7 October 2017, Ifrane, Morocco ~ Morocco was the latest country to take advantage of the inspiration of the International Boudheib Initiative for an FEI endurance event in the Atlas mountains of Morocco.
The weekend of 6 -7 October 2017 saw the latest International Boudheib Initiative (BI) -sponsored endurance event take place in the cedar forest of the Middle Atlas area of Ifran, Morocco, with the first FEI CEI 1* 80km ride held with the BECA award for Best Condition.
For the second year since inception, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan‘s Boudheib Initiative (BI) was the backbone of the Moroccan endurance event, which encourages and educates riders through the criteria of welfare of the endurance horse.
Great attention to detail was taken by the veterinary delegation headed by Technical Delegate, Mohamed Khalfan Alyammahi, and explanation and supported were offered during a full day of judge and veterinarian training. The program included how to work closely with newcomers to FEI events, explained health and safety rules in place, and reminded them all to be diligent to support the rules for rider security and horse welfare.
The picturesque trails had good footing, the trail markings were easy to read, and the loop speeds were averaging 15kph. This combined to ensure the excellent 80% completion rate throughout all rides including the three national qualifiers of 60km, 40km & 20km, which supported newcomers to the sport.
There was a wonderful spirit throughout the day with everyone showing their willingness to learn and look forward to the growth of this event and a return next year.
Special thanks goe to event organizer, Dr. Mohamed Machmoum, Director of the upcoming Salon de Cheval at El Jedida, the veterinary delegation for their unfailing hard work, and to the many dignitaries who attended the event including Ahmed Al Reasi, Chairman of the Emirates Equestrian Federation, Dr. Hammou Ouhelli, Moroccan Minister of Rural Development & Forests, General Merzak El Habili, General Secretary of the Moroccan Royal Equestrian Federation, and Zouhair Mohamed, General Secretary of Ifran. Special thanks for the support from all riders, grooms, owners and trainers, and our valued partners, the horses, without whom none of the events could take place.
The BI events, which are gaining ground worldwide, take great pride in aiding development of the true sport of endurance at the grass roots level, proving time and again the value of strong partnerships between horse and rider.
BOUDHEIB INITIATIVE – DRIVING THE FUTURE OF ENDURANCE
Results:
BECA results
CEI 1* 80km
1st – no 7 Arrabiefi ridden by Hammadi Smail from Le Ferme Equestre
2nd – no 8 Tissir II ridden by Hamid Bouhout Mdl from the Garde Royale
3rd – no 3 Rose des Vents ridden by Bensaid Ali Adj also from the Garde Royal
4th – no 2 Toumira ridden by Meryem Keddara from RCE Menzeh
FEI 1* 80 km CEI Results
1st no 8 – Tissir II ridden by Hamid Bouhout Mdl from the Garde Royale
2nd no 3 – Rose des Vents ridden by Bensaid Ali Adj also from the Garde Royal
3rd no 7 – Arrabiefi ridden by Hammadi Smail from Le Ferme Equestre
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