Noor Slaoui is the first rider representing the Kingdom and the Arab world in the eventing events (equestrian triathlon) at the Paris Olympic Games. In this interview with H24info.ma, Noor Slaoui highlights her participation and her ambitions for the next Olympic Games which will take place from July 26 to August 11 in Paris. Interview. How long have you been riding horses? Noor Slaoui: I started at the age of 4 by going on family mule hikes in the High Atlas. I subsequently traveled across Morocco on horseback. I spent most of my time at the stables and these moments allowed me to build deep bonds with my horses. After my baccalaureate, I took a sabbatical year to complete my riding instructorship at the École Nationale d’Equitation de Saumur in France. I still remember my excitement because it is a prestigious school in the world of horse riding in France and internationally. I subsequently continued my higher education in England at the University of Warwick and continued to ride horses every day at a club near the university. It was at that moment that I discovered the discipline of Eventing: it is a triathlon of equestrian sports which combines elegance in dressage, precision in show jumping and bravery in cross country. Exactly, I would like us to talk about your relationship with horses and in particular with the horse who will accompany you to the Paris Olympic Games? Noor Slaoui: Horse riding is the only sport where we depend on a living being with its character, its moods, its injuries, etc. Despite the fact that they do not speak, they know how to communicate incredibly and my role is to develop my ability to listen and understand, to be a “horseman”. This relationship goes well beyond simple competitive performance; there is a real bond created between the rider and the horse. This is the key to a successful long-term partnership. I like to build bonds with my horses from a very young age, starting with their breaking in, their first competitions until progression to the high level. I also have to be sensitive to the needs and well-being of horses. This sensitivity allows me to prevent injuries and ensure the comfort of the horse. I have a very special bond with the horse that will accompany me to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, “Cash in Hand”. We progressed together from the lowest levels to the Olympic level. We know each other by heart and I am delighted to live this adventure with him. Being the first Moroccan and Arab woman to participate in the “Paris 2024” Olympic Games in a new discipline must be a source of pride for you? Noor Slaoui: For me it is an honor, whether it was the Olympics or otherwise, when I did my first championships, every time I saw the Moroccan flag flying it was an immense pride, and as long as I represent the Kingdom and Moroccan women as it should be. I humbly hope to be able to inspire young Moroccan women to follow their passion, if you want something you can achieve it. I didn’t come from an equestrian background, so I had to make my own way, I didn’t have any references in my discipline but that didn’t stop me from getting there in a relatively short time. I am excited to see what the years to come have in store for me, and if today I can inspire a handful of young Moroccan women it will be a big victory for me. What are your plans after the “Paris 2024” Olympics? Noor Slaoui: My goal after the Olympics will be to represent Morocco for a third consecutive year at the Young Horse World Championships and aim for my first participation in 5* with Cash-In-Hand at the end of the 2024 season.
