Turkmenistan is the only country in the world whose national emblem is adorned with the silhouette of Akhal Teke horse. This detail reflects the Turkmen people’s traditional, almost sacred reverence for the horse. At the same time, the poetic image of a rider sitting firmly in the saddle and guiding with practiced ease a strong and beautiful animal corresponds with exceptional precision to the present condition of Turkmen society, which is experiencing an unprecedented rise in virtually every sphere of human endeavour.
A country that has mounted a fabled steed–this phrase speaks of Turkmenistan today, a nation scaling the heights of economic growth, building modern industrial complexes and white marble cities, gathering record harvests and earning broad international recognition. For the Turkmen people, the horse has always been a visible embodiment of perfect beauty, strength and freedom–the living expression of humanity’s dream of flight.
In Turkmenistan, the national treasure – the Akhal Teke horse – enjoys particular veneration. The experience of aesthetic delight that one gets from contemplating the flawless body of Akhal Teke horses comes at a considerable cost to the country. Large hippodromes and extensive horse breeding complexes are being built across the country. The finest pasturelands are allocated to the herds, and winners of races receive valuable prizes. Yet this is a price a country with a high level of well being can afford to pay for the historic right to be called the homeland of one of the oldest breeds of refined horse breeding.
The rich palette of feelings the Turkmen people experiences toward this wonder horse found reflection in the many festive events held over several days in January and February. The chain of joyful occasions began in Monte Carlo, in the Principality of Monaco, where the 48th International Circus Arts Festival took place. Serdar Pygyyev, head of the National Equestrian Games Group “Galkynysh,” and Serdar Gurbangulyyev, Director General of the State Circus of Turkmenistan, attended it as guests of honour.
During the festival ceremonies, the delegation of the State Circus of Turkmenistan received international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association in recognition of the significant contribution of the National Equestrian Games Group “Galkynysh” to circus art. As is known, the “Galkynysh” group of the Akhal Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan performed successfully in 2025 at the 47th International Circus Arts Festival in Monte Carlo, winning the Grand Prix and other special honours.
Established in 2007 on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the “Galkynysh” group has over the years got a unique collection of awards, including the Grand Prix of the World Festival “Idol” (Russia, 2013); the main prize of the 16th International Festival in Latina (Italy, 2014); the gold award of the 2nd International Festival in Zhuhai (China, 2015); and the Golden Gaetano statuette of the “Na Fontanke” Festival (Saint Petersburg, 2018).
The new awards from Monte Carlo became a symbolic opening of the year 2026, which is being observed in Turkmenistan under the motto “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds.”
Celebrations held in the city of Arkadag marked the award of international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association to the National Equestrian Games Group “Galkynysh” for its significant contribution to circus art. Participants proceeded through the streets of the city toward the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly. Along their route, musical and vocal performances resonated, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
The main festive event took place in the auditorium of the State Equestrian Circus. In their statements, participants emphasized that the award of international certificates to the “Galkynysh” group not only marked the beginning of 2026 but also enriched the meaning of its motto “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds.” After performances by masters of arts, the members of the “Galkynysh” group appeared in the circus arena to entertain their devoted audience once again with virtuoso equestrian performances on Akhal Teke horses.
The celebration that began in the city of Arkadag continued in the capital city several days later. A ceremonial event took place in the building of the International Horse Breeding Association and the International Association “Turkmen Alabai,” where members of the group viewed the museum exhibits. Afterwards, the artists proceeded in a festive procession to the State Circus.
A colourful ceremony was held to honour the National Equestrian Games Group “Galkynysh” of the Akhal Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan at the State Circus of Turkmenistan. At the ceremonial meeting, participants discussed the promotion of Turkmen Akhal Teke horses and popularization of their fame throughout the world.
The celebrations honouring the Akhal Teke – the renowned breed of Turkmen horses–grow more colourful and more elaborate with each passing year, steadily acquiring their own traditions. What remains unchanged is the attitude toward the very reason for these festivities as a national treasure requiring special attention, preservation and enrichment, scholarly study and broad popularization.
On this occasion, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov awarded the National Equestrian Games Group “Galkynysh” three million manats for its contribution to the development of the national art of horse breeding. This decision was announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at a meeting with the artists at the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly in the city of Arkadag.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also presented the National Equestrian Games Group “Galkynysh” with an Akhal Teke stallion named Garashsyz. The horse handing ceremony took place after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov rode Garashsyz around the arena, demonstrating the inseparable bond between human and horse.
The National Leader congratulated the members of the group on their achievements, noting that their victories are recognized and honoured at the state level, and wished them continued success in developing national traditions of horse breeding and equestrian circus art. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the group includes both young men and young women, whose combined efforts carry the fame of Akhal Teke horses across the world. Their unity and youthful ardour inspire a deep sense of pride among the people.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also presented each member of the group with finely crafted horse saddles. The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty stressed that large scale measures to develop the national art of horse breeding would continue in a consistent manner. He also conveyed congratulations and gratitude to the members of the group for their efforts in enhancing the renown of the national equestrian art.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people also donated 1.5 million manats to the At myrat Training Center in the city of Arkadag on behalf of the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care. The funds are intended to foster in children a sense of love and caring attitudes toward horses and strengthen the material and technical base of the centre so that students can effectively master the functionalities of digital systems.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the indoor arena of the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding, where he was greeted by students of the training centre. The centre specializes in educating the younger generation interested in horse breeding and plays a key role in training new specialists. Students study horse riding, national equestrian games and equestrian sports. They also study English and Russian, mathematics, chemistry and computer literacy. Training at the centre is conducted on a seasonal basis, and the number of applicants for each season exceeds forty. The centre offers all necessary conditions for learning under the guidance of experienced teaching staff.
One can speak at length about emotions and still fail to convey the full depth and strength of passion. Yet the selfless, nationwide love of the Turkmen people for horses has found its historical expression not only in words. The fruits of centuries of selective breeding–the Akhal Teke horses, unrivalled in strength, beauty, and bearing–have become the visible and tangible embodiment of deep national devotion.
Even more important is the fact that this living heritage was created through the union of nature and humankind, which for centuries nurtured a unique breed, investing in it its own understanding of beauty and the values of life. In the original tradition, horse and rider were bound by a special relationship. Intelligent and sensitive, faithful and devoted, the Akhal Teke horse remains beside the human being both in difficult hours of trial and days of nationwide joy.