Kronenberg, September 7, 2026 – The Europe Today: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, has been presented with the honorary award “For a Major Contribution to the Development of Horse Breeding” and a certificate “For Contribution to the Development of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding.”
The prestigious honors were presented on September 5 during an open meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, held at the Pilbergen equestrian sports complex in Kronenberg as part of the world championship in equestrian sports and the Akhal-Teke horse beauty competition.
The award and certificate were presented to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov by Marian Weltevrede, President of the European Akhal-Teke Horse Association. The decision to confer the certificate recognized his contribution to preserving equestrian traditions and advancing and promoting the Akhal-Teke breed internationally.
Opening the meeting, Weltevrede noted that the world championship for the beauty of Akhal-Teke horses was being held in Europe for the first time. She also emphasized that the open meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding was being organized in Europe for the first time.
According to Weltevrede, the participation of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov demonstrated the importance attached to preserving and promoting the unique heritage of Akhal-Teke horse breeding.
She particularly highlighted his role in the development of international cooperation in the field. The International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding was established in Ashgabat in 2010 on his initiative, bringing together horse breeders, scientists and horse owners from numerous countries. Weltevrede noted that Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov headed the organization for more than a decade, helping establish common breeding practices and unified rules.
She also highlighted the development of modern equestrian infrastructure in Turkmenistan, including the scientific and production center for horse breeding and the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding in Arkadag city. The academy applies modern genetic and molecular biology methods to help preserve the purity of the Akhal-Teke breed.
Weltevrede further noted that the Galkynysh national equestrian games team was established on Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s initiative and that the international promotion of Akhal-Teke horses, including through annual beauty competitions, has contributed to the breed’s growing recognition worldwide.
She also praised Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s books on Akhal-Teke horses, saying they systematize the knowledge and traditions of Turkmen horse trainers and contribute to the preservation of the country’s equestrian heritage.
The art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and the traditions of decorating horses were inscribed unanimously on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023. Weltevrede noted that Akhal-Teke horses are currently bred in Europe, the United States and China, while international interest in the breed continues to expand.
Receiving the honors, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov described the award as a great honor, stressing that he regarded it primarily as a symbol of respect and gratitude toward the Turkmen people and Turkmenistan, the homeland of the world-famous Akhal-Teke horse.
He emphasized that the history of the Akhal-Teke horse is inseparably linked with the history of the Turkmen people. For centuries, he said, horses have served as faithful companions, a source of support and a matter of national pride.
During his remarks, the National Leader of the Turkmen people underscored that the Akhal-Teke horse constitutes an integral part of Turkmenistan’s history and national identity. He outlined ongoing efforts to increase the number of purebred horses, further develop the breed, conduct scientific research, introduce DNA testing and establish an electronic database.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also stressed that the preservation and development of the Akhal-Teke breed remains among the priorities of Turkmenistan’s state policy.
Concluding his remarks, he expressed gratitude for the prestigious international recognition and thanked the organizers for their hospitality and contribution to the successful holding of the event.
He also emphasized the importance of further expanding international cooperation in Akhal-Teke horse breeding, noting that closer cooperation among countries and generations can contribute to joint efforts to preserve and develop the unique breed.
