Events dedicated to coming National Turkmen Horse Holiday have been held in administrative center of Mary Region.

The events were opened with traditional races, which have been held in Mary Equestrian Complex, which was built in the region and all around the country according to the orders of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Big work for development of surrounding territory has been made for preparation to these important events. Hundreds of trees and shrubs as well as flower have been planted.

Art masters of the region – famous popular singers, bakhshys, dance and folk groups have presented their song and music performances.

Topical exhibitions of visual, applied and decorative arts have been opened on both sides of the entrance to the equestrian complex. Picturesque canvas dedicated to ahalteke horses were presented by the artists from Mary. Works of sculptors, carpet makers, jewelers, horse harness makers were demonstrated as well.

National games and belt wrestling, which were expanded in the complex, were visual reflection that National Turkmen Horse Holiday is celebrated widely according to ancient traditions of our people.

Articles of the exhibition of Mary Regional Historical Museum visually indicated that the horse was next to Turkmen people throughout the history. The exhibits included ceramic statuettes of horses, which varied from simple ones made by people of ancient state of Margush 4,000 years ago to fined and exclusive works of medieval masters.

Although the main celebration events were held in Mary on this day, the ancient city on Murgab River experienced these activities for several days. Thus, celebration concerts have been held in the center of the city next to the monument of brave warrior and famous Turkmen classic poet Mollanepes, who is sculptured at the podium together with his horse. Artists from all districts of the region presented their programs in turn and glorified the main character of national celebration – legendary ahalteke horse.

The horses were able to demonstrate their beauty, power and speed at the races, which were have gathered together numerous lovers of these beautiful and traditional sports in Mary Equestrian Complex. The podiums of the stadium were full.

The program of competitions included 8 races of junior, adult and master jockeys with participation of horses from all regions and Ashgabat.

Junior jockeys – representatives of all regions of the country, competed in the first 1,000 meter race. It was won by B. Mammedov on Muahek from Dashoguz Equestrian Complex.

Further, professional horse riders from each region and Ashgabat participated in each of the following six races on 1,200 meter distance.

Beglerim from the stables of TRC (master jockey B. Begliyev) was the first among the horses of Ahal Region, Gayra (the State Concern Türkmengaz, jockey I. Tirkeshbayev) – among the horse of Balkan Region, Gardashym (Police Department of Dashoguz Region, jockey B. Berdimuhammedov) among the horse of Dashoguz Region, Keymir (Police Department of Lebap Region, Jockey M. Tejenov) among the horses of Lebap Region, Dorbyurgat (Marygazüpjünçilik facility, master jockey B. Agamyradov) among the horses of Mary Region, Leylisach (General Prosecution of Turkmenistan, jockey B. Babaliyev) among the horses of Ashgabat.

Master jockeys from all regions of the country, who draw which horse to ride, participated in the final eighth race.

Kadaly stallion from Mary State Stable was the first in the final race, in which experienced jockeys competed on horses received by draw. The horse has covered 1,000 meters for 1 minutes 11.1 minute.

The winners of celebration competitions received valuable prizes and gifts in solemn atmosphere.

Winner of the final race among master jockeys S. Kuljanov received the main prize of the President of Turkmenistan, light vehicle.

Further, the events have moved to the conference hall of Mary Regional Library where XIII conference “Turkmen Horse and World Horse Breeding Art” was held.

Exhibition of works of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who dedicated many wonderful books including “ Ahalteke horse – our pride and glory”, “Flight of sky horses”, “Fast run of horse”. “Horse – symbol of loyalty and happiness” to the horses, was expanded in the foyer of the library. Translated to many languages, the books have become the heritage of wide world community, having played a big role in rapid growth of interest to ahalteke breed all around the world.

It was mentioned at the conference that Turkmen people have given an unrivaled work of breeding art and also have managed to carry the purity of the ancient breed through the centuries continuously improving distinguishing features and gene pool of these unique horses.

It was highlighted in the speeches that big merit belongs to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in restoration of the world glory of ahalteke horses. Owing to the efforts and support of the head of the state, national horse breeding received deserved place in life of the country, having brought heritage, culture, historical experience of the nation and its hard work together.

Established in 2010 at the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan, International Ahalteke Equestrian Association with headquarter in Ashgabat has become a competent platform for professional dialog of horse breeders from different countries.

The delegates of the forum expressed confidence that current events would support familiarization of the world community with the achievements of national horse breeding industry, exchange of practice and expansion of beneficial partnership with foreign colleagues – associations, profile organizations and private horse breeders.