Today, the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse is widely celebrated in the country, on the occasion of which the main events took place at the International Akhalteke Equestrian Complex with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
In the era of the Revival of a new epoch of a powerful state, the thousand-year-old customs of our people and the ancient traditions of horse breeding are enriched. Invaluable merit in preserving and enhancing the world glory of the Akhalteke belongs to the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and this activity continues worthily under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Evidence of this is the names given to the newborn foals: Shahyr – Hero-Arkadag and Ylham – Arkadagly Hero Serdar, taking into account the fact that this year, held under the motto “The Fount of the Wisdom of Magtymguly Fragi”, the 300th anniversary of the great poet and thinker of the East Magtymguly Fragi.
Today, caring for Akhalteke horses, its popularization, and enriching the traditions of horse breeding have reached a new level. One of the clear proofs of this is the opening of the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annaev in the new city of Arkadag.
Created on the initiative of the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty and established in accordance with the relevant Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan, the higher educational institution will train highly qualified specialists in the field of horse breeding. The structure of the university has created faculties of horse breeding, equine veterinary medicine, equestrian sports, tourism and national equestrian games, and agricultural economics. The Academy is equipped with advanced apparatus, special teaching aids and innovative technologies for conducting lectures and practical classes, seminars, as well as research work.
In addition, a Research and Production Center for Horse Breeding was built in Arkadag city, the equipment of which meets international standards.
Among those present at the International Akhalteke Equestrian Complex are members of the Government, the Chairman of the Mejlis, heads of military and law enforcement agencies, ministries and departments, the chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan, the khyakims of Ashgabat and Arkadag cities, heads and employees of diplomatic missions accredited to Turkmenistan and international organizations, as well as representatives of the media.
Everyone greets President Serdar Berdimuhamedov with great enthusiasm.
The guest of honor of the holiday was Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, who specially visited our country these days.
Welcoming those gathered and exchanging warm congratulations, the head of state and the guest of honor enter the territory of the complex, which for a time turned into a city of craftsmen and needlewomen. The atmosphere of the holiday was enhanced by performances by folklore groups and an exhibition of decorative and applied arts.
The “ak öý” yurts installed here, representing the capital, Arkadag city and the velayats of the country, with integral attributes, recreate the way of life of an ancient Turkmen village. Women weave carpets, embroider, felt felt mats to the accompaniment of ancient tunes. The workshop of a zerger is staged, creating unique jewelry in front of the audience.
Museum exhibits and works of contemporary artists are also displayed here. Images of beautiful horses are captured in carpets, original sculptural compositions, engravings, photographs, and magnificent jewelry sets for the ceremonial vestments of horses testify to the great love for them.
The bright color inherent in a real Turkmen “toi” was brought by the virtuoso playing of the dutar by bakhshi musicians, as well as the competition of palvans.
The head of state, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, together with the guest of honor, watched the palvans demonstrating unique Goresh wrestling techniques, their strength and agility.
In front of the main building of the International Akhalteke Equestrian Complex, masters of the country’s arts met the participants of the celebration with a festive musical dedication.
Before a horse will delight everyone with its beauty, stature, and agility, you need to invest a lot of effort and painstaking work, knowledge, talent and love into it. The ancestors of the Turkmens worked hard in this direction, and the Akhalteke breed is a clear confirmation of this. Our people are able to enthusiastically celebrate their successes and achievements.
As is known, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov devoted many scientific and literary works to “heavenly” horses, in which a huge layer of folk wisdom can be traced. Translated into different languages, these works became the property of the world community, playing a significant role in the rapid growth of interest in the Akhalteke horse breed.
And today, in honor of the people’s favorite, the country is once again organizing a large, colorful toy, an integral attribute of which has long been horse racing.
...President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and a guest from the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation go to places specially designated for them.
Being a true connoisseur, expert and popularizer of the legendary breed of “Nisei” horses, the head of state, through his active participation and full support, makes a huge contribution to the development of the national equestrian industry. A striking example of this is the presentation on the eve of the National Day of the Turkmen Horse to the teaching staff of the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annaev, scientists of the Scientific and Production Center for Horse Breeding, as well as horse breeders of Arkadag city, the keys to new apartments in modern residential buildings built in the “smart” city.
The host announces the start of the festive races – the most prestigious competitions of the season.
It should be noted that, having created such a work of the highest art of folk breeders and seis as the Akhalteke horse, preserving the purebred of these priceless horses, domestic horse breeders do not cease to nurture their best qualities.
