French Pegasus Farms offers cooperation on global popularization of Akhal-Teke horses
On July 14, France celebrated its national holiday - Bastille Day. On the eve of the significant date, a solemn event was also held in Ashgabat, which symbolizes the strengthening of Turkmen-French relations, as well as the expanding cultural exchange between our countries. And there are many different directions for that exchange. Thus, recently, as part of the celebration of the first anniversary of the opening of the city of Arkadag in Turkmenistan, the guest of honor was Hervé Barjot, one of the largest horse breeders in France and the head of the company Pegasus Farms LTD.
He had already been to Turkmenistan before and was familiar with the development of our horse breeding industry; he had the honor to discuss this topic with the National Leader of the Turkmen people, then President of the country Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who laid a powerful foundation for the revival and flourishing of national horse breeding in a new era, at the modern level.
Turkmenistan confidently declares itself as an international center of horse breeding and asserts a leading position in this area, Hervé Barjot noted. Following his visit to our country, he shared with journalists his experience and plans for the development of Turkmen-French cooperation in the field of horse breeding and cynology.
— Mr. Barjot, we know that you are a hereditary horse breeder and a major international expert on horses. Tell us about your current stay in Turkmenistan?
— I am a long-time friend of Turkmenistan and a big fan of the Akhal-Teke horse breed. It was very interesting for me to visit the new city of Arkadag on the day of celebrating its anniversary, because the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annaev was created here. The President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people pay special attention to the development of horse breeding traditions and breeding of Turkmen Alabai dogs.
Thanks to the excellent organization of specialists from the State Association “Turkmen Atlary” and the Society “Turkmen Alabai Itleri”, I met with government officials responsible for these areas, as well as with the equestrian acrobatics group “Galkynysh”. We discussed ways to increase the popularity of Turkmen horses and Alabais in the international arena so that their unique qualities and advantages are recognized throughout the world.
— So, you are a fan of not only Akhal-Teke horses, but also Alabais?
— Certainly! I have a passion for this outstanding breed. These dogs are a strong symbol of the identity of Turkmenistan, and their magnificent qualities - stunning appearance and brave disposition - will ensure their future in Europe. I am confident that our European breeders, whether in France, Italy or Spain, will be extremely interested in this breed.
— What prospects do you see in this area?****
— Horses and dogs can become the basis for many mutually beneficial endeavors between nations. They can facilitate dialogue and exchange of best practices between Turkmen and European specialists.
I see enormous opportunities for global development and global promotion of Akhal-Teke horses and Alabai dogs. Pegasus Farms has solid international experience and can make a significant contribution to support this direction. The plan also includes a more active presence of the Galkynysh equestrian acrobatics group in Europe, including through participation in events such as the Monaco International Circus Arts Festival, where Turkmen riders are invited to take place in January 2025. This is also the organization of bilateral exchanges in the field of education and training of specialists and other initiatives that represent the great values of Turkmenistan abroad. I hope that I can be useful to your country in this regard.
I would like to wish that the Akhal-Teke horse, a phenomenon of national and world culture, will continue to remain a wonderful talisman of Turkmenistan’s success, an image of a dream come true, a symbol of determination for progress and prosperity!
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