Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Participated in the Akhal-Teke World Championship in the Netherlands
The emergence of Akhal-Teke horse breeding on the European sporting and scientific scene marked a historic milestone in the promotion of Turkmenistan's cultural heritage. The holding of the World Equestrian Championships, the open meeting of the International Akhal-Teke Association, and the International Horse Beauty Contest at the Pilbergen Equestrian Center in Cronenberg, the Netherlands, transformed the European region into a global center for horse breeding.
The events, which National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attended during his visit to the Netherlands, were attended by government officials, scientists, international experts, and private horse breeders from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The forum's extensive program vividly demonstrated the evolution of the Akhal-Teke breed from a national treasure to a unique element of world culture recognized by UNESCO. At an open meeting of the International Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council) outlined a long-term strategic agenda for the industry's development over the next decade.
Turkmenistan's key initiatives include integrating Akhal-Teke horses into the Olympic disciplines of dressage and show jumping, establishing international grants for research into the breed's unique genome at modern scientific and genetic centers in the city of Arkadag, and developing ecotourism and "green diplomacy" through the organization of equestrian routes along the historic routes of the Great Silk Road.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the preservation and promotion of the breed, the European Akhal-Teke Association awarded Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov an honorary prize and a cup "For significant contribution to the development of horse breeding."
The central event of the sports and exhibition program was the summing up of the results of the World Championship and the International Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest, which brought together more than 80 elite Akhal-Teke representatives from various countries.
According to the international jury, the title of Absolute World Champion 2026 and the main award from the President of Turkmenistan—the Grand Prix and a modern passenger car—was won by the black horse Yindam, owned by the French horse breeder A. Martinez. Racehorses from Turkmenistan, France, and Ukraine also demonstrated their excellence, winning awards in the categories of young horses, show jumping, dressage, and traditional harness. They were awarded cups and cash prizes ranging from €10,000 to €3,000.
The performances of the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group, which received a special audience award, and the works of Turkmen arts and crafts artists, who also received cash prizes of 1,500 euros, also received high praise from European audiences.
As a symbol of strengthening Turkmen-Dutch ties, the National Leader of the Turkmen people was presented with a traditional Friesian horse, symbolically sealing the successful conclusion of the European tour. Performances by renowned performers from Turkmenistan and abroad provided a striking conclusion to the extensive program of events dedicated to the renowned Akhal-Teke horses.
