Turkmen President and President of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a decree Sept. 28 on holding the world championship in equestrian sports and beauty contest among Akhal-Teke horses once every five years.
According to the document, the time and venue for the championship and contest will be approved at a meeting of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding. The decision is aimed at further promoting Akhal-Teke horses internationally and developing Turkmen horse-breeding traditions, Turkmenistan’s official media reported.
Another decree was also signed providing for the development of specialized training programs to prepare Akhal-Teke horses for show jumping and other equestrian sports in accordance with international requirements. The programs will also be aimed at ensuring the horses’ successful participation at Olympic venues. The establishment of special international prizes and cups of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding at major competitions among Akhal-Teke horses is also envisaged.
In addition, the decree designated equestrian tourism involving Akhal-Teke horses as one of the areas of the Association’s international activities. The document provides for preparing proposals on exchanging experience, training specialists and implementing joint international projects, as well as cooperating with foreign horse-breeding and tourism organizations to create new routes combining historical and cultural, ecological and international tourism opportunities.
A decree was also signed on the establishment of the International Breeding Council of Akhal-Teke Horses. Under the decree, the council will coordinate breeding work internationally, facilitate the exchange of breeding information, promote the genetic protection of purebred Akhal-Teke horses and help improve breeding standards.
The document also provides for the development of research programs to study the genetics, breeding characteristics, reproduction, feeding, health, veterinary care and production capabilities of Akhal-Teke horses using modern scientific methods and biotechnology. It also envisages conducting specialized scientific and veterinary research to preserve the breed’s gene pool and supporting innovative projects.
In addition, citizens of Turkmenistan and foreign countries were admitted to the International Association of Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding. The decree also provides for holding the Association’s next, 17th meeting in Ashgabat in April 2027.
