First edition of the Gallops of Morocco
From February 25 to March 4, 2018
The start of the Gallops of Morocco will be given in less than a month! From February 25 to March 4, riders of all horizons will launch into the Moroccan desert, in the region of Drâa-Tafilalet, through the still wild golden dunes of Merzouga, for a raid-adventure that is unlike any other.
For one week, the participants will live a unique experience: discovery of still unknown breathtaking landscapes, encounters and sharing with riders of all disciplines and all nationalities. Currently, fourteen countries will be represented: Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Holland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Poland, Czech Republic, United Kingdom and Russia.
This exceptional adventure would not have been possible without the strong commitment of the Royal Society of Horse Encouragement (SOREC) official sponsor of the Gallops of Morocco. The SOREC thus contributes to the development of equestrian tourism in Morocco and the promotion of local horse breeds – barbs and Arab-barbs – which will be honoured during this great adventure. This approach fits perfectly within the framework of the National Equine Sector Strategy implemented since 2011 by SOREC, under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Waters and Forests.
Other organizations in the equine industry are involved in the success of this project, including the Moroccan National Association of Equestrian Tourism and the Royal Moroccan Federation of Equestrian Sports.
Two Moroccan teams sponsored by SOREC will participate in this raid, which is not a race in itself, but a regularity course of 200 kilometres divided into six stages of 25 to 40 kilometres to cover in an ideal time range, not to go beyond one way or the other. In addition to these official Moroccan teams, other countries have already sent their entries starting with that of the Sultanate of Oman representing the Royal Cavalry.
Naturally, France, from where the majority of participants were form in 2014, will be in the game with around ten teams. We will have the chance to count among the guests the Polo Discovery Association which will be represented by three ambassadors: Camille Cerf, Pauline Lefevre and Matthias Kach accompanied by 4 children from the popular neighbourhoods of Le Blanc Mesnil, to show them the horses’ jobs and the adventure of the Gallops. This association aims to promote polo in cities, large estates and suburbs. The goal is to promote integration and access to the equestrian sports activity but also to make young people aware of all the possibilities offered by the discipline.
It will be possible to follow the raid live through the application Gallops of Morocco, application available on the EKISM platform on all smartphones and the T-TRACK system. The application will allow interactivity with participants to inform them about the program, the steps, and any security measures by instant push notification on smartphones users. On the other hand, the integrated T-TRACK system in the application will ensure the security and results by allowing a constant view of the location of teams. Icing on the cake, this application is free and available to all!
The festive spirit of the first edition will not be forgotten: every envening participants will enjoy at the bivouac an introduction to Moroccan culture, with gastronomy and traditional shows. To the delight of moviegoers, broadcasts of Hollywood’s greatest hits are planned.
The party will be even more memorable on the last evening under the stars. The adventure will end at the Kasbah Hotel XALUCA at the gateway to the desert.
A human adventure quite out of the ordinary with barbs and Arab-barbs horses in the magical desert of Merzouga, from February 25 to March 4, 2018!
