Turkmen Racing Horse Festival 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Every year, the Turkmen Racing Horse Festival is celebrated on the last Sunday of April. This year’s event occurs on April 30. Even though it is a significant national holiday, many Turkmenistanis continue to work on this day, as schools and offices remain open. Before we delve into the meaning of this holiday, however, a concise geography lesson is in order. Turkmenistan is a country in the southwest region of Central Asia, not to be confused with the distinct nation of Turkey. Its neighbours are Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. In addition, the Caspian Sea reaches its western border. Due to the significance of horses in Turkmenistan’s history and culture, an entire season is devoted to horse racing. As one of the oldest horse varieties in the world, the Akhal-Teke horse breed is Turkmenistan’s national treasure.

The background of Turkmen Racing Horse Festival

The Turkmen Racing Horse Festival is a time for horse enthusiasts, equestrians, and anyone with an interest in horses to commemorate the Akhal-Teke horse, the national symbol of Turkmenistan. This horse breed is said to be one of the oldest in the world, and it is also indigenous to Turkmenistan, which explains why they are so proud of it. These majestic animals are ideally suited for horse racing due to their “speed, intelligence, and endurance.” Turkmenistan’s horses are referred to as “golden horses” because of their gleaming coats, so be sure to wear eyeglasses if you attend races at Ashgabat’s hippodrome.

Turkmenistan has a horse racing tradition that dates back approximately 3,000 years. To participate in flat racing, the Akhal-Teke horses were selectively bred for their superior qualities, such as strength and endurance. In the past, these horses were also used for transportation and raiding in addition to competition. Today, these horses are exclusively bred for racing and are a national symbol, appearing on postage stamps, banknotes, and the national coat of arms. Therefore, this day was created to honour this uncommon and distinctive horse breed.

In 1881, following Turkmenistan’s incorporation into the Russian Empire in the late 19th century, Russians established stud farms for Akhal-Teke horses. In 1885, the Russians established an official Akhal-Teke registry in order to export this horse breed abroad. However, after the formation of the Soviet Union in 1922, economic and political turmoil led to the closure of these breeding farms, resulting in a sharp decline in the number of horses. In 1979, this breed was introduced to the United States and a registry was established for it. Approximately 6,000 Akhal-Teke horses exist in the world today, which contributes to their value.

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Activities at the Turkmen Racing Horse Festival

Attend a local equestrian event.

If you have never attended a horse race or other equestrian sporting event, perhaps today is the day to do so. Even though a flight to Turkmenistan may be a bit out of one’s price range, there are numerous local and national events to investigate.

Become immersed in Turkmen culture.

This day provides a wonderful opportunity for cultural exploration. Turkmenistan is one of the lesser-known countries in the world, and we hope that the information provided here will whet your appetite for learning more about its diverse history and culture.

Explore a horse property

Why not visit a nearby horse farm and take the time to learn more about these incredible animals? If a tangible visit is not possible, you can always access educational resources on the Internet. Consider watching a documentary or film about horses as well. Anything that will enhance your appreciation for these creatures.

5 AKHAL-TEKE HORSE FACTS

It is believed that Akhal-Teke horses are direct descendants of one of the four primordial horse breeds that migrated from Alaska several million years ago.

This species of horses, renowned for their strength and stamina, was one of the most sought-after war horses.

This breed, which was bred in an arid environment, is able to withstand extreme temperatures and has many other adaptive characteristics that contributed to its survival.

These horses are infamously referred to as “the horse of a single master” because, unlike most horses, they tend to form a bond with only one individual throughout their lifetime.

The golden metallic sheen of the Akhal-Teke horse is a result of its light colouring combined with its exceptionally glossy coat composed of very fine, silky hair.

TURKMEN RACING HORSE FESTIVAL DATES