World Championship of Akhal-Teke Horses in the Netherlands — The Golden Horse Comes to Europe
KRONENBERG, THE NETHERLANDS, September 4–6, 2026 — Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty and National Leader of the Turkmen people, visited the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the World Beauty Championship and Equestrian Sports Competition of the Heavenly Akhal-Teke Horses, held at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg, Limburg. Jointly organized by Turkmenistan's "Türkmen Atlary" State Association and the Akhal-Teke Horse Association (ATHA) Europe, it was one of the largest gatherings ever dedicated to the breed in Europe, coinciding this year with the Year of the Horse.
By Derya Soysal
The book of the national leader
Known as the "Soul of the Turkmen People" and the "Heavenly Horse," the Akhal-Teke is among the world's oldest purebred breeds, famed for its metallic golden sheen, elegance, endurance and intelligence. It remains a central national symbol of Turkmenistan, featured on the State Emblem. In 2023, UNESCO inscribed the "Art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses' decoration" on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Three Days of Sport, Science and Culture
Friday, September 4 opened the World Beauty Championship for young horses and mares, alongside a dressage competition and the International Scientific Conference "The Akhal-Teke Horse: The Turkmen Art of World-Class Horse Breeding." The Dutch edition of Berdimuhamedov's book "The Horse: A Symbol of Faithfulness and Happiness" was also presented, with remarks from Allaberdy Ashirov (President, Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan), Sapar Palvanov (Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium), Marian Weltevreden (President, ATHA Europe), and Pygy Bayramdurdyyew (rector, Aba Annayew International Academy of Horse Breeding).
Saturday, September 5 was the championship's peak: the adult beauty contest, selection of the World Champion Akhal-Teke Horse, the "Best Decorated Horse" contest, a show-jumping competition, and an awards ceremony for artists depicting horses in painting, sculpture and carpet-weaving.
Sunday, September 6 closed with cultural performances and a fireworks display featuring horse motifs and the Turkmen flag, resonant with Turkmenistan's upcoming 35th anniversary of independence.
Gala Concert: Turkmen Culture Meets Europe
The closing gala brought together 22 musical and dance numbers by leading Turkmen artists alongside international guests from Türkiye, the UK, Germany and Italy. Highlights included Turkmen folk classics like "Ýar-Ýar Ýarally" and "Küştdepdi" (a UNESCO-listed folk dance), an international touch with "Granada" (Lorca/Lara) performed alongside Lewent Gündüz of Türkiye, and solo performances by Rachel Docket (UK), Konstantin Rittel-Kobylyanski (Germany), and Debora Tesdasekkan (Italy). Several songs — "Rowaç,""Arzuw," and the closing anthem "Öňe, Öňe Diňe Öňe, Jan Watanym Türkmenistan!" — featured lyrics personally written by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, set to music by Kerim Berdimuhamedov, with the finale sung collectively by all attendees.
Beauty Crown Goes to France
The world's most beautiful Akhal-Teke title went to Yandym, owned by French breeder Audrey Martinez of the CaratKoum stud farm — highlighting the breed's growing international reach.
High-Level Guests
Notable attendees included Jan Peter Balkenende (Minister of State, former Dutch PM), Emile Roemer (King's Commissioner of Limburg), Ryan Palmen (Mayor, Horst aan de Maas), Marian Weltevreden (ATHA President), and ambassadors of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Türkiye.
Cultural Diplomacy
On September 3, Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met his Dutch counterpart in The Hague, discussing cooperation in transport, agriculture, energy and technology, with both sides welcoming the championship as a milestone for bilateral cultural ties.
Conclusion
Capped by an international gala blending Turkmen tradition with European artistry, the championship showcased the Akhal-Teke's growing global recognition — a fitting tribute as Turkmenistan marks 35 years of independence and deepens its friendship with the Netherlands.
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