Ahal-Teke horses are an integral part of the historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The breed originated in what is now Turkmenistan and is considered one of the oldest in the world.

One of the key events for the modern development and international promotion of the Ahal-Teke breed was the World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke Beauty Contest, which took place from 4 to 6 September 2026. The events were attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The championship was the centrepiece of a large-scale programme combining sporting, scientific and cultural events. The programme included an open session of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Association, an international scientific and practical conference, the presentation of the book ‘A Horse – A Symbol of Faithfulness and Happiness’ in Dutch, and an exhibition dedicated to Turkmen culture and horse-breeding traditions. The championship itself served as a prominent platform for showcasing Ahal-Teke racehorses.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s participation lent the event a special international dimension. Hero Arkadag emphasised the championship’s significance for further enhancing the international prestige of Ahal-Teke racehorses and expanding cooperation in this field. According to the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, holding the events in Kronenberg was a gesture of respect towards Turkmenistan, its history and culture as the homeland of the Ahal-Teke breed.

As part of his visit, Hero Arkadag also took part in the closing ceremony of the competition. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the winner was awarded the main prize – the ‘Grand Prix’ in the ‘World Champion among Ahal-Teke Horses’ category.

Thus, the championship in the Netherlands became not only a sporting competition but also an international platform for showcasing Ahal-Teke horses in the fields of equestrian sport, scientific research and cultural heritage. This combination of sporting, scientific and cultural elements was one of the distinctive features of the event.

The programme of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit extended well beyond his participation in the championship itself. An open meeting of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Association was held in Kronenberg, attended by representatives of the international horse breeding community. During the meeting, the prospects for the further development of the breed and for international cooperation were discussed.

Hero Arkadag proposed holding the World Ahal-Teke Horse Championship every five years. The meeting’s participants supported this proposal. Areas for further work were also identified, including expanding the participation of Ahal-Tekes in international equestrian sport, the development of scientific research, veterinary medicine and the exchange of expertise.

Particular attention was paid to creating conditions for the preservation of the breed’s genetic pool and the development of international scientific links. Among the proposals was an initiative to establish an International Ahal-Teke Horse Fund.

The scientific programme continued at the international conference ‘Ahalteke bedewi: türkmeniň dünýewi seýisçilik sungaty’ (‘The Ahal-Teke Horse: Turkmen Art of Universal Horse Breeding’). The conference was attended by scientists and horse-breeding specialists from more than 20 countries. The topics of the parallel sessions included the history and development of the Ahal-Teke breed, its influence on global horse-breeding culture, issues of selection and veterinary care, the genetic foundations for preserving the breed’s purity, as well as the depiction of the racehorse in fine and decorative-applied arts.

The championship thus became a unique focal point, bringing together scientific research, cultural projects, professional networking and the presentation of national traditions.

A significant international milestone was the inclusion, on 5 December 2023, of the national nomination ‘Art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses' decoration’ on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This decision relates to the body of knowledge and traditions associated with the breeding, rearing and decoration of Ahal-Teke horses. Therefore, the preservation of this heritage involves not only sustaining the breed itself, but also passing on professional skills, the traditions of seysis and the art forms associated with horse breeding.

In the Netherlands, this theme was given practical expression. As part of the championship, an exhibition was held dedicated to Turkmen culture, horse breeding, crafts and traditions. Visitors were able to familiarise themselves with national equestrian equipment, jewellery, carpets, clothing and other elements of cultural heritage.

A special feature was the presentation of the Dutch edition of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s book ‘A Horse – A Symbol of Faithfulness and Happiness’. First published in 2019, the book is dedicated to the role of the horse in the history and life of the Turkmen people, the traditions of horse breeding and the distinctive features of the Ahal-Teke breed. Its translation has broadened the Dutch audience’s understanding of Turkmen equestrian culture.

The Netherlands was not chosen as the venue for the championship by chance: Kronenberg is one of Europe’s renowned centres for equestrian sport. It was here that representatives from various countries, professional riders, academics, specialists and enthusiasts of the Ahal-Teke breed were brought together.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit to the Netherlands formed part of a wider effort to promote Ahal-Teke horse breeding internationally. Even before the 2026 championship, Hero Arkadag had visited equestrian facilities abroad and discussed issues of international cooperation in the field of horse breeding. In particular, during a trip to the USA, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan visited the ‘La Victoria’ equestrian complex, whilst in Germany he held a working meeting on preparations for international equestrian events.

The championship demonstrated that the further development of Ahal-Teke horse breeding is linked to the preservation of traditions, scientific research into the breed, participation in international competitions and the expansion of professional cooperation.

The programme of events continued on 12 September at the ‘Ruhyýet’ Palace in the city of Arkadag, where a high-level conference entitled ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses: A Space of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation’ was held. It was attended by representatives of the Government, ministries and departments, diplomatic missions and international organisations, as well as civil society organisations and young people.

International attention to the results of the championship was also reflected in a letter from Marian Weltevreden, Head of the European Ahal-Teke Horse Association, addressed to the National Leader of the Turkmen people. The letter highlighted the significance of the event held in the Netherlands for promoting the Ahal-Teke breed and expanding international cooperation.

Thus, the Ahal-Teke racehorse was presented not only as a representative of an ancient breed, but also as a link between Turkmenistan’s historical heritage and modern international equestrian sport.