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The communion between the Man and the Horse

The fantasia is an extraordinary warlike exercise where men riding horses devote themselves to incredible acrobatics and discharge their "moukhala" (old rifle with powder) during an unrestrained gallop, in a perfect synchronization. The fantasias take place in particular at the time of traditional festivals called "moussems".

Symbol of warlike virtuosity, the fantasia ensures the continuity of an authentic military equestrian tradition. The rigour is ruling this practice. The rider and its horse must recognize the exact sequence of the figures prepared in group. On a delimited ground approximately six hundred fifty feet long, the teams, composed of twenty riders, follow one another. A respect of the sequence, an overall cohesion, the simultaneity of the shooting called "baroud" are the essential criteria of the fantasia. The notation is strictly framed by a sporting ruling.

To carry out these prowesses, the riders must have a certain equestrian technique, but also much of agility, audacity and courage. The riders all, dressed in white and fitted with high Turkish slippers, carry in a shoulder-belt a small leather satchel as well as a bent dagger, slipped into a velvet case.

Their long parade rifles with engraved sticks and embedded silver. Embroidered silk, leathers with morocco finish, gilded or nielloed metals, the horses also exhibit sumptuous harnessings. Fantasia remains one of the equestrian demonstrations most appreciated in all Morocco.