Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people, put forward several initiatives to develop Akhal-Teke horse breeding and expand international cooperation at the open meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding held Sept. 5 in Kronenberg, Netherlands. A representative of the Business Turkmenistan online publication attending the event reported.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed considering the creation of a unified genetic bank for Akhal-Teke horses and an International Fund for Akhal-Teke Horses. Emphasizing the need to combine efforts and capabilities, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan is ready to support this work, provide advisory and methodological assistance, and supply archival and other necessary materials.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted the importance of expanding the participation of Akhal-Teke horses in international equestrian sports and said one of the main goals should be to bring Akhal-Teke horses to the Olympic Games arenas. In this regard, he proposed developing programs to train young horses in dressage and show jumping based on international standards, as well as establishing major international awards dedicated to breeding horses.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said the development of “green diplomacy” and ecotourism is also an important area, noting that organizing horseback tours along the historical route of the Great Silk Road on Akhal-Teke horses could become a new direction in global tourism. The National Leader of the Turkmen people also submitted for consideration by the meeting participants a proposal to establish international research grants in veterinary science and invest in studying the unique genome of Akhal-Teke horses.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also emphasized the need to establish systematic cooperation among international Akhal-Teke horse breeding associations and proposed coordinating educational and research activities and exchanging historical information and materials. In addition, he said it would be appropriate to develop plans to produce creative works dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses for mass media, television, documentary projects, digital sources and print publications.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the international equestrian championship being held in Kronenberg brings together relevant associations from many countries, emphasizing that this creates an important opportunity to develop closer ties among Akhal-Teke horse enthusiasts, specialists and like-minded people.
