The Morocco Royal Tour Reaches New Heights with Its First-Ever CSI5*
El Jadida, Wednesday, October 14, 2026 – Following two weeks of top-level competition with the CSI4*-W in Tetouan and the CSIO4*-W in Rabat, the Morocco Royal Tour continues its journey to El Jadida. For the first time in its history, the Tour will host a CSI5*-W, culminating in Sunday’s World Cup Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
A historic first for the Morocco Royal Tour
Since its inception, the Morocco Royal Tour has established itself as a key fixture on the international equestrian calendar. Attracting an increasing number of international riders each year, the Tour contributes to the development of top-level equestrian sport in Morocco, while raising the profile of the discipline and its athletes well beyond the country’s borders. “Showjumping, and above all horses themselves, are deeply rooted in Morocco’s heritage and traditions,” explains Moroccan rider Abdelkebir Ouaddar. “Regardless of social background, horses have always been part of Morocco’s history. We are increasingly represented on the international stage, across all disciplines. The Morocco Royal Tour is becoming more and more important on the international calendar, and riders now bring their best horses because they know the standard of competition is equally high. With such outstanding facilities and such a strong organising team, hosting a five-star event in El Jadida is the natural next step, and I am convinced it opens a new chapter for future editions.”
With the introduction of a CSI5*, the Morocco Royal Tour is taking a decisive step forward in its development. Fifteen years after its creation, this new classification is a recognition of the high sporting and organisational standards achieved by the Tour. “The Morocco Royal Tour continues to improve year after year,” says national team coach Philippe Rozier. “Whether it’s the quality of the footing, the stabling facilities or the welcome extended to riders, grooms and horses, the three venues are completely different, yet complement each other perfectly. El Jadida, as the final stop, provides an ideal transition into the indoor season. With several major international events now taking place in Morocco towards the end of the year, we need to have enough horse-and-rider combinations capable of competing at this level. That is what we will be working towards over the coming months and years.”
Beyond this step forward in sporting and organisational standards, the move to five-star level also brings new demands in the arena. At El Jadida, where the competition takes place indoors, every detail of the course will be particularly important. This presents a new challenge for Italian course designer Uliano Vezzani, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, who has been entrusted with designing the courses for this first CSI5*. “A five-star competition inevitably raises the level of the challenge. We are designing courses for some of the best riders and horses in the world, and the course must reflect that standard. However, my fundamental philosophy remains unchanged. I never think, ‘It’s a five-star event, so I have to make the course much more difficult.’ Instead, I think, ‘It’s a five-star event, so I have to build with even greater precision.’ At this level, every detail matters: a distance that is slightly long or slightly short, the positioning of a fence after a turn, a line offering two different options, or the time allowed. This becomes even more important in an indoor arena like El Jadida, where the available space must be used with even greater precision. The course needs rhythm and flow, while at the same time requiring riders to make decisions very quickly. For me, a CSI5* course should be challenging but fair. It should reward the best horse-and-rider combinations while respecting the horses and delivering a truly exciting sporting spectacle. If we can achieve all three of these objectives, then I believe the course designer has done his job well.”
Beyond its sporting significance, the introduction of a CSI5* to the Morocco Royal Tour reflects the ambition to continue developing major international equestrian events in Morocco. It also recognises the dedication and hard work of the organisers, technical teams and all the partners who have contributed to the Tour’s success over the years.
This week in El Jadida, the Morocco Royal Tour is not simply continuing its story: it is opening a new chapter.