Nour Slaoui Makes History as the First Arab Entrant in Eventing at Paris Olympics 2024

Nestled in the picturesque village of Oakley in Southern England, Slaoui-Fellous Equestrian stables stand as a testament to the dedication and passion of Moroccan rider Nour Slaoui and her trusted steed, Cash in Hand. The duo, bound by a deep connection and unwavering trust, are gearing up for the ultimate test of their partnership – the Paris Olympics in late July.

Slaoui’s journey to the Olympics began in early March when she secured qualification, becoming the first rider from Morocco and the Arab world to compete in equestrian eventing. The 29-year-old rider credits her success to the special bond she shares with Cash in Hand, affectionately known as the Cashman. Their partnership, forged over five years of hard work and dedication, has seen them rise through the ranks of international competition.

Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Slaoui’s passion for riding was ignited at a young age as she accompanied her family on treks through the Atlas Mountains on muleback. After taking a gap year from her studies at Warwick University in England to train as a riding instructor in France, she returned to the UK to pursue her dream of becoming a professional eventing rider. With the guidance of her coach, Deborah Fellous, Slaoui co-founded her stables in Oakley, where she now trains with her 17 horses.

Eventing, a demanding discipline that combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, requires a high level of skill, harmony, and communication between rider and horse. Slaoui’s transition from riding as a hobby to pursuing eventing professionally was a challenging journey, but her perseverance and determination propelled her forward. Meeting Cash in Hand five years ago marked a turning point in her career, as she found in him a partner with whom she shared a deep understanding and trust.

Cash in Hand, a cross between an Irish Draught and a Thoroughbred, initially faced challenges in dressage and show jumping, but with Slaoui’s guidance and their shared bond, he has continued to improve and excel in all aspects of eventing. Their coach, Deborah Fellous, believes that the duo has yet to reach their peak performance and sees even greater success on the horizon.

As Slaoui prepares for the Paris Olympics, she reflects on her journey and hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams with dedication, determination, and passion. Her participation in international competitions and her qualification for the Olympics are not just milestones in her career but a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in oneself.

The story of Nour Slaoui and Cash in Hand is a tale of resilience, partnership, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of equestrian sport. As they set their sights on the Paris Olympics, the duo stands ready to showcase their skills, determination, and the unbreakable bond that has carried them through their journey to the pinnacle of their sport.