VENRAY and PLEENBERGEN, Netherlands (National Times) The World Championship for Akhal-Teke Horses brought together breeders, scientists, equestrian professionals, cultural representatives and international media in the Netherlands from Sept. 4 to 6, highlighting the global significance of one of the world’s oldest and most distinctive horse breeds.
The event drew participants and delegations from numerous countries and featured a programme combining scientific discussions, equestrian showcases, cultural presentations and international meetings focused on the preservation and promotion of the Akhal-Teke horse.
A day before the championship, an International Scientific and Practical Conference, titled “The Akhal-Teke Horse: Turkmen Art of Universal Horse Breeding,” was held on Sept. 4 at the Asteria Hotel in Venray.
The conference brought together researchers, equestrian specialists and cultural experts from Europe, North America and Turkmenistan to examine the breed’s history, genetic characteristics, traditional breeding practices and prospects for its future preservation.
The conference was opened by Kakamyrat Rejebov, Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper Türkmenistan. Speakers included Chynar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO; Antonio Jariola, head of the Italian cultural and show company Proeventi; Neda Berger, head of the Austrian-Turkmen Association; Alexandre Gro, national technical expert of the French Equestrian Federation; Jean-Philippe Camboulives, Director of the FEI Solidarity Department; Patricia Johnson, President of the Akhal-Teke Horse Foundation of the United States; Julio Bendezu-Sarmiento, senior researcher at France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the National Museum of Natural History; and Saragt Babayev, senior lecturer at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan and a prominent representative of Turkmen culture.
Participants examined the unique genetic features of the Akhal-Teke horse and its historical role in the civilizations of Central Asia. Discussions also focused on international cooperation in breeding, scientific research and cultural initiatives aimed at safeguarding the breed.
The Akhal-Teke is often known as the “golden horse” because of its distinctive metallic coat. Originating in the Akhal Oasis near the Kopet Dag Mountains, the breed has been preserved for centuries by the Turkmen people and remains a prominent symbol of Turkmenistan’s cultural and national heritage.
The following day, attention shifted to the World Championship in Pleenbergen, which was attended by National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
The championship presented Akhal-Teke horses from different countries and highlighted international efforts to preserve the breed and promote its distinctive qualities on the global equestrian stage.
Alongside the competition, the programme included exhibitions, cultural presentations and meetings devoted to the history, breeding and development of the Akhal-Teke horse.
The celebrations concluded with a gala dinner and fireworks display featuring horse-themed imagery and the national flag of Turkmenistan. The finale carried added significance as Turkmenistan prepares to commemorate the 35th anniversary of its independence, emphasizing the enduring association between the country’s national identity and the Akhal-Teke horse.
The organization of the scientific conference and world championship underscored growing international interest in the Akhal-Teke and efforts to strengthen cooperation among breeders, researchers and cultural institutions.
The event also highlighted the breed’s continuing role as a symbol of Turkmen heritage and as a distinctive part of the world’s equestrian and cultural legacy.
