Turkmenistan invites Koreans to Akhele-Teke 2026 contest

Turkmenistan has proclaimed 2026 as the year of "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan -- the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses."

The horse behind this motto needs no introduction, whether in Turkmenistan or around the world. The Akhal-Teke, prized for its glossy coat and its exceptional speed and stamina, is widely regarded as the foremost symbol of the Turkmen nation.

The Akhal-Teke horses describe the ancient origins of the breed, its purity, distinctive characteristics, its place in world civilization and many other valuable facts.

Centuries of adaptation to a harsh desert climate shaped the breed’s slender build and its distinctive coat, often gold, cream or deep bronze in color, with a shine that appears to come from within the horse itself.

In ancient times the Turkmen horse was called the “Nisean horse,” the “heavenly horse,” and the “paradise steed.”

Scholars attribute the fundamental distinction of the Turkmen horse from other breeds to its pure bloodline, since the ancestors of this breed have from ancient times lived exclusively on the territory of Turkmenistan.

UNESCO has inscribed the art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding, together with the tradition of decorating these horses, on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The government sponsors annual beauty contests for the breed, maintains national breeding programs and has established the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding in the southern city of Arkadag.

Turkmenistan is also home to the International Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association, which brings together specialists and enthusiasts from many countries.

This year has already given the nation new reason for pride.

In January, leaders of the Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group returned from the 48th International Circus Arts Festival in Monte Carlo, held in Monaco, with certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association, further evidence of international recognition for Turkmen horsemanship.

That same recognition is set to grow further in September, when an even larger international gathering dedicated to the Akhal-Teke will be held for the first time in a country that has never previously hosted one.

The World Horse Racing Championship and the International Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest will be held from Sept. 4 to 6 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Center in Kronenberg, the Netherlands, marking the first competition of its kind to take place in Europe.

It is organized by the “Turkmen Atlary” State Association in cooperation with the European Association of Akhal-Teke Horses, with Russia’s All-Russian Research Institute of Horse Breeding also participating.

Over three days, the program will combine horse racing, the traditional beauty contest judging each horse’s form and movement, an academic conference on the preservation and development of the breed and an exhibition of Turkmen carpets, jewelry and crafts.

The Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group and performers from the State Circus of Turkmenistan are expected to appear, bringing to the Netherlands the same standard of horsemanship that recently impressed audiences in Monte Carlo.

Korean horse breeders, riders and all those with an interest in the history of these horses are cordially invited to follow this event and, where possible, to attend in Kronenberg this September.

Further information on the program, and on how to participate, is available through the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea.