An international scientific and practical conference entitled ‘Ahalteke bedewi: türkmeniň dünýewi seýisçilik sungaty’ (‘The Ahal-Teke Horse: Turkmen Art of Universal Horse Breeding’) was held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands as part of the World Equestrian Games and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest. Representatives from Turkmenistan, as well as academics and horse breeding specialists from more than 20 countries, took part in the event, according to the news agency TDH.

One of the central themes of the forum was the historical and cultural significance of the Ahal-Teke breed. Participants highlighted the centuries-old connection between these horses and the history and traditions of the Turkmen people.

Particular attention was paid to the inclusion, on 5 December 2023, of the national nomination ‘Art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses' decoration’ on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The conference also featured a presentation on the activities of the UNESCO Club ‘Ahal-Teke Horses – Envoys of Peace’, established under the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding in the city of Arkadag. The organisation is dedicated to promoting the Ahal-Teke breed and its breeding traditions.

International experts shared their experience in the areas of training, registration and maintaining the purity of the breed. Jean-Philippe Camboulives, a representative of the International Equestrian Federation, highlighted the development of cooperation with the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, including the training of young specialists and the exchange of professional expertise.

Julio Bendezu-Sarmiento, a senior research fellow at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the National Museum of Natural History and History, presented historical and scientific data on Ahal-Teke racehorses. Patricia Johnson, Director of the US Ahal-Teke Horse Foundation, spoke about the work being done to register horses of this breed in the USA.

Following the plenary session, the conference continued with breakout sessions dedicated to the history and development of the Ahal-Teke breed, its significance within UNESCO’s cultural heritage, the portrayal of these horses in art, breeding and veterinary work, as well as the genetic foundations for maintaining the breed’s purity.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the horse-breeding infrastructure in the city of Arkadag, where the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and the Scientific and Production Centre for Horse Breeding have been established. The significance of Turkmenistan’s Law ‘On Horse Breeding and Equestrian Sport’, adopted in 2015, was also highlighted.

Forum participants emphasised the importance of international cooperation in the study of the Ahal-Teke breed, the preservation of horse-breeding traditions, the development of equestrian sports, and the exchange of scientific and practical experience.