabian Horse Show 2018
This event has become a classical one in the diaspora of competitions labeled by the European Organization that keeps dictating decisions that are no longer viable to approach either professionals in the industry or amateurs of beautiful horses. With both its culture and its equestrian traditions, one could legitimately wonder if one day Morocco could ever have its own autonomy to realize an ambitious program for purebred Arabian horses, one that could regroup all the African states and the Asian continent under the lead of new young executives, by way of creative meanings, they could set up a major event not bound by instructions from outside bodies. In 2018, it has been registered a massive participation of Moroccan owners who have gathered nearly one hundred and eleven horses, with the presence of Qatar, France, Spain and Switzerland, in addition, we have had the breeders and owners who once again have benefited from an allowance of 2,500 Euros, which is not nothing in the current context, the network of European competitions is in a state of decline and open crisis. This raises a question of legitimacy and acceptability of particular leaders who instead seem to appreciate well the smell of ink oil on dollars. But this is something different… Installed in a beautiful setting the Salon of El Jadida is at a critical point as regards the choice of judges who are more and more covered by strong criticisms, given that there is no substantial renewal, some of them feel comfortable with the current ‘wheeling and dealing’ that is leading European competitions into chaos, with no concern for the breed at all. Emotion remain strong when we hear the children in the stands sing at the top of their lungs the anthem of their country each time a native- born winner is being honored, some kind of happiness that is good for our heart, thank you! In order to support Moroccan breeders, it is needed a refocusing of actions towards Arabian horses, they are provided with neither a B nor a C International level competition that could complete the program of the four Regionals which are very interesting in summer, but, not sufficient, development that started ten years ago is now totally hindered by decision makers. They seem to be unaware of the importance of positioning the country on an international stage, possibly, through a pyramid scheme of these two complementary international competitions, by setting a C -International in El Jadida, then a B- International in Meknes, this scale of qualifications would allow Moroccan breeders/owners to access an A-International. The latter, after the various classifications, would give them the opportunity to participate in any European event or in any other event. This need is strongly felt. Moroccan society in now changing and it communicates differently. Breeders are evolving too and have different urges for their survival other than a dishonorable deficiency that will never ensure the maintenance of their activity in the short term.
Winners 2018
YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold - Ghalliba Al Shaqab, 2017 by Hadidy Al Shaqab & Sharifa Al Shaqab - Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar
Silver - Kharma GCA, 2017 by Wadee AlShaqab & Viktoria – Md El Atouani - Morocco
Bronze - Kounouz Bouznika, 2017 by Lammah Bouznika & Gazala HVB - Haras Royal Bouznika, Morocco
JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold - Um Graiba Al Shaqab, 2015 by Hariry Al Shaqab & Amina Al Shaqab – Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar
Silver - Tania Al Raix, 2016 by RFI Farid & Talilah Al Raix – J-M Franceries - France
Bronze - Alsba Al Shaqab, 2016 by Fadi Al Shaqab & Shalimar Prestige – Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar
SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold - Aaida Al Shaqab, 2014 by Fadi Al Shaqab & Aabir Al Shaqab – Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar
Silver - Gazala HBV, 2009 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Tiaraa Rose – Haras Royal Bouznika, Morocco
Bronze - Jenufa De Nautiac, 2012 by Shanghai EA & Jalicia De Nautiac – Haras Inés, Morocco
YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold - BO As Prince Shakar, 2017 by Shakar Pegasus & HD Prestige – Bolero Arabians, Switzerland
Silver - Kadem Bouznika, 2017 by Lammah Bouznika & Diyae Bouznika – Haras Royal Bouznika, Morocco
Bronze - Diligo Des Aubus, 2017 by Mystic Immage & Rafalia Des Aubues – L.Kattel, France
JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold The Prince EA, 2015 by Excalibur EA & Lamira – Md El Atouani, Morocco
Silver Hagras Al Shaqab, 2016 by Fadi Al Shaqab & Wind Kamelia – Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar
Bronze Walil Inés, 2016 by Bs Specific & Jenufa de Nautiac – Haras Inés, Morocco
SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP
Gold - Marsal Al Shaqab, 2011 by Marwan Al Shaqab & Miss El Power JQ Haras Royal Bouznika, Morocco
Silver - Priam De Djoon, 2010 by Abha Qatar & Psyphonie – Cailleux / Dazy, France
Bronze - Absolut De Djoon, 2011 by QR Marc & Almeria De Joseph – Haras Inès, Morocco
Conclusion
In 2018, the Salon du Cheval of El Jadida kept the same program, so basically it brought in nothing new, it came to an end with moderately successful attendance rates, the theme of the year was widely respected; lights were installed by Maurice Galle and got the most applause, though some development of commercial or industrial activities is certainly taking place over there, the Exhibition Park is still missing a building; outdoor stands have undergone a quality facelift with good presence of horses and riders equipment’s dealers. However, the Salon could still do better than that. We congratulate the logistics team that has done well with Jamal Chakir, Mounir Ahssane, El Arabi Agountaf who are men endowed with multiple capabilities, supported by courageous, helpful, and smiling soldiers from Garde Royale, they managed to ensure what the strengths of the Salon really are: the Morocco Royal Tour and the spectacular Tbourida. It was with the deepest regret that we could see the International Competition of the Barb Horse be transferred to the small quarry site, in spite of that, this breed remains highly symbolic of the country, even more than it is the Arabian horse. The good point about the Salon 2018 was a good press service providing PR / Media performance for daily news, yet, there were no photographic proof sheets available, they would have been useful to embellish the articles to be published by each accredited journalist, this service proved to be very useful in 2017.
