Key Takeaways:

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attended the World Championship of Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty at Peelbergen, Kronenberg (Limburg). Guests from 25 countries; 100+ horses, including 30 from Turkmenistan. Program: beauty classes, breeding, dressage, jumping. Winner: Yandym, owned by France’s Audrey Martinez (CaratKoum).

A scientific conference on the breed’s history and conservation ran first. Dutch guests named: Jan Peter Balkenende, Limburg commissioner Emile Roemer, Horst aan de Maas mayor Ryan Palmen, ATHA president Marian Weltevreden, plus Central Asian and Turkish ambassadors.

Framed as culture diplomacy: FM Rashid Meredov met his Dutch counterpart in The Hague on 3 Sept 2026 (agriculture, shipbuilding, tech). Close: gala, fireworks, Turkmen flag—tied to 35 years of independence.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of Turkmenistan, visited the Kingdom of the Netherlands to participate in the prestigious World Championship of Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty, held at the renowned Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg, Limburg. The event brought together horse breeders, equestrian experts, diplomats, officials, and enthusiasts from across the globe to celebrate one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished horse breeds.

The championship marked one of the largest international gatherings dedicated to the Akhal-Teke horse ever organized in Europe. Participants and guests from 25 countries attended the event, while more than one hundred horses were brought to the Netherlands for competition and exhibition. Among them were thirty elite Akhal-Teke horses from Turkmenistan, showcasing the remarkable beauty, endurance, elegance, and athleticism that have made the breed a national symbol of Turkmenistan.

Hosted at one of Europe’s leading equestrian venues, the championship featured a broad program of activities, including beauty competitions, breeding presentations, dressage demonstrations, and show-jumping exhibitions. The highlight of the event was the international beauty competition, where judges carefully evaluated the horses based on body proportions, graceful movement, breed characteristics, and the famous metallic golden sheen of their coats. 

The title of the world’s most beautiful Akhal-Teke horse was awarded to Yandym, owned by French breeder Audrey Martinez of the renowned CaratKoum Akhal-Teke breeding farm in France. The victory underscored the international appeal of the breed and the growing success of Akhal-Teke breeding programs outside Turkmenistan.

The championship was preceded by an International Scientific and Practical Conference dedicated to the Akhal-Teke horse as a unique cultural and historical treasure. The conference gathered researchers, horse-breeding specialists, journalists, and representatives of international organizations who discussed the breed’s historical significance, preservation, breeding development, and global promotion. Distinguished speakers from Turkmenistan, Europe, and Central Asia highlighted the Akhal-Teke horse’s contribution to world equestrian heritage and its continuing cultural importance.

The event attracted significant international attention and high-level participation from both Dutch and foreign dignitaries. Among the prominent guests were Jan Peter Balkenende, Minister of State and former Prime Minister of the Netherlands; Emile Roemer, King’s Commissioner of Limburg Province; Ryan Palmen, Mayor of Horst aan de Maas; and Marian Weltevreden, President of the Akhal-Teke Horse Association (ATHA). 

The championship also welcomed numerous ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, including ambassadors from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Türkiye, reflecting the broad international appreciation for the cultural significance of the Akhal-Teke horse and the strengthening ties between Central Asia and Europe. 

Beyond the sporting and breeding competitions, the event served as an important platform for cultural diplomacy between Turkmenistan and the Netherlands. The championship had already been highlighted during high-level diplomatic discussions between the foreign ministries of both countries as an important cultural milestone capable of strengthening bilateral relations and people-to-people exchanges.

This diplomatic dimension was further reinforced on 3 September 2026, when Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov visited The Hague for official talks with his Dutch counterpart. Alongside discussions on economic cooperation in areas such as agriculture, shipbuilding, and technology, both sides welcomed the organization of the World Championship in Limburg as a symbol of growing friendship and cooperation between the two countries. 

The three-day celebration concluded with cultural performances, closing ceremonies, and a prestigious gala dinner attended by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, senior Dutch officials, diplomats, breeders, and international guests. The evening culminated in a spectacular fireworks display featuring illuminated horse-themed motifs and the Turkmen flag, providing a memorable conclusion to an event that celebrated not only the beauty of the Akhal-Teke horse but also Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage. The festivities carried additional significance as Turkmenistan approaches the celebration of the 35th anniversary of its independence, making the championship a powerful showcase of national pride, cultural diplomacy, and international cooperation. 

As the world’s “golden horse” continues to capture hearts far beyond its homeland, the successful organization of the World Championship in the Netherlands demonstrated the growing global recognition of the Akhal-Teke breed and highlighted the role of culture, sport, and heritage in building bridges between nations.