International equestrian federation holds general assembly in Morocco
Morocco, Culture, 4/27/2002

The International Equestrian Federation started the proceedings of its general assembly in Rabat Friday.

The opening session was marked by a message that King Mohammed VI sent to participants and that was read out by Chairwoman of the Moroccan Royal Federation of Equestrian Sports (FRMSE), Princess Lalla Amina, the sovereign's aunt.

King Mohammed VI pointed out in the message that from time immemorial, Moroccans have been interested in horses, and that horses held a special place in their social life and were their companions in their travels and journeys.

"Strongly present in our artistic and literary legacy, horses lend beauty and aestheticism to our religious and national feasts and to our family celebrations. Some of Morocco's Sultans have made of their horseback their preferred throne, giving thus the best illustration of the high place Moroccans have given to their horses," the sovereign said, adding that "this exceptional passion that Moroccans feel for horses has never weakened and today it is still evident in the social-economic role horses continue to play in the rural world as well as through their emergence in equestrian sports."

King Mohammed also underlined the special interest Morocco grants to horse-breeding and recalled that Morocco, in partnership with all concerned parties, mainly the association of horse breeders, adopted a national strategy. This strategy aims at developing horse reproduction, especially Moroccan thoroughbreds, and encouraging their use in traditional and modern cavalry, in races and in equestrian tourism, he said.

The sovereign hailed the leading role played by chairwoman of the Moroccan Royal Federation of Equestrian Sports, Princess Lalla Amina, who, thanks to her sustained and generous efforts to promote equestrian sports and make them accessible to all population categories, enabled Morocco to fulfil significant achievements in developing and promoting these sports.

He equally hailed the efforts made by the International Equestrian Federation under the chairmanship of Princess Pilar de Bourbon, to preserve the values and virtues of horse-riding, develop equestrian sports and ensure it the largest possible popularization.

"The Kingdom of Morocco, land of encounters and a melting pot of civilizations and cultures, is proud to host your general assembly which, I am confident, will not only consolidate contacts and cooperation among representatives of national equestrian sports federations, but also constitutes, in this sensitive international juncture, a symbol of rapprochement and understanding, to consolidate concord and peace among nations and peoples," King Mohammed VI said.


In her address at the opening session, Princess Lalla Amina expressed thanks to the International Equestrian Federation, for having "agreed to hold its general assembly, for the first time, on African soil, particularly in Morocco, bridge between the north and the south."

She also surveyed the actions conducted by the Moroccan Royal Federation of Equestrian Sports since it was created half a century ago, to promote equestrian sports in Morocco, in total compliance with the rules of the International Federation.

She recalled in this vein, that the Federation launched a training course for instructors and horse riders, that was integrated, in 1985, into the Royal School of Cavalry at Temara, and endeavored to promote the breeding of a race of sports horses that are adapted to Morocco's weather and that are boasting sports qualities, increasingly in demand nowadays.

The Federation has also been tirelessly endeavoring to promote Morocco's centuries-old national tradition by encouraging the traditional equestrian arts "Fantasias" and by training over 10,000 horses and as many horse-riders throughout the national territory from Tangiers to Lagouira, she said, recalling that out of concern to popularize equestrian sports among citizens, the Federation instituted twenty years ago an annual event known as "the Horse Week" that "stands as an annual equestrian apothem which honors horses and all traditional and modern equestrian sports."

During the opening session, The federation chairwoman, Infanta Dona Pilar De Bourbon of Spain, was elected for a second four-year term (2002-2006).

The assembly's proceedings will unfold at the level of public and closed meetings, meetings of groups and workshops.

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