President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed a decree establishing a State Organizing Committee to ensure the high-level organization of international equestrian and horse beauty competitions. The decision aims to further enhance the global recognition of the Akhal-Teke horse — the national treasure of the Turkmen people — and to ensure comprehensive preparations for the events, Turkmen state media reported on Monday.
In recent years, Turkmenistan has taken several important steps to promote its national equestrian heritage internationally. In 2024, the nomination "Akhal-Teke Horse-Breeding Art and Traditions of Horse Decoration" was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. International Akhal-Teke horse beauty contests, equestrian competitions, and scientific conferences are held annually as part of the celebrations marking the National Day of the Turkmen Horse.
The Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group, established at the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, also contributes to enhancing the international prestige of the Akhal-Teke horse. In recent years, the group has won top awards at international circus arts festivals in Monte Carlo and other prestigious competitions, demonstrating the achievements of Turkmen horse-breeding traditions to global audiences.
Turkmen horse breeders also achieved notable success at the Pearl of the East international equestrian and horse beauty competition held in Uzbekistan in May this year. Akhal-Teke horses delivered strong performances at the event in the Tashkent. On May 16, Ashgabat hosted a ceremonial event honoring the achievements of the Turkmen delegation, highlighting that such successes contribute to the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
