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With a view to widely familiarize with the deep meaning and content of the motto of the current year, "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – homeland of purposeful winged horses," as well as to further increase the glory of Akhal-teke horses, which have become a symbol of rapid development of our fatherland, large-scale events are held in the country and abroad. The equestrian sports competitions, “The Pearl of the East" beauty contest and the international scientific-practical conference "The Akhal-teke horse – a symbol of friendship of peoples" held in Tashkent city of the Republic of Uzbekistan clearly attest to the fact.
As known, by the instruction of the President of Turkmenistan, a representative delegation visited the Republic of Uzbekistan, including specialists from production and scientific institutions of the horse-breeding industry, workers of culture and media workers of our country. The purpose of the trip was to participate in the equestrian sports competitions, “The Pearl of the East" beauty contest, and international conference "The Akhal-teke horse – a symbol of friendship of peoples" held in Tashkent. These large-scale events serve as confirmation that the bonds of friendship and brotherhood of our peoples, living in good neighbourliness for many centuries, steadily strengthen in the modern epoch thanks to the consistent efforts of heads of the two countries.
On May 8, the international conference "The Akhal-teke horse – a symbol of friendship of peoples" was held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, at the "Yangi Toshkent Conference Hall," in the foyer of which an exhibition of decorative and applied arts of the Turkmen people was launched. The Akhal-teke horse has served as an inexhaustible source of inspiration for creativity in all times. In the modern epoch, an important place is given to the beauty of Akhal-Teke horses in art, including jewellery, sculpture, and painting. Participants of the international scientific-practical conference familiarized themselves with the exhibits of the exhibition with great interest.
The current conference testifies to the fact that our national values serve as a solid foundation for the further development of cultural, humanitarian, and diplomatic relations, as well as for the strengthening of the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two peoples. The international forum brought together not only representatives of relevant departments of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, but also horse breeders, selection scientists, and diplomats from a number of countries. The Turkmen youth studying in Uzbekistan and our compatriots also took part in its work.
During the conference, the heads of the State Association "Türkmen atlary," the diplomatic mission of Turkmenistan in Uzbekistan, and the Ministry of Sport of the friendly country delivered welcoming messages, sincerely congratulating those present on the holding of international events in Tashkent dedicated to the "heavenly" horses in the year of "Independent neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful winged horses". As emphasized, this confirms the inviolability of friendly and good-neighbourly ties between our peoples. In the modern epoch, thanks to the constant attention and efforts of the Presidents of the two countries, interstate relations are brought to a qualitatively new level. Mutual visits at the highest level, various events, international sports competitions, and an active participation of national delegations in them attest to the fact.
As noted, throughout history, horses have been an integral part of the daily life of peoples of the region. The horse was and remains a faithful companion of man in difficult times and "his spread wings" in days of joy. Currently, there are hundreds of horse breeds in the world, among which the Akhal-teke is one of the oldest. According to scientific data, Akhal-teke horses played a key role in the emergence of other horse breeds. The Turkmen people not only gave the world Akhal-teke horses, which have no equal in beauty and noble disposition, but also consistently improved this unique breed over centuries, preserving its purity.
Being an unsurpassed model of national and world culture, the "heavenly" horses in the modern epoch act as a symbol of great achievements of independent neutral Turkmenistan, as well as the continuity of times and generations. In this regard, the announcement of the motto of 2026, "Independent neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful winged horses," contributed to reaching a new stage in the work to strengthen humanitarian ties between peoples, popularize our unique cultural heritage, and pass it on to future generations. They expressed a firm confidence that the international beauty contest, equestrian sports competitions and the conference held in brotherly Uzbekistan would become an excellent opportunity to reveal the historical and cultural significance of the Akhal-teke horse, study innovative approaches in preserving and improving horse-breeding traditions, as well as to familiarize with achievements in this industry within the framework of friendly interstate cooperation. Besides it, the speakers expressed sincere gratitude to Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev for organizing such events, intended to make a great contribution to the further strengthening of friendly and brotherly relations between our peoples, and for the opportunities created for their successful organization.
