NOOR SLAOUI: MOROCCO’S TRAILBLAZER IN OLYMPIC EVENTING
Noor Slaoui, Morocco’s pioneering Olympic event rider, continues to make history on the international equestrian stage, inspiring a new generation of athletes across the Middle East and North Africa. Her journey into elite equestrian sport began far from the traditional pathways of international eventing.
Photo Credit: Noor Slaoui
Slaoui was introduced to riding as a child during, trekking adventures through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, and developed an early passion for horses that would later evolve into her groundbreaking professional career.
Unlike many top-level riders, Slaoui entered competitive equestrian sport later in life, beginning serious competition at the age of 19. After moving to France to train at the prestigious École Nationale d'Équitation de Saumur and later studying politics and international relations at the University of Warwick in England, she discovered eventing and quickly became captivated by the discipline.
Through determination, perseverance, and years of development, Slaoui steadily climbed the ranks of international competition alongside her long-time partner, the Irish Sport Horse gelding Cash In Hand. Together, the pair achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Photo Credit: Noor Slaoui
Slaoui became the first Moroccan rider ever to compete in Olympic eventing and the first Arab athlete from the Middle East and North Africa region to qualify for the discipline at the Olympic Games.
“This journey has always been about more than just sport,” said Slaoui. “I hope my story shows young riders from Morocco and across the region that they can dream bigger and believe they belong on the world stage.”
Now based in Wiltshire, England, Slaoui continues to compete internationally while representing Morocco at the highest level of equestrian sport. Her rise has attracted global attention not only for her athletic achievements, but also for the barriers she is helping break within a traditionally European-dominated discipline.
In addition to her Olympic qualification, Slaoui has been recognised as one of Africa’s rising young leaders and was featured on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list for her impact in sport and representation.
As she continues building her international career, Slaoui remains focused on inspiring broader participation in equestrian sport throughout North Africa and the Arab world while continuing to develop horses for future championship competition.