The El Jadida Horse Show, in Morocco, celebrates the Barb horse, a North African breed renowned for its "bravery", on the occasion of its 7th edition which is being held until next Saturday in the old Portuguese city.

Some 120 exhibitors from around thirty countries as well as 260,000 visitors are expected for this occasion in the coastal city of El Jadida.

This festival, which takes place over five days, is notably an opportunity to highlight the Barb horse, known for its "strength, bravery, agility, and speed", several breeders affirm to AFP.

The pride of the Amazigh (Berber) populations from Morocco to Libya, it is distinguished by its build, more imposing than that of the Arabian thoroughbred, and its robustness, superior to that of the English thoroughbred, add these experts, who further praise the animal's qualities "in all sports", from polo to horse riding.

Of the 130,000 horses bred in Morocco, 112,000 belong to the Barb breed. According to scientific studies, more than 60% of horse breeds in the world have been influenced by the Barb horse, a single specimen of which costs between 200,000 and 300,000 dirhams (18,000 to 26,000 euros).

Nearly 11,000 Moroccans make a living from equestrian activity, which represents 400 million euros per year, or half a percentage point of GDP.

On Tuesday, the first day of the festival, several hundred people attended a show by the Royal Equestrian School illustrating the art of dressage as well as the agility of the Barb breed, noted an AFP journalist.

The El Jadida Show also hosts several exhibitions, workshops for children, and gives a prominent place to the history and heritage linked to the horse.

An exhibition of weapons and equipment of Moroccan warriors is notably open to the public. The equestrian tradition of the Moroccan Royal Family is also highlighted.

This event is finally distinguished, as every year, by "Tbourida" ("fantasia") shows, illustrating the war-torn past and the place granted to the horse by Moroccan tribes.