World Beauty Championship of Akhal-Teke Horses to Showcase Turkmen Equestrian Heritage in Netherlands

Kronenberg, The Gulf Observer: The World Beauty Championship and Equestrian Sports Competition featuring the legendary Akhal-Teke horses will be held from September 1 to 6, 2026, at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg, the Netherlands, bringing together horse breeders, equestrian professionals, cultural experts and enthusiasts from around the world.

Known as one of the world’s oldest and most elegant horse breeds, the Akhal-Teke is renowned for its exceptional beauty, endurance, intelligence and historical significance. Often described as the “heavenly horse,” the breed embodies centuries of Turkmen equestrian tradition and continues to serve as a cherished symbol of Turkmenistan’s national heritage.

The international event will begin from September 1 to 3 with the arrival and accommodation of participating horses and their owners. The Peelbergen Equestrian Centre will consequently become an international gathering point for some of the finest Akhal-Teke horses.

The first competitive activities will take place on Friday, September 4, with the opening stages of the World Beauty Championship. Young horses and mares between one and four years of age will compete before an international panel of expert judges. A dressage competition will also be held, highlighting the breed’s elegance, discipline, athleticism and versatility.

At the same time, academics, breeders and equestrian specialists will meet in Venray for an International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “Akhal-Teke Horse: The Turkmen Art of World-Class Horse Breeding.” The conference will examine the historical, cultural and scientific aspects of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and its enduring importance.

The main championship programme will take place on Saturday, September 5. High-level guests will be welcomed at Peelbergen before attending an open conference of the International Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association.

Visitors will also be able to explore a dedicated exhibition showcasing Turkmen equestrian art, culture and artistic creativity, alongside aspects of the European horse industry.

The competition will continue with the beauty contest for adult horses, followed by the selection of the World Champion Akhal-Teke Horse from among the winners of the various categories. The Best Decorated Horse Competition will further highlight the artistic traditions and cultural heritage associated with the celebrated breed.

A show-jumping competition scheduled for the afternoon will demonstrate the remarkable sporting abilities and versatility of the Akhal-Teke horse. The championship programme will conclude with a prestigious awards ceremony recognizing winners of the beauty and sporting competitions, as well as artists, sculptors, painters and carpet weavers whose creative works celebrate the beauty and cultural significance of horses.

An evening gala dinner will bring together international guests in a festive setting, featuring performances by distinguished masters of Turkmen culture and the arts. The gathering will provide an opportunity to experience Turkmen traditions while celebrating international excellence in the equestrian field.

The championship will conclude on Sunday, September 6, with cultural performances and the closing of the exhibition.

Organizers said the event represents more than a sporting competition, describing it as an international celebration of heritage, equestrian sport, science and intercultural dialogue. It is expected to provide equestrian professionals, horse lovers and cultural enthusiasts with an opportunity to explore the centuries-old relationship between the Akhal-Teke horse and Turkmen civilization.

Entry to the event will be free for all visitors.

The venue is Peelbergen Equestrian Centre, Travers 5, 5976 NJ Kronenberg, Netherlands.

For registration, tickets and media accreditation, visitors and media representatives can contact Peelbergen through its official website, email csi@peelbergen.eu, or telephone +31 (0) 6 38273834.