26/04/2017 - Interviews

A PRIVATE CHAT WITH

Abdelkebir Ouaddar

WHEN WAS YOUR VERY FIRST EQUESTRIAN COMPETITION?
I remember it quite well. I have started riding at the age of 8 with the support of Princess Lalla Fatima Zohra. My first show has really had a huge impact on me. It took place at Dar Essalam, the headquarters of the Royal Maroccan Federation for Equestrian Sports and I finished in second place.

WHAT was THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER so far?
We can say I have many because each good course I ride is a super highlight, but if I must choose one, I would say my victory in the Grand Prix of the Saut Hermès in Paris last year with Quickly. That was an amazing moment!

which grand prix would you like to win?

La Baule. I don’t know why but this show has always made quite an impression on me. I was second in the Grand Prix three years ago and I was very close to winning, but I was beaten by no one other than Eric Lamaze!

IF YOU HAD NOT GONE INTO HORSE RIDING, WHAT WOULD YOU have LIKEd TO DO?
I would have been a dancer or a singer. I love music.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOuRITE CITY?
Marrakech, my hometown. Abroad, it’s Paris, a wonderful city I really love.

AND YOUR FAVOURITE DISH?
Couscous! Of course, there is also the Tajine, but Couscous is number 1 to me!

WHICH PLACE DO YOU RECOMMEND AS A “MUST” IN MOROCCO?
A trip in the Sahara area, towards Ouarzazate. There are nice places there, showing how beautiful the Kingdom of Morocco is.

WHICH OBJECT DO YOU ALWAYS KEEP WITH YOU?
The watch that was given to me by someone I hold in very high esteem: His Majesty the King of Morocco. When I take it off I have the impression I’m not going to win. It’s somehow my lucky charm.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ATHLETE?
I have always admired Tiger Woods.

do you have a FAVOuRITE PIECE or type OF MUSIC?
I don’t really have a preference. I’m curious and I like all types of music.

which HOLIDAY DESTINATION do you prefer?
Marrakech, close to my family. I go there whenever I can.

the best movie of all times?
Titanic. I have always loved this beautiful movie.

what kind of tv shows do you like?
I like to watch reality shows. they make me laugh.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL SUNDAY (WHEN YOU ARE NOT IN A SHOW JUMPING EVENT)?
I like to chill out, take care of my body with a good massage, sauna and sport.

WHAT IS YOUR EVERYDAY CAR? AND YOUR DREAM CAR?
I drive the latest Land Rover. I have always dreamt of having a convertible, green Rolls Royce – the colour of Morocco!

INTERVIEW & PHOTOS BY JESSICA RODRIGUES

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