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AFTER A FRUITFUL QUALIFYING RUN IN SPAIN, MOROCCAN STAR EL GHALI BOUKAA IS SHIFTING GEARS. WHILE HE HAS DOMINATED THE NORTH AFRICAN SUB-LEAGUE, HE’S MAKING THE STRATEGIC CALL TO MISS THE FEI WORLD CUP FINAL IN TEXAS TO ENSURE HIS TOP STRING IS IN PEAK CONDITION. WITH A CLEAR FOCUS ON AACHEN FOR THE WORLD EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, BOUKAA DISCUSSES WITH HORSE TIMES HIS ROADMAP, HIS RISING STABLE STARS, AND THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF GLOBAL SHOWJUMPING.
1. You’ve made the strategic choice to focus on Aachen; how does your schedule over the next few months specifically support that goal?
I have just returned from a three-week tour at the Sunshine Tour in Spain where I competed with seven different horses. With A Kyss, owned by Karim Tazi, I secured my qualification for the World Equestrian Championships so it was a very successful tour (laughs). During the month of Ramadan which ends on 20 March, my horses will be resting, and afterwards we will have two competitions in Morocco before heading back to Europe to continue preparing for the WEC.
2. As leader of the North African Sub-League, will you move your top string to Texas for the FEI Jumping World Cup Final, or have you decided not to go? If the latter, why?
So no, I will not be taking part. At the moment, A Kyss is the only horse in my string capable of jumping at that level. I cannot ask her to jump two big championships so close together, so we will take this time to prepare calmly for Aachen.
3. With A Kyss as your current star, which young horse in your stable is "whispering" to you that they are the next championship horse for Aachen or LA 2028?
Right now, I also have a very promising eight-year-old horse, Special Edition de Muze. He is a horse I have developed from the very beginning since he was also bought when he was two years old. In my opinion, he has all the qualities required to become a very good horse, and we will see what the future holds. Another horse, Chester N, is also progressing well. Both horses are also owned by Tazi.
4. What is your specific strategy for selecting which horses to build up this year?
My choices are based on the qualities of each horse, and then it is my job to help them step up to the next level. Not all horses are capable of doing that. Chester N has recently shown some very promising things, jumping up to 1.55m.
5. With the influx of 5-star shows in the Middle East, do you sense a fundamental shift in the sport’s vision away from its European heartland?
In my opinion, the 5-star shows in the Middle East are now easily on par with the best in Europe. Whether in terms of infrastructure, event organisation, or the efforts made for the comfort of the horses, the Middle East ticks all the boxes of major international competitions. However, the very high costs of this kind of trip - for the horses and the team - as well as the climate differences will probably slow many riders down.
6. HORSE TIMES has seen the Morocco Royal Tour become a global benchmark; what specific advantage do Moroccan arenas offer that brings out a different gear in your horses compared to Europe?
In Morocco, we are fortunate today to compete on high-quality arenas, often built by European companies. We therefore have all the tools necessary to help our horses progress in the best possible conditions.
7. Does the new "recorded warning" for the Article 259 blood rule protect the sport’s image, or does it unfairly complicate the judge’s role?
It is a delicate subject. Personally, I tend to favour a certain degree of flexibility. A small trace of blood caused by the spurs can happen very quickly especially when our horses are clipped very closely in preparation for major events and, in my opinion, does not necessarily constitute abuse.
8. Beyond technical coaching, what is the most powerful "silent lesson" you’ve learnt just by watching a rival in the warm-up ring that completely changed how you approach a jump-off?
To be honest, I pay very little attention to other riders in a jump-off. I stick to my strategy and do not change it. When I enter a jump-off, I go in to win. Of course, if I am the last to go and all my competitors already have four faults, I will try to secure my round by limiting the risks. But generally speaking, I go in with the intention of winning.
9. If you could "build" the perfect horse for the Los Angeles climate, which traits from your current string would you harvest and combine?
The perfect horse, for me, would combine the blood and fighting spirit of A Kyss with the strength and carefulness of Special. Both horses, however, suffer quite a bit from heat and humidity.
11. Fun question; if you were allowed to borrow a top horse to compete with during the WEC in Aachen, which one would you choose?
Without hesitation, I would choose Caracole de la Roque.
12. Another fun question, if you were a dressage rider instead of showjumping, which music would you choose for your freestyle test?
I must admit that I know very little about dressage, and I do not feel competent enough to choose music that would perfectly match a freestyle performance.
13. Is there anything that you would like to add?
A word of thanks to all my sponsors, including Karim Tazi, and my partners, as well as my team who work alongside me every day. Without them, none of this would be possible. HT
Photo with Chester N by Imane Chakal courtesey of Boukaa
Boukaa was born on 28 September 1981