On 29 September, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, took part in the opening ceremony of the President of Turkmenistan’s Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex, which seats 1,200 people, in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains. This was reported by the TDH news agency.

The complex opened as part of the year's events, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, and in the run-up to the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence.

Before the ceremony began, Hero Arkadag drove along the modernised road to the complex. Along the route stand the ‘Ýanardag’ monument and the ‘Atly aýlaw’ sculpture group, both dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses.

Performances by cultural figures and artists, as well as the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group, took place on the complex’s grounds. Guests were treated to equestrian displays, musical performances and a drone show.

During the ceremony, the National Leader of the Turkmen people delivered a speech. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the new complex has a capacity of 1,200 seats and is intended for the development of horse breeding, selection work and the hosting of equestrian events.

The complex provides facilities for the year-round care and breeding of Ahal-Teke racehorses. It houses specialised departments and laboratories, and is equipped with modern stables, open-air and indoor riding arenas, racecourses, training area for grooms, a water treadmill and spectator stands.

Areas within the complex have also been set aside for growing apples, carrots and alfalfa, which are used in the racehorses’ diet. Warehouses for storing feed have been provided.

The administrative and main buildings are equipped with digital systems. These enable monitoring of the horses’ living conditions, feeding and rest schedules. A separate building has been constructed for breeding work.

The complex features a photography studio with themed backdrops depicting the four seasons, the Caspian Sea and the Karakum Desert. There are also areas designated for holding beauty contests for Ahal-Teke racehorses.

Following the performance, Hero Arkadag cut the ceremonial ribbon. The National Leader of the Turkmen people then toured the complex and familiarised himself with its facilities.

In accordance with the Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan and President of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Association, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Hero Arkadag presented to Liu Shuqing, head of the horse breeding company ‘Daqing Huiyou Breeding Co., Ltd.’ of the People’s Republic of China, an Ahal-Teke racehorse named Dosthan, a blue roan born in 2023, along with the corresponding certificate.

Later, Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived at the complex. The Head of State cut the ceremonial ribbon in front of the main entrance and toured the grounds.

The President of Turkmenistan inspected the indoor riding arena and watched demonstration performances by equestrian and show jumping athletes. In the outdoor riding arena, the Head of State watched a performance by the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group.

One of the highlights was the celebratory horse races featuring master jockeys. The competition featured racehorses representing all the velayats, as well as the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people, People’s Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan, Master Jockey-Instructor of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag, rode the racehorse Daghan, trained by the young groom Kerimguly Berdimuhamedov.

Hero Arkadag emerged as the winner of the race. Second place went to the horse Shohratly from the city of Ashgabat, and third place to Azamat from the Ahal velayat.

The winner was awarded a ‘Range Rover Sport’. Second place was awarded a ‘Toyota Fortuner’, and third place a ‘Toyota Camry’.

Hero Arkadag donated the main prize of the race to the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan – specifically to the military unit where Sergeant Kerimguly Berdimuhamedov is serving.

As part of the festivities, a beauty contest for Turkmen Alabay dogs was also held. The winner was the Alabay named Arwana. His owner was presented with a ‘Toyota Corolla’.

Competitions in the national sport of goresh wrestling also took place. The winners in various weight categories were M. Nurberdiyev, G. Hemrayev, S. Rejepov, A. Allaberdiyev and N. Baydogdyev. The outstanding wrestlers were presented with Turkmen-made televisions.

During the celebrations, national customs and traditions characteristic of the velayats and the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag were showcased. Those attending the event also witnessed the newlyweds’ wedding celebration, which coincided with the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence.

The Head of State congratulated the newlyweds and presented them with the keys to a new flat as a wedding gift.

The ceremony concluded with performances by artists and a congratulatory address by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence.