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“An exhibition and championship of a unique Turkmen horse breed was held in Babolna,” under this headline the Hungarian news agency MTI published a report about a wonderful event in the city in northern Hungary, where the European Championship and an equestrian show of Akhal-Teke horses were held.

In the opening speech, Hungarian Agriculture Minister István Nagy said that Hungarians' affection for horses is rooted in their history, and that horse breeding is part of their national values. He noted that a decision was made to support this competition, and the initiative will be continued in the coming years.

József Nieki, President of the Hungarian Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association, said that fifty-nine horses from eleven countries, purebreds and half-breds, were entered to participate in the event.

The horses were judged by a three-person jury on walks, canters and jumps, as well as movement and dressage.

“The Akhal-Teke horse breed is one of the oldest cultivated breeds in the world. It received its name from its breeders - the Turkmen Teke tribe and the place of breeding - Ahal velayat,” the Hungarian agency explains to its readers, adding to this the fact that the breed developed in a semi-desert environment, the harsh conditions led to the formation of a pedigree inherited from the most resistant species, and is considered a national treasure of the Turkmens.

The authors of the publication also said that the breed's ability to cope with weather conditions is illustrated by the fact that in 1935 a group of Turkmen riders rode Akhal-Teke horses from Ashgabat to Moscow, covering a distance of 4,300 kilometers in 84 days, three of which they rode without water because there was no spring in that area.

Conscious use of the Akhal-Teke breed in Hungarian horse breeding took place before the 19th century and was revived in the 1970s when three stallions arrived in Hungary. Since the 1990s, thanks to the enthusiasm of several breeders, the stock has slowly increased in numbers and genetic potential. It is noted that today there are about 100 broodmares in Hungary, and breeding of purebred Akhal-Teke horses is practiced in several locations in the country.

“The Akhal-Teke may be the golden-haired horse of Hungarian folk tales, since one of its characteristics is its golden coat. The center of the hair is almost transparent, acting almost like an “optical fiber,” giving the horse a metallic sheen,” the authors added.

It is noteworthy that the equestrian show of Akhal-Teke horses was held in Babolna on the eve of the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Hungary, which are planned to be held as part of the visit of our delegation by the invitation of the Hungarian organizers to the pan-Turkic festival - Kurultai on August 7-11. In addition, a celebration is planned related to the opening of the bust of Magtymguly Fragi.

In May of this year, in Ashgabat, in the cultural and park complex “Makhtumkuli Fragi”, a sculpture of the famous Hungarian poet Sandor Petofi was installed.

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Photo: MTI