Turkmen Racing Horse Festival 2023: 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. Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan are its neighbours. 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.
HISTORY 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. There are approximately 6,000 Akhal-Teke horses left in the globe, which increases 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.
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Five AKHAL-TEKE HORSE FACTS
A historical descent
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.
Historic warhorses
This species of horses, renowned for their strength and stamina, was one of the most sought-after war horses.
This breed, bred in desolate conditions, is able to withstand extreme temperatures and has many other adaptive characteristics that contributed to its survival.
Individual equine
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.
Golden ponies
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.
Why We Adore the Turkmen Racing Horse Festival
Cultural exposure
This festival provides the ideal opportunity to learn everything about Turkmenistan’s culture, which is something we greatly enjoy doing. Learning about the historical customs and culture of a different region of the world is always enthralling and provides a new perspective on the diversity of our planet.
It focuses on an equine breed.
This is precisely why the Turkmen Racing Horse Festival is so exceptional and rare. With good cause, this horse breed holds a special place in the hearts and history of an entire people group.
It increases public awareness of conservation
Since the Akhal-Teke is an uncommon breed that has been deemed “vulnerable” and “threatened,” it has been added to the list of endangered species. Spreading awareness about this can support the efforts of government and equine organisations to propagate these horses.
TURKMEN RACING HORSE FESTIVAL DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 24 | Sunday |
| 2023 | April 30 | Sunday |
| 2024 | April 28 | Sunday |
| 2025 | April 27 | Sunday |
| 2026 | April 26 | Sunday |
