From 4 to 6 September, the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest were held at the Pilbergen Equestrian Complex in Kronenberg, the Netherlands.
The event, held for the first time at a European venue, brought together more than 100 of the finest representatives of the breed from 25 countries, as well as dressage and show jumping riders and industry experts.
The three-day programme featured show jumping and dressage competitions, presentations of horses in different age categories, a scientific and practical conference, international exhibitions, performances by the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group and a concert featuring Turkmen artists.
A key event on the sidelines of the championship was the open session of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, attended by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
Open Session of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding
Turkmenistan intends to further expand international cooperation in Akhal-Teke horse breeding, including scientific research, the organization of equestrian competitions and cooperation among specialized associations. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov made the statement during the open session of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding in Kronenberg.
In recent years, Turkmenistan has developed modern infrastructure and a scientific and methodological base for horse breeding. Modern equestrian complexes have been commissioned in all regions of the country, DNA testing has been introduced to ensure strict control of breed purity, an electronic database has been established, and scientifically based breeding programmes and systems for monitoring the health of horses have been put in place.
International recognition of the sector is reflected in the inclusion of the art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and the traditions of horse decoration on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The headquarters of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, based in Ashgabat, now brings together horse breeders from dozens of countries.
In his address, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also highlighted the international awards and
achievements of the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group during its performances and competitions in Baku, Tashkent, Kazan, Windsor and Istanbul.
Global Initiatives and Scientific Cooperation
According to Business Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov presented a number of key initiatives for the development of the sector:
- A genetic bank and international fund: A unified genetic bank for Akhal-Teke horses and an International Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Fund were proposed. Turkmenistan is ready to provide advisory and methodological support for the project, as well as unique archival materials.
- Towards the Olympic level: Berdimuhamedov called for greater participation of Akhal-Teke horses in international equestrian sport, with the strategic goal of bringing the breed to Olympic competition. The proposals include developing training programmes for young horses in dressage and show jumping according to international standards, as well as establishing major international awards for breeding horses.
- Research grants and scientific studies: Proposals were put forward to establish international research grants in veterinary medicine, invest in genome research on Akhal-Teke horses and coordinate educational programmes among international associations.
- Green diplomacy and equestrian tourism: Equestrian tours on Akhal-Teke horses along historic routes of the Silk Road were proposed as a new direction for international tourism.
- Promoting the Akhal-Teke breed: It was proposed that major championships of this kind be held every five years, while international events could also feature another national symbol of Turkmenistan — the Turkmen Alabay (Turkmen dog breed).
At the end of his address, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announced that the renovated Presidential Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex would officially open on 29 September 2026. The facility, modernized by Çalık Holding, is equipped with advanced technologies and artificial intelligence-based solutions for the digital management of breeding processes and the provision of optimal conditions for the horses. Participants of the session were invited to attend the opening ceremony.
The session was also addressed by Marian Weltvrede, Chairwoman of the European Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding. She noted that the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest were being held in Europe for the first time. Horse breeders, scientists and riders from Turkmenistan, Central Asia, Europe and the Americas had gathered at one venue to compete for the title of the most beautiful Akhal-Teke horse. The open session of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding was also being held in Europe for the first time.
Emile Roemer, Commissioner of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Governor of Limburg Province, noted that horses are an integral part of Limburg’s history. The province, which brought together horse breeders, riders and enthusiasts, has become an international centre for equestrian sport.
State Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Jan Peter Balkenende noted that, like Turkmenistan, the Netherlands has a deep appreciation for horses. He said that Turkmenistan, situated at the crossroads of historic trade routes, had long served as a link between East and West. Just as trade routes connected distant economies, sport brings people together, he noted. The competitions in Limburg further strengthen those ties, while also reflecting humanitarian values and respect for nature.
Ioannis Maronitis, head of the European and North American Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations, referred in his address to Bucephalus, the famous horse that accompanied Alexander the Great on his historic campaigns. He noted that the story of Bucephalus offers an important lesson: true strength lies not in domination but in mutual understanding. The relationship between humans and horses is based on respect, affection and trust.
Blanca de Toledo, head of the Spanish Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, stressed that the Akhal-Teke horse is not only a unique heritage and a symbol of beauty, but also an integral part of Turkmenistan’s centuries-old history, culture and heritage. She said that the association she leads would continue working to promote Akhal-Teke horses in Spain and Europe and emphasised the importance of cooperation with Turkmenistan in this field.
Award for Contribution to Horse Breeding
Marian Weltvrede highlighted the contribution of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the development and international promotion of Akhal-Teke horse breeding. She noted that initiatives such as National Turkmen Horse Day, international conferences, beauty contests and exhibitions have helped promote the breed and the traditions associated with Akhal-Teke horse.
