Soft Power on Horseback in Kronenberg

Akhal-Teke Diplomacy in Kronenberg

From 4 to 6 September 2026, the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg, in the Dutch province of Limburg, hosted for the first time on European soil the World Equestrian Championship and Beauty Contest of Akhal-Teke horses. More than one hundred representatives of this legendary breed, originating from around twenty countries, gathered at one of the Netherlands’ major equestrian complexes, transforming three days of competition, conferences and encounters into a manifestation of soft power and intercultural dialogue.

Renowned for its elegant silhouette, exceptional endurance and the distinctive metallic sheen of its coat, the Akhal-Teke — often called the “heavenly horse” or “winged horse” — is far more than a purebred breed. In Turkmenistan it embodies a profound national symbol deeply rooted in the country’s history, culture and identity. Its image appears on official emblems, and the art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding together with the traditions of horse decoration were inscribed in 2023 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Organised in cooperation between Turkmen authorities (notably Türkmen Atlary) and the European Akhal-Teke Horse Association (ATHA), the Kronenberg event illustrated the determination to place this heritage within a broader international framework.

Sport, Science and Culture in the Service of Dialogue

The programme combined sporting competitions (dressage and show jumping), beauty contests by age category, the selection of the world champion, and a best-decorated horse competition. The black stallion Yyndam, owned by a French breeder, was crowned absolute world champion. Other titles were awarded to horses and riders from France, Ukraine, Turkmenistan and elsewhere, underscoring the truly international character of the gathering. Cash prizes and distinctions, including a car presented on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, marked the closing ceremony.

Beyond the arenas, an international scientific and practical conference entitled “The Akhal-Teke Horse: The Turkmen Art of World-Class Horse Breeding” brought together experts, veterinarians and researchers from more than twenty countries. Discussions focused on genetic preservation, electronic databases, modern breeding programmes and the historical role of the breed in the improvement of other lineages. An open session of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding provided a platform for concrete prospects of cooperation.

The cultural dimension was carefully curated. Exhibitions of traditional tack, carpets, costumes and craftsmanship, yurt installations, concerts by Turkmen artists and performances by the renowned Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group offered the European public an immersion into the world surrounding these horses. The presentation of the Dutch-language edition of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s book The Horse — A Symbol of Loyalty and Happiness further reinforced this effort to share knowledge.

High-Level Diplomatic Presence

The participation of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, conferred a marked political and diplomatic dimension on the event. During the session of the international association, he emphasised Turkmenistan’s intention to expand scientific, sporting and associative cooperation. Proposals advanced included the creation of a unified genetic bank and an international fund, the development of programmes aimed at greater participation of the breed in Olympic competition, research grants, and initiatives in equestrian tourism along the historic Silk Road routes. The forthcoming opening of a modernised presidential equestrian complex was also announced.

Marian Weltevrede, President of the European Association, praised Berdimuhamedov’s contribution to the international promotion of the breed and presented him with an honorary award for his commitment. On the Dutch side, the King’s Commissioner for Limburg, Emile Roemer, Minister of State and former Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, as well as local elected officials, highlighted the historical role of horses in the province and the capacity of sport and culture to bring peoples together. Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from several countries, including Kazakhstan, Peru, Uruguay and others, also took part in the activities, illustrating the potential of such gatherings to foster ties beyond the bilateral framework.

Soft Power and Prospects for Cooperation

In an international context in which cultural and sporting instruments play an increasingly important role in diplomacy, the Kronenberg championship stands as an example of “horse diplomacy”. It enables Turkmenistan to project an image of modernity combined with respect for its traditions, while opening doors to technical, scientific and tourism exchanges with Europe. For the Netherlands, and particularly for Limburg, a region with a strong equestrian tradition, the event strengthens Peelbergen’s position as an international platform and creates opportunities for economic and institutional cooperation.

The suggestion to hold major gatherings of this kind every five years, raised during the discussions, could institutionalise this dialogue. By combining sporting excellence, heritage preservation and high-level encounters, Kronenberg demonstrated that the “heavenly horses” can serve as a bridge between Central Asia and Europe, in the service of cooperation founded on mutual respect and a shared interest in a living heritage.