Abdeslam Bennani Smires: Passion, Family, and Horses at the Heart of His Life

The day before the CSI4*-W Grand Prix in Tétouan, the first stage of the Morocco Royal Tour, we met a rider who does not go unnoticed: Abdeslam Bennani Smires, who was later crowned winner of the first event of the Moroccan circuit.

“The Morocco Royal Tour is our most important event of the year,” he explains. “For a long time, we used to go to Europe to compete, but now we have an international circuit at home. This has raised the standard of Moroccan riders: not everyone travels to Europe, so for many this is their only chance to measure themselves against the big names.”

“In Morocco we are very lucky to have an active Federation, which not only provides us with horses but also gives us access to vets, trainers, and all the facilities we need to improve.”

Tétouan and Rabat: Two Symbolic Venues

When speaking about the Morocco Royal Tour stages, Bennani Smires shares his affection for both Tétouan and Rabat.
“Tétouan is special: the competition takes place in the heart of the city, in the beautiful gardens of the Royal Military Club. It’s a fascinating venue with a unique atmosphere and a very warm crowd.”

His bond with Rabat, however, runs deeper: “Rabat is home to the Federation, the capital, and the place where the national championships have always been held. It’s home—and it’s my favorite stop. During the Tour, Rabat also hosts the Nations Cup, the one moment when we all come together as a team.”

A Passion Born in Childhood

His story with horses did not begin with family tradition.
“I looked through my family history, but no one was involved in equestrian sports. It was my thing—something that started when I was a child,” he says with a smile. “I started riding at the age of five in Casablanca and never stopped since.”

The journey wasn’t always straightforward: he paused his competitive career to study hotel management in Switzerland.
“I needed a diploma, a safety net, in case horses weren’t going to be my whole life. But as soon as I finished school, I went straight back to riding—and I haven’t stopped ever since.”

Horses as Partners in Life and Sport

Show jumping has always been his discipline.
“What I love is the process of building mutual trust. Riding a horse isn’t enough—you have to create a relationship that allows you to reach the highest level together.”

“My main horses belong to the Moroccan Federation. It’s a system that gives us competitive resources and allows us to focus entirely on our sporting preparation.”

His top stallion is Mister D’Eclipse, a twelve-year-old he speaks of with pride:
“I’ve never ridden a horse like him. We have great hopes—I want to bring him to the very highest international level. He’s a true crack.”

Daily Routine: “The Rider Must Be an Athlete as Much as the Horse”

His days start early.
“By 7:30 I’m already at the stables. The first horse I ride is always Mister D’Eclipse, my favorite. Every day we go for a hack in the forest near the Rabat stables. I try to keep the horses happy and fit, without putting them under too much stress.”

Abdesslam emphasizes a key point: the rider must be an athlete too.
“I have two herniated discs in my back—without training I couldn’t ride. Five times a week I do an hour of physical preparation. It’s not just about injury prevention, but about being on the same level as the horses. We ask them for such a huge effort, and to support them we also need to be ready.”

For him, this isn’t optional:
“I advise everyone to take one hour a day to work out. It’s not much, but it makes all the difference. Riding requires clarity and control—and without a prepared body, you can’t give your best.”

Family and Work: A Delicate Balance

Beyond sport, Abdesslam manages a hotel in Marrakech and works in real estate. Balancing everything is not easy:
“It would be impossible without my family’s help. My mother and my sister are essential. My wife also makes many sacrifices: when I come home after such intense days, I’m exhausted, but she always supports me.”

His bond with his children is just as important. While they often visit the stables, he doesn’t push them toward competition.
“I don’t want to impose my passion on them. This sport is tough and expensive—they need to choose it for themselves. If the passion is born, it will be authentic.”

The Importance of Mental Preparation

Beyond the physical side, the mind also needs training. Managing horses, international competitions, and demanding business activities is not simple.
“At first it was hard to separate work from horses. Even if you think you’re focused, your mind is elsewhere.”

The turning point came with the support of the Moroccan Federation, which brought in mental coach David Corona, who has experience at the Olympic level.
“Thanks to him, I’ve learned exercises to clear my mind and arrive at the stables with full focus. It’s been a huge change: if you’re not calm, you can’t expect your horse to be.”

A Message to Young Riders

His advice for those who dream of following in his footsteps is simple and direct:
“Before wanting to be a competitor, you need to become a true rider. Understand the horses, how they think and how they feel. Only then can you improve in competition. Patience is key: in this sport you lose much more than you win. But if you build a real bond with your horse, you’ll achieve something truly special.”

By Alessandra Ceserani (c) HSJ.tv

© Rights Reserved.