The 16th Meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Held in Ashgabat
Amidst the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s sacred independence, Ashgabat has once again reaffirmed its status as a global hub for preserving and developing the unique heritage of the Akhal-Teke breed. On September 28, the 16th meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding took place under the chairmanship of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov; established in 2010, the organization currently unites 213 domestic specialists and approximately 40 international experts from dozens of countries.
Welcoming the forum participants, the Head of State emphasized that caring for these "heavenly" horses and promoting the Akhal-Teke breed globally are integral parts of state policy. In a year celebrated under the motto "Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds," Turkmen Akhal-Teke horses are confidently fulfilling their mission as diplomatic ambassadors of peace and cultural rapprochement. Prime examples of such international integration include the Association’s recent open meeting in the Netherlands—attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen People—as well as the World Championship and Akhal-Teke beauty contest held at the "Pilbergen" equestrian complex, which brought together over a hundred horses and experts from 35 states.
During the forum, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a number of key documents aimed at improving the Association's operations, as well as decrees conferring honorary titles upon distinguished domestic and foreign experts. The prestigious title of "Honored Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan" ("Türkmenistanyň at gazanan atşynasy") was awarded to Marian Veltevreden, President of the European Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association; Liu Shuqin, head of the Chinese company Daqing Huiyou Breeding Co., Ltd.; Kaido Puusepp, an Estonian veterinarian of international standing; and domestic experts, including jockey Begenchmyrat Agamyradov and private horse breeder Berdimuhammet Berdimuhammedov. The title of "People's Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan" ("Türkmenistanyň halk atşynasy") was conferred upon the experienced trainer Durdymyrat Kanayev.
Foreign delegates expressed sincere gratitude for the recognition of their work and shared their views on the dynamic development of cooperation. Marian Veltevreden—who noted that these legendary horses serve as a bridge of friendship between nations in the realms of sports and science—along with Liu Shuqin (recalling the deep reverence for "heavenly" horses in China since the era of the Great Silk Road) and Kaido Puusepp (emphasizing the importance of exchanging expertise in the ancient homeland of the Akhal-Teke breed), all unanimously advocated for the expansion of joint programs.
The Head of State also announced the upcoming opening—scheduled for September 29 at the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains—of a fully modernized Akhal-Teke equestrian complex that meets the highest global standards; this facility is set to provide a powerful new impetus to further enhancing the worldwide renown of these legendary steeds.
