An international scientific and practical conference entitled “Ahalteke bedewi: türkmeniň dünýewi seýisçilik sungaty” was held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands as part of the World Championship of Equestrian Sports and Beauty Contest among Akhal-Teke Horses.

In addition to representatives of our country, the event was attended by scientists and experts in horse breeding from more than 20 countries.

With its centuries-old history, noble temperament, speed, and incomparable beauty, the Akhal-Teke horse is an invaluable treasure not only of Turkmenistan but of all human civilization. This unique breed of horse, developed on Turkmen soil, has been refined over thousands of years through traditional selective breeding.

As speakers from the Turkmen side noted, the “heavenly” horses, which have been an important part of history and faithful companions of our people since ancient times and continue to be so today, are celebrated in the national arts as an ideal of beauty, perfection, and devotion. The Turkmen national school of horse breeding, with its centuries-old history, is today recognized as an integral component of the world's cultural heritage.

As is well known, on December 5, 2023, the national nomination “The Art of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and Traditions of Horses’ Decoration” was inscribed on UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This became further confirmation that, in the Era of the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State, the initiatives of Hero-Arkadag aimed at promoting the national values of the Turkmen people throughout the world are being successfully implemented under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The UNESCO Club “Akhal-Teke Horses – Ambassadors of Peace,” established at the Aba Annayev International Horse Breeding Academy in the city of Arkadag, carries out programs aimed at widely promoting the legendary “heavenly” horses and introducing the international community to the traditions of their breeding and their distinctive characteristics.

As noted at the conference, the books “The Akhal-Teke Horse – Our Pride and Glory,” “Swift Step of Race Horse,”and “The Horse – A Symbol of Faithfulness and Happiness,” created through the wisdom of Hero-Arkadag, serve as valuable guides in further enhancing the worldwide glory of our “heavenly” horses. These works contain detailed information about the history of our horses, the care provided for them at the state level, the distinctive characteristics of Akhal-Teke horses, and their role in strengthening the international prestige of the Motherland.

It was emphasized that, in the modern era, large-scale work is being carried out at the initiative of Hero-Arkadag and under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan to develop national culture and art and promote them throughout the world. In this context, great importance is also attached to the development of circus arts. Their unique features include exceptional horsemanship, complex tricks performed by the riders of the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group, established on the initiative of Hero-Arkadag, as well as distinctive traditions of training horses.

In Turkmen visual and decorative-applied arts, horses are regarded as an embodiment of beauty and natural harmony. Sculptures of Akhal-Teke horses installed in various parts of the country are a sign of the people's reverence for them. It should also be noted that images of Akhal-Teke horses occupy a special place in the architectural appearance of both the capital and the city of Arkadag.

The floor was then given to representatives of foreign countries.

The first speaker was Antonio Giarola, head of the Italian company Proeventi, who expressed his sincere gratitude to the Turkmen side for the opportunity to participate in the conference and share his impressions of Akhal-Teke horses.

As noted, Akhal-Teke horses, possessing unique qualities and an exemplary conformation, are a national treasure of the Turkmen people. The harmony between the horse and its rider leaves an unforgettable impression on spectators.

Neda Berger, head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society, emphasized that declaring this year's motto to be “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses” marks an important milestone in enhancing the worldwide glory of the “heavenly” horses. By organizing events dedicated to the motto of the year, Turkmenistan once again demonstrates to the world the magnificence of the Akhal-Teke horses and the exceptional skill of Turkmen horsemen. For this reason, Akhal-Teke horses are rightfully recognized as ambassadors of peace and symbols of friendship and goodwill. In poetic lines, Neda Berger, head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society, expressed her best wishes to Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar, as well as wishes for the well-being and prosperity of Turkmenistan—the historic homeland of the “heavenly” horses.

Alexandre Gros, a specialist from the French Equestrian Federation, then shared his experience in training Akhal-Teke horses, which are distinguished by their speed. Thanks to their endurance and swiftness, they are ideally suited to equestrian sport. In addition, these horses represent one of the finest examples of world horse breeding, with a history spanning thousands of years.

In his speech, Jean-Philippe Camboulives, a representative of the International Equestrian Federation, noted that Turkmenistan's extensive efforts help preserve the purebred lineage of Akhal-Teke horses—an asset of universal human culture—and promote fruitful cooperation in this field. At present, within the framework of cooperation between the International Equestrian Federation and the Aba Annayev International Horse Breeding Academy, great importance is attached to training young specialists, improving their professional qualifications, and exchanging experience.

Julio Bendezu-Sarmiento, a senior researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the National Museum of Natural History, who spoke at the forum, presented a number of historical and scientific findings confirming that Turkmenistan is the ancient homeland of Akhal-Teke horses.

It was emphasized that, even after thousands of years, the horse remains an inseparable part of the life and culture of the Turkmen people and their faithful companion. Today, the Akhal-Teke horse continues to inspire admiration around the world as one of the finest examples of national heritage.

