Akhal-Teke horses, one of the greatest elements of the Turkmen people’s national heritage passed down from generation to generation, have become a symbol of high spirit and a treasure of the nation, earning worldwide recognition in the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state.

Thanks to the large-scale initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, which are now being successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the ancestral traditions of horse breeding are being actively developed in Turkmenistan, and the art of horsemanship has become an integral part of the people’s life.

A vivid confirmation of this was the presentation at the beginning of the year of international certificates from the World Federation of Circus and the European Circus Association to the “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group for its significant contribution to circus art at an international festival in Monte Carlo (Principality of Monaco).

At the expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on February 13 of this year, the President of the country noted that in honor of the 2026 motto, “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,” a Program of Activities in the field of horse breeding and equestrian sports had been developed. The signing of the corresponding document by the head of state marked the start of celebrations dedicated to the “heavenly” horses. Within the framework of the Program, the “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group continues its ceremonial tour across the velayats of the country. After visiting the Balkan and Dashoguz velayats, members of the renowned group arrived in the eastern region of the country.

In the festive square in front of the Historical and Local Lore Museum of Lebap velayat, the “Galkynyş” group was welcomed with bread and salt by representatives of the older generation, public organizations, cultural figures, masters of the arts, and numerous city residents. The celebration opened with a literary and musical composition by the creative team of the State Musical and Drama Theater named after Seyitnazar Seydi, presenting a blessing ritual for a young man mounting a horse for the first time.

The group members then familiarized themselves with museum treasures and an exhibition demonstrating the ancient art of horse breeding, decorative and applied crafts, and the craftsmanship of dutar making. A special place in the exhibition was given to the books of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the President of the country.

The guests then proceeded along Bitarap Turkmenistan Avenue to the building of “Türkmeniň ak öýi.” Along the route, the group members watched performances in the squares in front of the theater and the velayat library, dedicated to the magnificent Turkmen horses and the victories of the celebrated group. City residents greeted the artists with enthusiastic applause, expressing their deep respect for the famous group.

In the building of “Türkmeniň ak öýi,” the celebrations continued with performances by masters of equestrian games accompanied by bakhshi storytellers. Congratulations were expressed on the group’s international success, achieved thanks to the support of Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar. The participants in the celebration adopted an Address to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The culmination of the festivities was a demonstration performance by the “Galkynyş” group. The breathtaking stunts performed by male and female riders on swift horses delighted the audience.

It should be noted that the group’s success is inseparably linked to the conditions created through the care and attention of the country’s leadership. Recently, Hero-Arkadag visited the “At-myrat” Training Center of the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annayev and, on behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, presented the Center with a monetary gift of 1,500,000 manats. Later, during a meeting at the Gorogly State Equestrian Circus with members of the “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group, Hero-Arkadag presented the team with a magnificent horse named Garashsyz and exclusively crafted saddles for each of its members. Additionally, by decision of the President of Turkmenistan, 3 million manats were allocated to strengthen the material and technical base of the “Galkynyş” group.

The celebrations in the Lebap velayat became yet another testament to the fact that, thanks to the care of Hero-Arkadag and under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, each day of our Motherland is marked by new achievements and filled with a festive spirit and pride. At the conclusion of the events in the building of “Türkmeniň ak öýi,” a festive sadaqa was offered during the breaking of the fast.