On 28 September, the 16th meeting of the International Association for Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding was held in Ashgabat, chaired by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the news agency TDH.

The Head of State noted that the meeting was taking place during the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. Participants discussed the Association’s activities, and a ceremony was held to confer honorary titles on Turkmen and foreign horse breeders.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting Ahal-Teke horses as part of Turkmenistan’s national heritage. He noted that in 2026 – a year designated under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ – a series of horse-breeding and equestrian events had been held both at home and abroad.

The International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association was established in 2010 on the initiative of Hero Arkadag. Today, it comprises 213 Turkmen and around 40 foreign representatives.

The President highlighted the World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke beauty contest held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which served as a platform for developing international cooperation in the field of horse breeding.

The Head of State also announced that the opening of the modernised Akal-Teke Equestrian Complex would take place on 29 September at the foot of the Kopetdag Mountains.

During the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed documents on further improving the activities of the International Association for Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding and on the conferral of honorary titles.

The title ‘Türkmenistanyň at gazanan atşynasy’ was conferred upon Marian Weltevreden, Head of the European Ahal-Teke Horse Association; Liu Shuqing, head of the horse breeding company ‘Daqing Huiyou Breeding Co., Ltd.’, the private horse breeder from the Republic of Estonia, Kaido Puusepp, the jockey Agamyradov Begenchmyrat Kakamyradovich, and the private horse breeder from Ashgabat, Berdimuhammedov Berdimuhammet Sadykmuhammedovich.

The groom Kanayev Durdymyrat has been awarded the honorary title ‘Türkmenistanyň halk atşynasy’.

Following the awards ceremony, representatives of the domestic and international horse-breeding sectors addressed the audience.

Marian Weltevreden, Head of the European Ahal-Teke Horse Association, highlighted the importance of initiatives to preserve the Ahal-Teke breed and emphasised the role of the World Championship and the Ahal-Teke beauty contest, which took place in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

According to her, more than 100 horses and representatives from over 35 countries took part in the events at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre. The championship brought together breeders, grooms, jockeys, trainers, judges and enthusiasts of Ahal-Teke horses.

Liu Shuqing, head of the horse-breeding company ‘Daqing Huiyou Breeding Co., Ltd.’, noted that Ahal-Teke horses hold special significance for the peoples of Turkmenistan and China. He highlighted the development of friendly ties between the two countries and expressed his gratitude for being awarded the honorary title.

Kaido Puusepp, a private horse breeder from the Republic of Estonia and an internationally recognised veterinary surgeon, spoke about his many years of professional experience working with horses, including Ahal-Teke racehorses. He highlighted the importance of participating in events in Turkmenistan for the exchange of expertise and the development of international cooperation in the field of horse breeding.

In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the horse breeders on being awarded their honorary titles and wished the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association every success in its future work.