During the international scientific-practical conference, reports were heard on the glorious historical path of Akhal-teke horses. The training of horses, which amaze with their beauty and speed, requires hard work, deep knowledge, boundless love, and talent. Our courageous ancestors, investing their persistence and labour into this cause, gave world culture a unique value. The inclusion of our country's national nomination "Akhal-teke horse-breeding art and traditions of horse decoration" in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024 also clearly attests to the fact. As noted, the works of Hero-Arkadag "The Akhal-teke horse – our pride and glory," "The Swift pace of the horse," and "The horse – a symbol of fidelity and happiness" are important scientific and literary sources for understanding the role of "winged" horses in the world cultural heritage.
In the modern epoch in Turkmenistan, the homeland of famous Akhal-Teke horses, large-scale work is carried out to preserve, study, and develop the national horse-breeding art, popularize its rich traditions rooted deep in millennia, stimulate equestrian sports, and expand effective interaction in this area with all interested foreign partners. The International Akhal-teke horse breeding association, established in 2010 on the initiative of Hero-Arkadag with its headquarters located in Ashgabat, serves these goals. The Association unites specialists, horse-breeding scientists, and numerous connoisseurs of "heavenly" horses from all corners of the planet. At the regularly held meetings of this Organization, key areas of cooperation are discussed, enriching it with new joint projects and business contacts, and an exchange of accumulated experience takes place.
In addition, every year on the occasion of the national holiday of the Turkmen Horse, widely celebrated at the state level, an international Akhal-Teke horse beauty contest and a scientific-practical conference are organized in our country. Festive races and various equestrian sports competitions among young riders, adult jockeys, and master-mentors are held, as well as creative contests for the artistic embodiment of the beauty of horses in works of fine and decorative-applied art, publishing products, photographs, and television programs. Turkmen and foreign horse breeders who have made a great contribution to the development of the industry are awarded honorary titles such as "Türkmenistanyň at gazanan atşynasy," "Türkmenistanyň ussat halypa çapyksuwary," "Türkmenistanyň ussat halypa seýsi," and "Türkmenistanyň halk atşynasy". This testifies to the fact that our fatherland highly values those who dedicated their lives to horse breeding and attaches great importance to the development of international cooperation in the relevant field.
Members of the International Akhal-teke horse breeding association from the Republic of Uzbekistan, including those awarded the honorary title "Türkmenistanyň at gazanan atşynasy," spoke at the conference.
As emphasized, the work on developing horse breeding in Turkmenistan is exemplary. Special emphasis was placed on the wide opportunities of modern equestrian complexes located in the Turkmen capital and velayats. Guests could familiarize themselves with their features during visits as part of their participation in events held in our country, as well as by observing the high level of organization of competitions on the occasion of the national holiday of the Turkmen Horse. Foreign representatives also detailed the work on increasing the number of Akhal-teke horses and preserving the purity of the breed.
In the reports of participants of the conference, it was pointed out that thanks to the constant attention of Hero-Arkadag and the President of Turkmenistan, who are true connoisseurs of Akhal-teke horses, various types of equestrian sports are actively developing. As emphasized, the success at international circus festivals of the Group of National Horse Games "Galkynyş," created on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero-Arkadag, contributes to the wide popularization of our national heritage throughout the world. The performance of this group at celebrations unfolding across the country, as well as during cultural and mass events organized on the occasion of significant dates, increases their importance and status. The beauty and agility of the magnificent horses, as well as the skill of the jigits performing various complex stunts on galloping horses, make an unforgettable impression on the audience. The world success of the "Galkynyş" Group last year at the international festival of circus art in the city of Monte Carlo (Principality of Monaco), the certificates received there at the beginning of this year, as well as the achievements of this group in previous years, testify to the fact that the national school of equestrian sports and our circus art are highly valued in the world.
In their speeches, professors and teachers of the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annayev paid special attention to the opportunities created in the city of Arkadag for successful work in the horse-breeding industry. In our country, modern equestrian sports complexes and relevant scientific and educational centres are built and put into operation, the living and working conditions of horse breeders are regularly improved, and a new generation of young specialists for the horse-breeding industry is prepared. The creation of the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annayev and the scientific-production centre of horse breeding, where all conditions have been created for the training of highly qualified specialists in the field of equestrian sports and tourism, circus art, and selection in Arkadag city also serves a vivid example for it. It is also important to note the UNESCO club "Akhal-teke Horses – Ambassadors of Peace," which was formed on the basis of the International Academy of Horse Breeding. Among its tasks is supporting efforts to preserve and increase the historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people, studying the history of Akhal-teke horses and conveying it to the younger generation, as well as popularizing "paradise" horses at the global level.
