The XV meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding took place at the Aba Annayev International Horse Breeding Academy in the city of Arkadag. It was attended by heads of specialized structures from our country, members of the Association, as well as domestic and foreign horse breeders.
The magnificent “heavenly” horses, rightfully recognized as the epitome of beauty, grace and perfection, are a symbol of the dynamic development of the Homeland in a new historical era. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag, and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, all conditions and opportunities are being created for the preservation, successful continuation, and popularization of national horse breeding traditions worldwide, as well as for the development of equestrian sports. The celebrations marking the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse, held annually on the last Sunday of April, have a comprehensive character. A clear confirmation of this is the meetings of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding held in the run-up to the holiday.
Fruitful relations with foreign partners aimed at preserving the purity of the Akhal-Teke breed and increasing the number of “heavenly” horses are consistently enriched with new content. An important role in this is assigned to the International Association, established in 2010 on the initiative of Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The special significance of this jubilee meeting of the Association is underscored by the fact that it is held in the International Year of Peace and Trust, which marks the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
The Akhal-Teke horse is a genuine phenomenon, born from centuries of selective breeding experience and the talent of the Turkmen people. Since ancient times, these “winged” horses have been faithful companions of our people and allies in defending the sacred native land. Today, Akhal-Teke horses adorn the celebrations of the sovereign Homeland, which follows the path of peace and progress, friendship and brotherhood. In this context, it is noteworthy that the UNESCO Club “Akhal-Teke Horses – Ambassadors of Peace” was established at the Aba Annayev International Horse Breeding Academy — a forge for qualified specialists in the industry. Its main goal is to support efforts to preserve and study the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people, to widely popularize among the younger generation the history of Akhal-Teke horses, and to enhance their global fame.
The steadily increasing number of those wishing to closely cooperate with the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding testifies to its growing authority. Citizens of Turkmenistan and foreign countries who contribute to the development of the horse breeding industry are admitted as members of the Association and awarded honorary titles.
…In the morning, performances by artists took place in front of the Aba Annayev International Horse Breeding Academy building. Then, in the university foyer, participants of the XV meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding viewed an exhibition showcasing works of fine and decorative-applied arts, carpets, jewelry, and photographs dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses.
Horses are an integral part of our people’s life, a source of their creative inspiration, embodying nobility and loyalty. The national school of horse breeding, with its centuries-old history, is recognized as an inseparable component of the world’s cultural treasury.
As is known, on October 12, 2024, the Certificate of inscription in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was awarded for the nomination “Akhal-Teke horse breeding art and traditions of horse decoration.” This became another testament to the successful work carried out in the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state to popularize national culture and art worldwide.
Then, the XV meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding took place in the university conference hall. The agenda included a number of issues, including the results of the Association’s activities, awarding the honorary title “Türkmenistanyň at gazanan atşynasy” in honor of the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse, and admitting new members to the Association. Relevant organizational matters were also discussed.
Participants noted that thanks to the comprehensive support of Hero Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Association has, over the past period, become a major international organization uniting heads of equestrian complexes, renowned horse breeders and seyis, and specialists engaged in breeding Akhal-Teke horses worldwide, facilitating fruitful cooperation.
Systematic work is underway to develop horse breeding and equestrian sports, increase the elite population of purebred “heavenly” horses, and further improve the national art of horsemanship inherited from our ancestors. Modern equestrian sports complexes, specialized scientific and educational centers are being built and commissioned in the country. The living and working conditions of horse breeders are steadily improving, and young specialists are being prepared for the industry. The International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding is expanding cooperation with foreign specialized structures and intensifying the exchange of mutually beneficial experience.
In her speech, Katarina Jakob, a member of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, honored horse breeder of Turkmenistan, and director of the horse breeding firm “Jeýkob Ferdezuçt GBR” (Federal Republic of Germany), emphasized that it was a great honor for her to be in our country during the celebration of the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse.
It was noted that engaging in equestrian sports is beneficial for people of all ages. They not only strengthen health but also boost self-confidence. Equestrian sports, like other sports, as well as the horse breeding industry, are among the promising directions for developing relations between peoples, organizing major competitions, and exchanging experience.
Jessica Eil Kate, a member of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, honored horse breeder of Turkmenistan, and head of the horse breeding farm “Garagum ahalteke” (United States of America), speaking via digital system, emphasized that the International Year of Peace and Trust, declared on the initiative of Turkmenistan and according to the relevant UN General Assembly Resolution, creates opportunities for further expansion of the Association’s activities and coordination of joint efforts. It was noted that Akhal-Teke horses, considered symbols of goodness and peace, and the breeding work related to them contribute to the unification of peoples of many countries worldwide.
Taking the opportunity, the guest expressed heartfelt congratulations to Hero Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who are true connoisseurs and appreciators of the “heavenly” horses, on the occasion of the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse.
Then, via the digital system, a speech was heard from Blanca de Toledo, a member of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, honored horse breeder of Turkmenistan, and president of the Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association of the Kingdom of Spain.
It was noted that over the past period, the Association has become an open platform for productive partnership and exchange of experience among horse breeding enterprises from different countries, industry specialists, hippologists, and admirers of the legendary “winged” horses. Its regularly held meetings create opportunities to discuss important directions and prospects for cooperation, expand its scale, and implement new joint projects aimed at enhancing the global fame of Akhal-Tekes — an invaluable heritage of humanity.
It was emphasized that horse breeders from European countries periodically organize beauty contests of Akhal-Teke horses. Great importance is attached to selective breeding work, increasing the number of “heavenly” horses, and conducting educational events that contribute to the growth of lovers of “paradise” horses in the countries of the region.
Next, Eloise Girardi, a member of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, honored horse breeder of Turkmenistan, and president of the Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association of the French Republic, shared her impressions of the brilliant performances of the National Equestrian Games Group “Galkynyş” at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo (Principality of Monaco) earlier this year via the digital system.
It was noted that this festival is one of the largest and most significant events in the world of circus arts. The skill of the members of the National Equestrian Games Group “Galkynyş” and the magnificence of the horses forever won the hearts of the audience. The unique beauty and speed of the Akhal-Teke horses, the harmony of the riders’ movements and their national costumes, and the highest level of performing complex tricks — all this became an unforgettable event for the public.
Foreign representatives speaking online wholeheartedly congratulated the National Equestrian Games Group “Galkynyş” on their successful performance at the 47th Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, winning the Grand Prize and other special awards. They also expressed a desire to see the Group perform at circus festivals in their countries.
Following the meeting, a ceremony was held to award the country’s horse breeders the honorary title “Türkmenistanyň at gazanan atşynasy” on the occasion of the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse. The President of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding’s decree approving the Board’s decision to accept new members from among Turkmen and foreign citizens was also read.
The Turkmen horse breeders awarded honorary titles and the newly admitted foreign members of the Association, expressing deep gratitude for the honor and trust bestowed upon them, assured that they would continue to work selflessly for the further development of the traditions of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and the increase in the number of “winged” horses.
The meeting also considered the time and place for the next meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, and a corresponding decision was made.
Forum participants warmly congratulated Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who are conducting large-scale work on the development of the horse breeding industry, on the upcoming National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse.
At the conclusion of the meeting, confidence was expressed that the current meeting would make a significant contribution to the further expansion of fruitful cooperation and exchange of experience in the horse breeding industry and to the enhancement of the global fame of Akhal-Teke horses.
