Today, the 18^th International Scientific Conference “The Turkmen Steed and World Horse Breeding Art” was held at the S.A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University on the occasion of the National Turkmen Horse Day, widely celebrated in our country in the year “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of the Purposeful Winged Steeds”.

Before the forum, participants viewed an exhibition of creative works, in which the beauty of Ahalteke horses is artistically captured in fine and applied art, carpets, jewelry, and photographs.

As is well known, Ahalteke horses, rightly called the “wings of the soul of the Turkmen”, occupy an important place in the life and culture of our people.

The image of the racehorse – a symbol of beauty, grace, agility, and strength – has always been a source of inspiration. In modern works, Ahalteke horses are presented as a living embodiment of the rapid development of our homeland. This is vividly reflected in the books of the National Leader of the Turkmen People Hero-Arkadag, dedicated to legendary racehorses and the national art of horse breeding.

Then, a plenary session of the international scientific conference was held in the university’s conference hall. Congratulating those gathered on the National Day of the Turkmen Racehorse, the speakers emphasized the special significance of the events held to mark this occasion in the year “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds”, which marks the 35^th anniversary of the country’s sovereignty. Bred by our ancestors on ancient Turkmen soil, the Ahalteke, swift as the wind, has become a universal treasure, rightfully considered as one of the most renowned horse breeds on the planet. This is vividly confirmed by the inclusion of the art of Ahalteke horse breeding and horse-dressing traditions on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Our “heavenly” horses, a source of national pride for their loyalty, beauty, speed, and endurance, remain the “wings” and true treasure of the country in the modern era.

The speeches emphasized that our hardworking and talented ancestors created this unique breed and managed to preserve its purity. Today, thanks to the efforts of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the art of horse breeding, which dates back thousands of years, has received a powerful impetus for development. Promoting Ahalteke horses worldwide, increasing their numbers, and improving breeding practices have become priority areas of state policy.

In our country, modern equestrian centers, specialized research, and educational centers are being built and commissioned, the social, living, and working conditions of horse breeders are being consistently improved, and young specialists in the industry are being trained. Clear evidence of this is the establishment of the Aba Annayev International Horse Breeding Academy and the Horse Breeding Research and Production Center in Arkadag city.

The beauty, endurance, nobility, devotion, and sensitivity of these “heavenly” horses, as well as the supreme professionalism of Turkmen horse breeders, trainers, and breeders, are universally admired. Every year, the number of foreign partners expressing interest in collaborating in horse breeding with Turkmenistan, the birthplace of the legendary “winged” horses, is growing. In this regard, the International Ahalteke Horse Association, established in 2010 at the initiative of Hero-Arkadag, has become a reputable platform for interaction between equestrian specialists from various countries.

In the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, the noble work of domestic and foreign horse breeders specializing in raising Ahalteke horses is receiving due recognition. They are awarded the “Türkmenistanyň at gazanan atşynasy”, “Türkmenistanyň halk atşynasy”, “Türkmenistanyň ussat halypa çapyksuwary”, and “Türkmenistanyň ussat halypa seýsi” honorary titles.

The Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group’s worldwide fame, regularly receiving top awards at prestigious international festivals and competitions, is growing daily. Earlier this year, at the International Circus Arts Festival held in Monte Carlo, Monaco, the Galkynyş Group was awarded international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association for its significant contribution to the development of circus arts. This event reinforced the significance of this year, which is being held under the deeply symbolic motto “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds”.

During the conference, the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan conferring the “Türkmenistanyň at gazanan atşynasy” honorary title was read to masters of their craft who have distinguished themselves and made a significant contribution to the development of the country’s equestrian industry, as well as on the occasion of the National Day of the Turkmen Horse. Those awarded this honorary title expressed their sincere gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero-Arkadag, and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for creating modern conditions for the development of the national art of horse breeding inherited from their ancestors, and for their high appreciation of the work of those involved.

At the 18^th International Scientific Conference “The Turkmen Horse and the World Art of Horse Breeding”, presentations were made via digital link by the heads of prestigious European equestrian associations, as well as professors and lecturers from universities in Germany and Turkiye. They presented interesting information on the ongoing work to breed Ahalteke horses, which played a key role in the development of global horse breeding, and on the influence of the image of the “heavenly” horse on the culture of Turkic and other peoples. The foreign representatives expressed their willingness to actively collaborate with relevant structures in our country to increase the Ahalteke population, improve breeding efforts, and promote the ancient art of horse breeding of the Turkmen people and their exemplary accumulated experience in this field.

The conference also featured presentations on scientific research into increasing the Ahalteke population and strengthening their immune systems using medicinal plants native to our country, as well as the glorification of the horse in classical literature.

The insightful presentations delivered at the subsequent sections, “Celebrating Ahalteke Horses in the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State”, “The Care, Feeding, and Training of Ahalteke Horses According to Veterinary Requirements”, and “The Place of Ahalteke Horses in Global Horse Breeding”, comprehensively explored the historical path and contemporary achievements of the national art of horse breeding.

Forum participants were unanimous in their opinion that such events help familiarize the international community with the successes of the domestic equestrian industry, exchange experiences, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign associations, specialized organizations, and private horse breeders. Words of profound gratitude were expressed at the international conference to Hero-Arkadag and the President of Turkmenistan for the large-scale reforms being implemented in the ancient homeland of these “heavenly” horses and for their tireless efforts to ensure a prosperous and happy life for their people.