As noted, the State equestrian circus named after Görogly operates in Arkadag city – one of the most visited sights among residents and guests of the city.
Horse-breeding specialists who took part in the international conference "The Akhal-teke horse – a symbol of friendship of peoples" also spoke in detail about the modern methods and experience they use in breeding Akhal-teke horses, measures to protect the purity of the breed, and the diet of the horses. The consideration of such important issues further increased the scientific and practical significance of this event. The participants of the conference assured that in the future, they would spare no effort and skills to increase the number of Akhal-teke horses, develop this unique art according to the realities of the time, and pass it on to future generations. Those gathered expressed gratitude to Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for the attention paid to the horse-breeding industry, for creating all conditions for work, as well as for the high assessment of the labour of horse breeders not only from our country but also from abroad, involved in breeding Akhal-teke horses.
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In addition, meetings were held in Tashkent between the heads of state departments of horse breeding and circus art of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as relevant educational and research institutions. Representatives of the friendly country emphasized that they were very happy to host the delegation of Turkmenistan, which arrived to participate in the international events held in Tashkent. As noted, the announcement of the motto of the year "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful winged horses" caused a great interest even outside the country. This gives a new impetus to the work on studying achievements in the horse-breeding industry of both countries, exchanging experience, and further increasing the world glory of Akhal-teke horses.
The Turkmen side expressed sincere gratitude for the warm welcome in brotherly Uzbekistan and for the hospitality shown. As emphasized, the motto of the current year and the program of events planned for the year on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the independence of our fatherland have been developed. In this regard, a number of events are planned in our country and abroad with the aim of popularizing Akhal-teke horses in the world. They expressed confidence that the equestrian sports competitions and the beauty contest held in brotherly Uzbekistan, as well as the international conference as one of the main events, would make a worthy contribution to the further strengthening of friendly interstate relations. Members of our country's delegation invited the Uzbek side to take part in major international events to be held in our fatherland on the occasion of the motto of the year "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful winged horses".
During the meetings, a broad exchange of views took place on promising areas of cooperation in the field of horse breeding. As noted, Turkmenistan's achievements in the development of this industry, as well as its modern production, educational, and research potential, are of great interest in foreign countries, including brotherly Uzbekistan. Modern complexes and facilities created in Turkmenistan related to the horse-breeding industry, equestrian sports, and circus art are a clear result of the state policy initiated by Hero-Arkadag and successfully implemented by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
A due emphasis was made on the significance of exchanging experience and implementing joint projects in breeding Akhal-teke horses, which have become a symbol of unbreakable friendship of peoples of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. In this regard, firm confidence was expressed that joint events in relevant areas would be held on a regular basis in the future.
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On May 9–10, equestrian sports competitions and “The Pearl of the East" beauty contest were held in the Tashkent region of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The participation of selected Akhal-teke horses in them further increased the significance of the event.
…On the first day of the two-day competition, horse races took place.
Relevant specialists from many countries, workers of art from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan gathered to watch international competitions of the continental level in equestrian sports. An exhibition dedicated to the cultural heritage of the two friendly peoples was launched there.
In the exhibition, a special place was given to works of art and jewellery items displaying the beauty of Akhal-teke horses, which were recognized as an integral part of the world cultural heritage. Horse equipment and decorative ornaments differ in their manufacturing features, these elegant products, distinguished by unique beauty, caused a great interest among those gathered. The youth of the friendly country skilfully reflected the image of Akhal-Teke horses in their creative works.
As a result of the successful implementation of the initiatives of Hero-Arkadag under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, modern equestrian complexes designed for numerous spectators were built in all corners of our country. Created in the ancient cradle of Akhal-teke horses – the modern city of Arkadag – the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annayev, the scientific-production centre of horse breeding, and the State equestrian circus named after Görogly combine wide opportunities for the work of industry specialists. Important tasks were set before them to expand the scientific foundations of breeding work using modern methods, further develop various types of equestrian sports in the country, and establish international cooperation in this area. Horse-breeding traditions have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries, and currently, the glorious path of careful attitude towards the magnificent heritage, which has become the pride of our people and determined its historical fate, continues.