The main difference of the national school for training sports horses is that the Turkmens do not train them, but rather educate them. Experienced horse breeders note that the strong character and indomitability of the horse indicate that only if the foal is properly raised does it become a kind and devoted friend to man.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov set tasks for specialists to expand the scientific base in breeding work using modern methods, to intensify the development of various types of equestrian sports in the country, and to strengthen international cooperation in this area.
From century to century, from generation to generation, horse breeding traditions have been passed on, and today the glorious relay of reverent attitude towards the living heritage of the nation, which determined its historical destiny, continues.
As before, horse racing is extremely popular in Turkmenistan. The competition, which was watched with delight by spectators in the stands, lasted more than two hours. They demonstrated agility and became “heavenly” horses – the glory and pride of the Turkmen people.
Horse racing is also a test for jockeys. An equestrian sport requires courage, resourcefulness, perseverance and, of course, love for horses and the ability to understand them.
Today, seven races took place at various distances, in which dozens of horses took part, demonstrating their best qualities.
In the first race of 1,200 meters, horses competed for the prize of the financial and economic complex.
The best horse was Yologly from the Akhalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. Rider – M.Kichigulov.
In the second race of 1,200 meters for the prize of the oil and gas complex, Garayol horse of the State Association of the Food Industry of Turkmenistan took the lead. Rider – K.Polaev.
In the third race of 1,200 meters for the prize of the shopping complex, Dorsekil horse, owned by the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production, came first to the finish line. Rider – Y.Allanazarov.
In the fourth race of 1,600 meters for the prize of the transport and communication complex, the winner was Menzil horse of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan. Rider – H.Nazkulyev.
In the fifth race of 1,600 meters, where the prize of the construction and industrial complex was played, the Shagirt II horse of the Akhalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan was the first to finish. Rider – S.Charyev.
In the sixth race of 1,800 meters for the prize of the agro-industrial complex, the leader was Begzada horse of the Akhalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. Rider – Sh.Myradov, 1st year student at the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annaev.
An intense struggle for the main prize of the President of Turkmenistan and the Challenge Cup took place in the final, seventh race. The first to overcome the distance of 1,800 meters was the horse Bezirgen, belonging to the Akhalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. Rider – B.Agamyradov.
Musical performances were organized between races. There were melodies and songs of bakhshies, which sang the glorious past and the grandiose transformations of our time.
As always, the current races have become a truly fascinating spectacle. The competitive spirit, passion and, of course, the agility and beauty of Akhalteke horses invariably give such competitions an emotional edge.
Then a ceremony took place on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to present valuable prizes to the winners of the holiday races, as well as the marathon and show jumping competitions held this week.
In the long-distance marathon, not only speed qualities, but also athletic endurance with the best result were demonstrated by Meshkhur horse, belonging to the Akhalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan, the rider – O.Annaev, a 1st year student at the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annaev.
Akhalteke horses have become famous in the history of world horse breeding for their participation in long treks, demonstrating amazing endurance. Many of their records could not be repeated today.
The first place in the show jumping competition was taken by Toychy horse, belonging to the Equestrian Federation of Turkmenistan, with jockey Y.Garajaev, a 1st year student at the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annaev.
After the award ceremony for the winners of the marathon and show jumping competitions, valuable gifts, large cash prizes and diplomas awarded at the current races took place. In addition, the leader of the final race was awarded a large cash prize and the Challenge Cup of the President of Turkmenistan.
Receiving well-deserved awards and expressing sincere gratitude to the President of the country for his concern for the development of national horse breeding and equestrian sports, the jockeys assured that they would make every effort to preserve the illustrious traditions of horse breeding and further popularize the Akhalteke breed.
At the end of the award ceremony, a festive atmosphere still reigned at the site of the complex, music sounded, creative groups performed for the Turkmen citizens and guests of the country who had gathered here on the occasion of the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse. Then President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said a warm farewell to everyone and left the venue.
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On Sunday, events on the occasion of the National Day of the Turkmen Horse were held throughout the country, which included concerts, exhibitions, literary, musical and poetry evenings, as well as honoring domestic horse breeders and seyis.
Cultural and sports events dedicated to the holiday became a dedication to the “heavenly” horses, which occupy an important place in the history and life of the Turkmen people and today continue to inspire and delight people.
With the current celebrations and large-scale work carried out under the leadership of Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov to develop the national horse breeding school, Turkmenistan is strengthening its position as a major international center for horse breeding, relying on thousand-year-old traditions and rushing, like an unstoppable horse, to new horizons.
The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan.
