Akhal-Teke horses are known for their speed, endurance, and intelligence. In the sunlight, their coats shimmer like gold, which is why locals call them “golden horses.” For the Turkmen people, however, these horses mean much more than beauty or athletic ability. They accompany important life events, take part in traditional competitions and celebrations, and are adorned for special occasions.

There are special customs connected with them, including naming foals, decorating bridles, and organizing races and riding competitions. Every spring, on the last Sunday of April, the country celebrates Turkmen Horse Day. The festival includes exhibitions, races, and beauty contests. It is not just a sporting event but also a way to preserve culture and showcase Turkmenistan’s heritage.

In 2023, UNESCO added the “Art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses’ decoration” to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlighted the significance of these traditions for both the country and the world.

Monuments to the Akhal-Teke horse can be found in Ashgabat and other cities. The country’s emblem also shows one of these horses, symbolizing strength and grace. At horse farms and riding centers, tourists can see the horses in action: foals are fed and groomed, trained for competitions, and fitted with decorated bridles. At festivals and exhibitions, the horses demonstrate their beauty, speed, and temperament.

Akhal-Teke horses are a living part of the country’s heritage and reflect the strength and endurance of the Turkmen people. Seeing them in person is one of the most memorable experiences of a trip to Turkmenistan.