Turkmenistan has unveiled the program for the World Equestrian Championships and Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest, which will take place September 4–6, 2026, at the Pilbergen Equestrian Center in Kroonenberg, Netherlands. Preparations for the international forum were announced at a briefing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, according to Turkmenportal.com.
The event is being organized by the Turkmen Atlary State Association and the European Akhal-Teke Association. The championship will be held as part of the Year of "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of the Purposeful Winged Steeds," declared in the country in 2026.
The program includes equestrian competitions, an Akhal-Teke beauty contest, an international scientific conference, an exhibition of Turkmen culture and traditions, as well as demonstration performances by the Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group and the State Circus of Turkmenistan. A representative Turkmen delegation is expected to participate in the event.
As noted by the briefing participants, the championship aims to strengthen international cooperation in horse breeding and introduce foreign audiences to Turkmenistan's historical and cultural heritage.
The Akhal-Teke horse occupies a special place in the country's national identity, serving as one of its main symbols. The breeding and preservation of this ancient breed is considered an important part of Turkmenistan's state policy for the preservation of cultural heritage, and international events of this level contribute to the popularization of this unique breed, the development of cultural diplomacy, and the strengthening of the country's image on the global stage.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 2, 2026