The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, paid a visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he took part in events at the World Equestrian Games and the Ahal-Teke horse beauty contest. This was reported by the news agency TDH.

An open meeting of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Breeding took place in the town of Kronenberg. It was attended by representatives of relevant associations, horse breeders, scientists and specialists from Turkmenistan, European countries, Central Asia and the Americas.

Speaking at the meeting, Hero Arkadag highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the development of Ahal-Teke horse breeding. He emphasised the need to expand the participation of Ahal-Teke racehorses in global equestrian sport, to advance scientific research, veterinary science and genetics, and to facilitate the exchange of expertise amongst specialists.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people proposed holding the World Equestrian Championships every five years. The participants at the meeting supported the initiative.

During the event, Hero Arkadag was presented with an honorary award from the European Ahal-Teke Horse Association ‘For a significant contribution to the development of horse breeding’ and the corresponding trophy.

A beauty contest for Ahal-Teke horses was also held in Kronenberg. The overall champion was the black horse Yyndam, owned by A. Martinez from France. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Hero Arkadag presented the winner with the main ‘Grand Prix’ prize and the keys to a modern car.

Winners were also announced in other categories. These included competitions for young horses, the ‘Europe’s Best Stallion’ contest, the ‘Most Beautifully Decorated Horse’ contest, as well as dressage and show jumping competitions.

An international creative competition was held as part of the championship. Representatives from Turkmenistan and other countries received awards in the categories of sculpture, painting, carpet weaving, photography and jewellery.

A separate part of the programme was an exhibition dedicated to Turkmen horse breeding, culture and decorative and applied arts. The Turkmenistan pavilion showcased books by the Hero Arkadag and the President of Turkmenistan, works of art, traditional carpets, jewellery, equestrian equipment, national dress and dishes from Turkmen cuisine.

The ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group performed in a special arena. The riders demonstrated complex equestrian manoeuvres on Ahal-Teke horses.

During the visit, meetings and speeches were held by representatives from the Netherlands, Greece, Spain and other countries. The participants highlighted the role of horse breeding in the development of international cultural ties and expressed an interest in further cooperation.

Following the championship, Hero Arkadag thanked the Government and people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for organising the event and for their hospitality. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan emphasised Turkmenistan’s readiness to continue international cooperation in the field of Ahal-Teke horse breeding.

Following the conclusion of the visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people returned to Turkmenistan. He was met at the capital’s international airport by officials and members of the country’s Government.