Julio Bendezu-Sarmiento expressed his sincere gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for their work in developing the horse-breeding industry and for their valuable works dedicated to this subject. He also wished them success in the further development of the unparalleled art of horse breeding and training practiced by the Turkmen people.

Patricia Johnson, head of the Akhal-Teke Horse Foundation of the United States, spoke about the programs being implemented in her country for the registration of Akhal-Teke horses. In this context, it was noted that close ties are maintained with horse-breeding farms engaged in breeding Akhal-Teke horses. Such work is of enormous importance for preserving the pure lineage of these “winged” horses.

Following the plenary session, the international scientific and practical conference continued its work in separate sections, with scientists and specialists from various countries around the world also participating remotely in digital format.

Research in the horse-breeding industry and its various fields was presented during the section entitled “The History and Development of Akhal-Teke Horses.” Scientists and historians provided thematic information in this regard.

As noted, Turkmen horses, which originated in ancient times and were brought to perfection by generations of skilled horse breeders and trainers, have had a positive influence on the improvement of many horse breeds around the world. They are distinguished by their grace, speed, and endurance. In this connection, it is noteworthy that the ancient origins of this breed can be traced through its inseparable connection with the history of our people.

The growing popularity of the art of horse breeding throughout the world and the continuity of its traditions in the modern era are the result of the efforts of our ancestors in breeding Akhal-Teke horses and improving the breed characteristics of the “heavenly” horses. Endowed with highly developed intelligence, these horses have always been renowned for their speed, sensitivity, and devotion.

Participants in the session entitled “The Significance of the Inclusion of the Art of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and the Traditions of Horses’ Decoration in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage” emphasized that breeding and training horses that captivate people with their magnificence and nobility requires persistent effort, knowledge, love, and talent. Our ancestors devoted enormous efforts to this work, making an invaluable contribution to the treasury of world culture.

This has contributed to advancing extensive efforts in Turkmenistan to preserve, study, and develop the national art of horse breeding, promote its rich traditions spanning thousands of years, stimulate equestrian sport, and expand effective cooperation in this field with all interested foreign partners.

During the session entitled “Akhal-Teke Horses in Fine and Decorative-Applied Arts,” it was noted that in ancient times our ancestors lived in different parts of the world and created remarkable works of art. Regardless of the era or place in which they lived, they always highly valued Turkmen horses and celebrated their image as a living symbol of beauty. Possessing extraordinary qualities, the legendary “heavenly” horses have left an indelible mark on Turkmen literature, culture, and art.

At the session entitled “Breeding and Veterinary Practice in Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and the Genetic and Scientific Foundations for Preserving the Purity of the Horse Breed,” scientific approaches to work in this area were presented.

In this connection, special attention was paid to the opportunities created in the city of Arkadag for the successful development of horse breeding and to their effective use. Modern equestrian complexes and specialized scientific and educational centers are being built and commissioned in our country, the working and living conditions of horse breeders are being improved, and qualified specialists are being trained for the industry. A vivid example of this is the establishment in the city of Arkadag of the Aba Annayev International Horse Breeding Academy and the Horse Breeding Research and Production Center. It was also noted that the Law of Turkmenistan “On Horse Breeding and Equestrian Sport,” adopted in 2015, established a reliable legislative and legal framework for regulating relations in the fields of breeding, selection, and other related activities in the aforementioned sector.

The section entitled “The Influence of Akhal-Teke Horses on Global Horse-Breeding Culture, History, and Breeding” drew particular attention to the role of Turkmen horses in the development of horse breeding worldwide. Through their diligence and talent, our glorious ancestors created this unique breed and preserved its purity, and this painstaking work has been worthily continued in the present day.

Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of Hero-Arkadag and the President of Turkmenistan, the national art of horse breeding, whose roots extend deep into the millennia, has received a powerful new impetus. Enhancing the worldwide fame of Akhal-Teke horses, increasing their population, and improving breeding practices have been identified among the priorities of the state's policy. In the modern era, Turkmenistan—the homeland of the legendary “heavenly” horses—has become a center of active cooperation and exchange of experience among horse breeders, specialists, and hippological scientists from different countries.

Participants in the international forum noted that the current events provide an excellent opportunity to further promote this extraordinary breed, study its historical and cultural significance, explore opportunities for applying innovative approaches to preserving and continuing national traditions of horse breeding, become acquainted with the achievements made, and develop interstate cooperation in this field.

Thus, the holding, at the initiative of our country, of the World Championship of Equestrian Sports and Beauty Contest among Akhal-Teke Horses in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with the international scientific and practical conference, became an important event in terms of exchanging experience, scientific research results, and innovations in the field of equestrian sport, as well as promoting cultural, humanitarian, and sports diplomacy on the world stage.