In Turkmenistan, horse races enjoy a great popularity. It is worth noting that, organized at a high level, they arouse a great interest in neighbouring and other states. Many residents of Uzbekistan, most of whom are youth, came to watch the current races. Among them are our compatriots who study in Uzbekistan.
… Then, the start of the races was announced. In the races, among two-year-old Akhal-teke horses for the prize of "Türkmengaz" State Concern and the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan, a dapple-grey mare named Pula from the horse farm "Uzbegim otlari" came first. In a tense competition, the horse Gadymydag, belonging to the Akhal-teke equestrian complex of the President of Turkmenistan, was able to come second. The horse named Gazaply from the same complex crossed the finish line third.
In the races among four years old and older Akhal-teke horses for the distance of 1600 meters for the prize of the President of Turkmenistan, the horse named Muattor-khon, belonging to the horse farm in Uzbekistan, came to the finish line first. The horse Gunesh, belonging to the Ashgabat equestrian complex, became second.
Then, in the races among four years old and older Akhal-Teke horses for the distance of 1600 meters for the prize of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the winner was the horse Dovamat from the Akhal-teke equestrian complex of the President of Turkmenistan. In the next heat, the horse named Begzada from the Akhal-teke equestrian complex of the President of Turkmenistan came to the finish line second.
The festive atmosphere of the international horse races was enhanced by song and music performances by workers of art and culture from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Famous pop singers and bakhshi-musicians of our country enthusiastically performed songs praising the "heavenly" horses. This is not only a sign of high veneration for the beauty and disposition inherent in horses, but also a demonstration of high nationwide love and pride for them.
Like in the competitions held in our country, the current races in Uzbekistan were also very spectacular. The spirit of competition, the enthusiasm of the participants, as well as the speed and beauty of the Akhal-teke horses give the races a special chic. “The Pearl of the East" Asian Open Equestrian Championship and the performances held within its framework became another confirmation that Turkmen-Uzbek relations are being enriched with new content as a result of the consistent efforts of the heads of the two states. On the whole, the conducted races demonstrated that the year "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful winged horses" will leave unforgettable memories for those interested in horse breeding and equestrian sports throughout the world through the holidays and friendly events organized in our country and abroad. The development of relations with states and peoples of the world based on mutual respect, trust, and friendship is the main area of the state policy of our fatherland, initiated by Hero-Arkadag and implemented under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan.
Cups, honorary certificates, and valuable gifts were presented to the winning jockeys and trainers in a festive atmosphere.
Seyis H. Hamitov of the "Uzbegim otlari" horse farm and jockey Z. Kulmatov proudly and gratefully accepted the keys to a modern passenger car – the prize of the President of Turkmenistan.
The skilful jockey and seyis of the horse named Dovamat, which glorified the "heavenly" horses with its magnificent victory, was awarded the prize of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan – keys to a modern passenger car, cups, and honorary certificates. Skilful jockey P. Orazov and national horse breeder of Turkmenistan K. Agamyradov accepted the high international award with great joy.
The winners expressed sincere gratitude to the Presidents of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for the attention and care in strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood, promoting the development of cultural and humanitarian relations between the peoples of the two countries and cooperation between specialists of relevant departments. The announcement of the "heavenly" Akhal-teke horses as champions of Asia became an important historical event in the development of friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries. This increases the glory and raises the prestige of Akhal-teke horses as ambassadors of friendship and brotherhood.
Workers of art and culture from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan combined the international competition with beautiful song and music performances.
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On May 10, in the Republic of Uzbekistan, within the framework of “The Pearl of the East" international contest, the World Akhal-teke horse beauty championship was held. Akhal-teke horses from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan took part in it.
The Akhal-teke horse beauty contest, held for the 22nd time, was of great importance in the development of world horse-breeding traditions, increasing the world glory of "winged" horses and improving the accumulated international experience in their upbringing and breeding.
The international beauty contest was held separately among two, three, four, six years and older stallions and mares as well as among yearling foals.
Then beautiful horses – descendants of famous horses that laid the foundation of the elite pedigree lines of the Akhal-teke breed – were brought out to the viewing area by age groups.
Two-year-olds were the first to enter the beauty area.
At all times and in any corner of the world, the Akhal-teke horse has been particularly revered as a priceless treasure due to its beauty, speed, and calm disposition.
