The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) is gearing up to participate in the upcoming Salon du Cheval in Morocco, which will be held from September 30 to October 6. The 15th edition of the Salon will be under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. QREC’s participation in the Salon this year comes as an invitation from the Moroccan side, which QREC gladly accepted. The participation is part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. QREC was the Platinum Sponsor of the Salon for the first time in 2018, highlighting the strong strategic relations between Qatar and Morocco.
The city of El Jadida has been hosting the Salon du Cheval since 2008, making it one of the prominent events in Morocco. QREC’s presence at the Salon through its pavilion at the International Village in El Jadida is essential for promoting Qatar’s equestrian sport. The pavilion will showcase QREC’s events, including purebred Arabian horse shows, horse races at the Al Rayyan and Al Uqdah racecourses, and major international racing events sponsored by QREC such as the Qatar Goodwood Festival in the UK and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France. Despite the timing clash with the Salon du Cheval, QREC will be actively participating in both events.
QREC’s pavilion at the Salon du Cheval attracts a large number of guests and visitors every year, providing them with insights into Qatar’s commitment to Arabian horses and its role in developing Arabian horse breeds globally. Guests can also learn about the horse racing programme each season and the significant victories of Qatari-owned horses at renowned racecourses around the world. The Salon du Cheval features various events, including the Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of jumping, the International Arabian Horse show, and the Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Tbourida, which garners significant public interest.
This year’s edition of the Salon du Cheval will focus on the theme “Horse Farming in Morocco: Innovation and Challenge.” The event will showcase various professions related to horses such as saddle making, farriery, “Tbourida” riflemaking, and veterinary medicine laboratories. The Salon will celebrate the equestrian heritage in its cultural, historical, and scientific dimensions through the display of paintings, artworks, manuscripts, as well as cultural and scientific lectures. In last year’s edition, which QREC participated in, 40 countries were represented by 100 exhibitors, drawing 160,000 local and international visitors over seven days, with 700 riders and 1,000 horses competing in various contests.
QREC’s participation in the Salon du Cheval strengthens the ties between Qatar and Morocco, showcasing the mutual respect and collaboration between the two countries. By promoting Qatar’s equestrian sport and Arabian horse heritage, QREC plays a vital role in enhancing the global appeal of Qatar’s equestrian events and races. The Salon du Cheval is a platform for QREC to engage with a wide audience, educating them about Qatar’s rich equestrian traditions and achievements in the racing world. This year’s Salon promises to be a celebration of innovation and challenge in horse farming, highlighting the dedication and passion of individuals involved in various aspects of the equestrian industry.
As preparations are underway to equip QREC’s pavilion at the International Village in El Jadida, the anticipation for the upcoming Salon du Cheval continues to grow. With QREC’s active involvement in this prestigious event, attendees can expect an immersive experience that showcases the beauty, grace, and power of Arabian horses, as well as the excitement of horse racing competitions. Qatar’s presence at the Salon du Cheval will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, reinforcing the country’s commitment to advancing the equestrian sport and preserving its rich equestrian heritage.