Portrait of a Handler
Anas Ait Faraji
In most recent years, international issues relating to the equine breeding sector suggest that the Kingdom of Morocco wishes it could be at the heart of all matters concerning the purebred Arabian horse. It all began with the implementation of a project for the modernization of its former regional depots, this was followed by a social program with the proposal of different training and horse-shoeing activities along with a jockey-training school to be installed in a regional stud, by promoting all equestrian shows disciplines, it represented a good reference point for dynamic people in the broad sense of the term. In order to occupy – first at international and then at global levels - an important place in the racing industry, the study focused on a technical program with endowments that could be attractive to local breeders but that were also open to international owners. This vision was accompanied by a selection of Arabian reproducers that carried fashionable bloodlines, all this occurred over a relatively short period of time; but one long enough to have been productive for the country till these days. The breeding base was fortified by trade relations, in particular, by those that had been established by a precursor like Ahmid Abdelhamid, a man who had the concern to represent his country on all Arabian horse show-grounds, this was matched also by actions he took together with the Agence Française du Cheval Arabe, i.e. the main actor of the Paris competition. His personal relationships too proved to be beneficial in their entirety, in line with this action, the determination and modern vision of Lahcen Fdail, whose strong experience was widely acknowledged, had been able to place a breeding competition among the regional ones, with an aim to bring local breeders into high-profile events and to create a first International B-Competition, i.e. the dream of many Moroccans who lived there at the time. The current situation of the purebred Arabian horse in Morocco is multifaceted,the reason for this lies in the fact that the ease of trading with foreign breeders during the B-Competition at the Salon du Cheval has inspired a great desire to participate - both in the country and in Europe – in events showcasing the breeding production of any installed Moroccan breeder. For a long time in Morocco, the world of the purebred Arabian horse had been kept separated from the business side of it, in principle, breeding competitions were mainly conceived as a zoo-technical tool to serve the general interest. And for a long time, this had also been the main concern of the General Secretary of the Armecpsa. Today what is at stake at international competitions has changed a lot as a result of an ever-increasing globalized world characterized by an unbounded greed on the parts of irresponsible professionals, this has led to a significant downturn in the sector and to the rise of unskilled personnel and young handlers who think their future has just blossomed out of there. In Morocco, local competitions - whether regional, national, specific or about particular breeds, - have however had the same people that have been on the circuit simply for too long, although the average age of the country’s population is quite young, only few new people break through the field and get access to victories. At previous competitions in Bouznika and at the Salon du Cheval of El Jadida more recently, a good way to show a purebred Arabian horse has been taught by Bernat Tolra to a young local whose appearance on the circuit has emerged as a handler, he seems to be gifted with particular discretion and efficiency that will deserve our attention in the following interview. Here is the presentation of Anas Ait Faraji a new Moroccan handler who appears to have beautiful dispositions that can certainly make of him a great professional inside of a sector that is crammed with elders who try hard to hang on, he is a young passionate of about 23 years of age, he has been attracted to horses only for seven years since he gives priority to his studies for which he gets a three years Bachelor degree. This is something quite rare among of all the handlers currently on the market,it is on the breeding farm belonging to a member of his family that Anas Ait Faraji has gradually learned the basics of a specific training for horses, the Arabian horse is able to dazzle him with his beauty, his independent spirit and lonely character. All qualities that he too has. While attending various morphology competitions, he has also been working with horses belonging to his family, his first ‘Coup de Coeur’ is caused by Zahrane Albidayer, however, he is not interested in fashionable bloodlines, now, he knows how to assess the strengths of this particular breed and its natural movements. Just like many others who are involved in this sector that appears to be so appealing to everyone, Anas Ait Faraji wishes he could one day build his own breeding farm, his wisdom must be welcomed as a consequence of his successes, but he does not put on airs, it is a rare knowledge that he has been able to acquire on showgrounds abroad, in Europe or elsewhere. As regards the organization of modern competitions and the principles of judging criteria, he joins in the chorus of those who believe that the old system was more reliable than the current one, the latter further complicates matters with the multiplication of the scores, he wishes that a greater number of competitions could be held in Morocco, and El Jadida still remains his main reference point. When referring to judges’ notes, he is not the only one to have noticed that at all Arabian horses’ events, handlers from abroad are always better valued than Moroccan ones, he suggests that there more rules should be set for all the judges – whether they are rightly or wrongly accused of compromise and corruption, the power of money can mask the vices of the rich and people’s minds, as a result, we have contenders who do not enjoy same equal opportunities when entering a competition. Despite Anas Ait Faraji’s point of view is quite straightforward on the subject, his goal remains intact, I find it very admirable of a young person who at this age is kind of level-headed and grounded, there is a pride in that, he is determined to defend his place from certain actors of the moment who occupy center stage and seek to dominate the sector, It will be useful to remember that ‘In life we rise according to what we give’. A huge thank you for this high quality interview.