Turkmenistan is the only country in the world whose national emblem is adorned with the silhouette of an Akhal Teke horse. This detail reflects the deeply rooted, almost reverential attitude of the Turkmen people toward the horse. At the same time, the poetic image of a rider confidently seated in the saddle, skilfully guiding a powerful and graceful animal, serves as a striking metaphor for the present state of Turkmen society – experiencing an unprecedented surge of development across virtually all spheres of human activity.
The current year is held under the motto “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses”. It has become a landmark in the country’s 35-year history of independence. The motto reflects both the nation’s commitment to its rich cultural heritage and the key priorities of Turkmenistan’s comprehensive development in a new historical era. It is therefore no coincidence that the National Day of the Turkmen Horse has gained particular prominence in such a significant year.
The range and richness of events dedicated to the world renowned Akhal Teke horses are so diverse that the celebrations are never confined to a single day. As a rule, they extend throughout the entire week leading up to the actual day – and this year was no exception.
Well in advance of the national day, numerous scientific and practical conferences devoted to pressing issues in horse breeding were held across the country, along with races featuring both young and mature riders, as well as a range of equestrian competitions. Alongside sporting events, the festive programme included exhibitions and art contests dedicated to the artistic portrayal of the horse’s beauty in fine and decorative arts, musical performances, stage productions and other cultural initiatives aimed at enhancing the global renown of the Akhal Teke horse while preserving and enriching the authentic traditions of the national school of horse breeding.
As part of the celebrations marking the National Day of the Turkmen Horse, show jumping competitions were held at the open arena of the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex. A total of ten elite horses took part in the event. According to the rules, the competition consisted of three stages, during each of which riders had to clear obstacles set at designated heights. Their performance was assessed in terms of speed over the course and smoothness of jumping.
Owing to their visual appeal and the thrilling intensity of sporting competition, the show jumping events became a true highlight of the equestrian programme of the day.
Nowadays, celebrations honoring the Akhal Teke horse – the renowned Turkmen breed – are becoming increasingly vibrant and elaborate, steadily acquiring new traditions. What remains unchanged, however, is the attitude toward the “heroes” of these festivities. They are regarded as a national treasure worthy of special care, preservation and enhancement, as well as of continued scientific study and global promotion.
The international Akhal Teke horse beauty contest in Ashgabat was the central event of the festive week. Such contests have been organized in the country since 2011, aiming at promoting the development of horse breeding traditions and drawing the attention of the global community to this breed as a vivid expression of the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people.
This time, ten elite representatives of the Akhal Teke breed were presented on the show arena for the jury to impartially assess their beauty, build and grace. They were selected during qualification stages from Ashgabat and the country’s five regions. All the horses names, age, pedigree details and owners were introduced in sequence to both the jury and spectators. In accordance with the contest rules, each horse was presented twice before the jury and viewers – first without equipment and then in ceremonial harness. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the event.
Following the jury’s deliberations, stallion Khankerven (foaled in 2018) from the Akhal Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan was crowned the winner. On behalf of the Head of State, keys to a Japanese SUV along with the challenge cup and a diploma were presented to trainer Myratgeldy Mammedov, who raised the most beautiful Akhal Teke horse of 2026.
The natural beauty, grace, intelligence, speed, loyalty and racing qualities of the Akhal Teke horse – an integral part of the national cultural heritage – have for centuries served as a source of inspiration for artists and creative minds. These celestial steeds have been glorified in epics and poems, immortalized in legends and songs, proverbs and sayings, while the pedigrees of the most distinguished representatives of the breed have been carefully preserved. Moreover, works of art have celebrated not only the love for the horse and its unmatched qualities, but also the ingenuity of the people who created such a perfect breed – one that stands as the result of creativity, knowledge, patience and the inexhaustible creative potential of many generations of Turkmen.
It is therefore only natural that the central idea of the annual art contest is to highlight both the natural splendour and unique qualities of the Akhal Teke horse, as well as the profound role these steeds play in the life of the Turkmen people. The horse’s exceptional grace, intelligence and talents have inspired artists to create a wide range of expressive and imaginative works.
The professional jury assessed the contest entries submitted by contemporary artists, sculptors, carpet weavers, jewellers, photographers, publishing specialists, designers and television cameramen. The best works were selected across a range of categories, including the finest carpet, the most exquisite piece of jewellery, the best pictorial and sculptural representation of a horse, as well as excellence in publishing, photography and television production. On this day, creative professionals were awarded prizes for outstanding depictions of the Akhal Teke horse in works of fine and decorative applied arts, print media and television programmes.
The horse races were the centrepiece of the festive programme and the most prestigious competition of the season. The packed stands watched the races with great excitement for more than two hours, while dozens of television and camera lenses captured every moment. Dozens of horses took part in the races over various distances, showcasing their finest athletic qualities. Between races, musical performances were organized, allowing spectators to enjoy the melodies and songs of folk bakhshi musicians and renowned performers. At the official award ceremony, the winners of the festive races received valuable prizes, cash awards and diplomas.
Festive events were held across all regions of Turkmenistan. For the Turkmen people, the celebrated Akhal Teke breed – created by their own hands – is both a shared and deeply personal story, intertwined with a philosophy of life shaped by a destiny that for centuries has remained inseparable from the nature of their native land. It is therefore no coincidence that the National Day of the Turkmen Horse, once again sweeping through cities and villages across the country, was vibrant in a truly spring like spirit – rich in colour and filled with an atmosphere of admiration and heartfelt reverence for this priceless treasure of civilization.