Weltvrede announced that the European Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding had awarded Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov an honorary Award for Outstanding Contribution to Horse Breeding, together with a commemorative Cup.
Winners of the Competitions
The winners of the main categories of the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest were announced in Kronenberg.
The black stallion Yyndam, owned by A. Martinez of France, was named World Champion and won the competition’s main title. On behalf of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the owner was presented with the top prize and the keys to a new passenger car.
In the “Ýaş atlaryň çempiony” (Young Horse Champion) category, the winner was the stallion Meledag, representing the International Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex. He received €10,000 and the competition Cup.
The title of “Ýewropanyň iň gowy bedewi” (Best Akhal-Teke Horse in Europe) went to Agana Shael, owned by French breeder A. Bailey. The prize consisted of €10,000 and the competition Cup.
In the “Iň owadan bezelen at” (Best Decorated Horse) category, first place went to the bay stallion Toyly, owned by the Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. The winner received €5,000 and the competition Cup.
In the beauty contest for young horses aged one to two years, the winner was the stallion Jerengozli, representing the International Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex. He received €3,000 and the competition Cup.
Among three-year-old horses, Gunesh, also representing the International Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex, took first place and received €3,000 and the competition Cup.
In the 3–4-year-old category, the winner was Ming-de-Ahal, owned by S. Playa of France. The prize consisted of €3,000 and the competition Cup.
Among Akhal-Teke horses aged five and above, the winner was the stallion Yagshydzha-Ovadan, owned by B. Mamelekov of Ukraine. He received €3,000 and the competition Cup.
In the dressage competition, the winner was Bady-Saba, owned by Ukrainian horsewoman Liliana. The winner received €3,000 and the competition Cup.
In show jumping, Ikhlas Chopanov, representing the National Equestrian Centre of Turkmenistan, took first place and received €3,000 and the competition Cup.
Winners were also announced in the international creative competition dedicated to the Akhal-Teke horse. P. Patdykov, a lecturer at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, won the sculpture category, while A. Atakhanov won the painting category. The award for the best carpet was presented to O. Amanjaeva, chief specialist at the Türkmenhaly State Association. Ukrainian photographer V. Osovsky won the photography category, while A. Sahedov, a lecturer at the Turkmen State Specialised Art School, won the jewellery category. Each winner received €1,500.
The Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group received the special “Tomaşaçylaryň söýgüsini gazanan” (Audience Favourite) award.
A Foal Presented to the National Leader
Marco Zeekaf, founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pilbergen Equestrian Complex, presented Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with a five-month-old Friesian foal as a gesture of friendship, respect and appreciation.
Book on Akhal-Teke Horses Presented in Dutch
As part of the events in the Netherlands, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s book “The Horse — A Symbol of Loyalty and Happiness” was presented in Dutch. The book contains historical, scientific and literary material on Akhal-Teke horses, their role in the life of the Turkmen people, and traditional methods of breeding and training the breed.
First published in 2019, the book consists of eight chapters and is intended, among other readers, for specialists in horse breeding. Its Dutch-language edition expands European access to information about the Akhal-Teke breed and the traditions of Turkmen horse breeding.
The presentation in Venray was attended by representatives of academic circles, the equestrian sector and the media from Turkmenistan and European countries. Participants highlighted the publication’s potential to strengthen professional contacts, exchange expertise and promote further international cooperation in horse breeding.
International Experts Discuss the History and Future of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding
An international scientific and practical conference, “Akhal-Teke Horse: Ancient Turkmen Art of Horse Breeding”, was held in the Netherlands as part of the World Championship. It brought together scientists and horse-breeding experts from more than 20 countries.
Speakers included representatives of equestrian organizations and research institutions from Italy, Austria, France and the United States, as well as the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.
Participants discussed the history and development of the Akhal-Teke breed, its influence on global horse breeding, and modern approaches to breeding, veterinary care and genetic control aimed at preserving the purity of the breed.
Separate sessions focused on the inclusion of the art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and the traditions of horse decoration on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, as well as the representation of the Akhal-Teke horse in visual and decorative arts.
Particular attention was paid to the development of modern horse-breeding infrastructure in Turkmenistan, specialist training and international exchange of expertise. In this context, participants highlighted the work of the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding and the Scientific and Production Centre for Horse Breeding in Arkadag.
The conference also examined the historical significance of the Akhal-Teke breed for global horse breeding. Researchers presented scientific and historical evidence of its ancient origins and its role in the development and improvement of other horse breeds.
The European debut of a championship of this scale demonstrated that the unique breed remains both a national heritage of Turkmenistan and a bridge connecting countries, scientific communities and cultures. The combination of high-level equestrian sport, international awards and substantive scientific initiatives opens a new chapter for the ancient “winged horses” in the global equestrian industry.
///nCa, 7 September 2026 [фото – TDH, Business Turkmenistan]