In the Era of Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, the successes and achievements of our fatherland, the high milestones being conquered are compared with the swift pace of "paradise" horses. In this regard, the proclamation of this year marked by the 35th anniversary of sacred independence of our state, as the year of "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful winged horses" has acquired an important significance.
The holding of Akhal-teke horse beauty contests has become a noble tradition in our country. The holding of the Akhal-teke horse beauty contest this year on the occasion of the national holiday of the Turkmen Horse, along with other events at a high organizational level, has become another vivid confirmation that the large-scale deeds started by Hero-Arkadag are being successfully continued in the modern epoch under the leadership of Arkadagly Hero Serdar. The holding of such contests abroad also increases the festive mood of the year "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful winged horses".
Based on the unanimous decision of the judges, the horse named Meledag from the International Akhal-teke equestrian complex was announced world champion in the beauty contest among two-year-old horses.
To thunderous applause, the winning Turkmen horse was fitted with the "World Champion" and "Pearl of the East" award blankets. In a festive atmosphere, the seyis of Meledag – a descendant of the horses Gadymygala and Fartuna, belonging to the line of the famous Fakirpelvan – R. Dovadov was presented with the world beauty champion cup, an honorary certificate, and a valuable gift.
In the beauty contest among two-year-old horses, horses named Manoli-Khon from Uzbekistan and Rayd from Tajikistan became winners.
In the beauty contest among three-year-old horses, the winner was Zamin-Khon from Uzbekistan. The horse named Gunesh from the International Akhal-teke equestrian sports complex was awarded the second-place prize. The horse named Murod-Khon from Uzbekistan took third place.
Among four-year-old horses, the horse Melikush-Khon of private breeder B. Ibodullaev won, the second place went to the horse Sanat-Khon of private breeder A. Mukhamedov, and third place to the horse Sahabatly from the Akhal-Teke equestrian sports complex of the President of Turkmenistan.
In the beauty contest among horses six years old and older, the title of world champion was awarded to the horse Aygytly from the Akhal-Teke equestrian complex of the President of Turkmenistan. This added to the list of awards won by the "paradise" horses of our country at the international review. In a festive atmosphere, the magnificent horse Aygytly was fitted with the "Pearl of the East" and "World Champion" award blankets. This horse, being a descendant of the horses Ari and Altynbash, belongs to the line of the famous Skak; its seyis is the national horse breeder of Turkmenistan Kakamyrat Agamyradov. In this competition, the second place was awarded to the horse Diyaz-Khon and third place to the horse Gurman from Uzbekistan.
During the beauty contest, numerous connoisseurs of "paradise" horses had the opportunity to evaluate the amazing beauty of the current generations of glorious horses that laid the foundation of world Akhal-teke horse breeding. In the viewing area, the golden colour of the Turkmen horses delighted everyone. The prolonged applause of those gathered sounded as a symbol of high appreciation for this unique art created by our people over centuries.
Then, the stage of choosing the absolute champion among the winners of the international beauty contest took place.
Based on the unanimous conclusion of the judges, the horse Aygytly from the Akhal-Teke equestrian complex of the President of Turkmenistan was announced absolute winner of the "Pearl of the East" World Championship. Thus, the magnificent Turkmen horse Aygytly was awarded the main prize of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and its seyis was presented with the keys to a passenger car, a cup, and an honorary certificate.
The title of the absolute champion in the beauty contest among mares was awarded to the horse participating from Uzbekistan. The seyis of the mare was presented with the prize of the President of Turkmenistan – keys to a modern passenger car, as well as cups and honorary certificates.
Seyis who accepted the main awards with great pride, expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the great attention to the breeding horses that fascinate the world with their beauty, and the further development of friendly relations between peoples and countries.
Turkmen and Uzbek peoples, living in good neighbourliness for centuries, are firmly committed to the principles of peace loving, friendship, and brotherhood. Currently, our countries, confidently moving forward to new heights of progress, remain faithful to these values. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, acting with initiatives to ensure peace and sustainable development in the region and the world, occupy an important place in the international arena. Contests of regional and world significance, which have become a symbol of friendship and brotherhood, once again confirmed that our countries effectively use the opportunities of cultural and sports diplomacy in this cause. It is noteworthy that Akhal-teke horses- unique "ambassadors of peace" play a special role in this process.
