On this day various festive events are held in the capital of the republic and, first of all, horse races where Akhal-Teke horses are traditionally the heroes. These horses have always been a symbol of honor and among the main national assets for Turkmen people.
The President's Akhal-Teke horse Yanardag (Fiery Mountain) placed in the center of the state emblem of Turkmenistan has become an integral part of the country's national symbol.
Today there are 17 varieties of the Akhal-Teke horse in Turkmenistan alone and the total number of Akhal-Teke horses equals about 2,000.
On Sunday the Ashkhabad horse race track holds traditional horse races, mass outdoor fetes and a concert of artists.
On the eve of the holiday, the largest horse-breeding complex in Central Asia was opened near Ashkhabad on an area of 56 hectares.
The complex is designed for keeping 300 horses, for which six stables equipped with special ventilation and insect protection systems have been built. Also, three running courses, tribunes for 5,000 seats, an arena for a horse display, a special horse walking area and some auxiliary premises have been built on the territory of the complex. A special building will accommodate a Jockey Club.
The complex houses immune-genetic and veterinary laboratories, which include not only operational and inspection halls but also X-ray and ultrasound equipment. Apart from that, a special swimming pool has been built for Akhal-Teke horses.
