The fearless charge of Morocco’s horsewomen
The fearless charge of Morocco’s horsewomen 11 Minutes Read 2116 Words EN For centuries, the equestrian sport of tbourida was reserved for men. Now female riders are bringing the age-old tradition to a new generation. A tbourida performance culminates with a team of rifle-toting riders firing a single synchronized shot. Here, Noura Lebdaoui, second from left, restrains her horse after firing. Lebdaoui rides with one of Morocco’s few all-female troupes, challenging perceptions of what was long considered a masculine tradition. By Aida Alami Photographs by Chantal Pinzi Last updated June 19, 2026 When Zahia Aboulait was a young girl, she loved nothing more than tagging along with her father to the rural Moroccan festivals called moussems, watching him perform with his tbourida troupe. Tbourida, a centuries-old equestrian tradition, is a spectator sport that finds teams of riders making a faux cavalry charge across a dirt track, leading their horses with taut, synchronized precision. The cavalcade …
