Hero-Arkadag Puts Forward Initiatives to Develop Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding

Hero-Arkadag of the Turkmen people put forward a number of initiatives to develop Akhal-Teke horse breeding and expand international cooperation at an open meeting of the International Akhal-Teke Horse Association held in Kronenberg, the Netherlands.

Hero-Arkadag proposed considering the establishment of a unified genetic bank for Akhal-Teke steeds and an International Akhal-Teke Horse Foundation. He also emphasized the need to combine efforts and capabilities, stating that Turkmenistan is ready to support this work, provide advisory and methodological assistance, and supply archival and other necessary materials.

The National Leader of the Turkmen People stressed the importance of expanding Akhal-Teke horses’ participation in global equestrian sport, stating that one of the main goals should be to bring Akhal-Teke horses to Olympic venues. In this regard, he proposed developing programmes for training young horses in accordance with international standards in dressage and show jumping, as well as establishing major international prizes dedicated to breeding horses.

Hero-Arkadag noted that the development of “green diplomacy” and eco-tourism is also an important area. He stated that organizing equestrian journeys on Akhal-Teke steeds along the historical route of the Great Silk Road could become a new direction in world tourism.

The National Leader of the Turkmen People also presented for the meeting participants’ consideration a proposal to establish international research grants in veterinary science and invest in studying the unique genome of Akhal-Teke horses. In addition, Hero-Arkadag emphasized the need to establish systematic cooperation among International Akhal-Teke horse-breeding associations, proposing the coordination of educational and research activities and the exchange of historical information and materials.

He further stated that it would be appropriate to develop plans for producing creative works devoted to Akhal-Teke steeds for mass media, television, documentary projects, digital resources and print publications.