Turkmen horse riders on Akhal-Teke horses create furore in China

The Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group of Turkmenistan began its guest tour in Changchun, Northeast China's Jilin province. On this occasion, a magnificent opening ceremony took place what was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the People’s Republic of China, as well as local authorities and business community.

High-ranking party officials and leaders of various government agencies of the host country, representatives of art beau monde attended the ceremony. Turkmen students studying in Changchun that is one of the centers of development of Chinese industry and that has 11 large institutions, joined the holiday event as well.

Changchun is also considered one of the tourist centers of the country. Besides the ancient imperial palaces and other sightseeing, it is known as the Chinese film production center that attracts many travelers around the world. It was on its territory that the tent was located, on the arena of which Turkmen hors riders on Akhal-Teke horses performed.

The hall with capacity of 1600 seats was fully packed and it was hard to find an empty seat: 30 years ago, a circus troupe performed in the city for the last time.

The public praised the equestrian show with a will and applause, the spectators were delighted a lot with unbelievable stunts, courage and dexterity of riders, as well as with beauty and grace of Akhal-Teke horses.

Jilin Shengshi Totem Horse Calche Co. Ltd., the organizing company of the tour of Turkmen horse riders, is interested in establishing direct business contacts with Turkmenistan. In addition, according to the organizers, such bright events would attract more tourists from other provinces of the country and support the local economy.

It was no accident that the tourists were put into consideration. In China, Akhal-Teke horses are respected a lot. According to tradition, these horses sweat blood, giving rise to the name: "sweats blood horse". It is believed that the phenomenon is caused by specific characteristics of Akhal-Teke breed. Their satin-looking hair shines under sunlights with bright tints in which you can see flame-colored flashes.

Specially for the opening of the tour of the famous Turkmen group, the prominent poet Wang Xianli wrote a poem about Akhal-Teke horses, which was performed by the artists to the tune of the Chinese harp.

The International Academy of Calligraphy and Art on behalf of the author handed over a hand-written poem to the museum collection of Turkmenistan.

In addition, the opening ceremony of the exhibition of the famous Chinese amateur artist Lee Furong, who is in the list of prominent figures of contemporary Chinese art, dedicated to the Galkynysh group, took place. The exhibition was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the People’s Republic of China, the China Academy of Contemporary Art, the International Academy of Calligraphy and Art of China, the Cultural Exchange Center for public diplomacy of China.

The art exhibition featured more than 50 paintings and famous statements about Akhal-Teke horses written in calligraphic style. It will be open within next three months.

The exhibition is located on the private equestrian farm of Li Jian, Head of Jilin Shengshi Totem Horse Calche Co. Ltd. Company, who initiated the tour of the Galkynysh group. There are about 70 heads of purebred Turkmen horses at his farm, while, as of today, there are about 600 Akhal-Teke in total in China.

At his farm, a big enthusiast and fun of Akhal-Teke horses organized a museum of the history of world horse breeding and created an equestrian center with an indoor arena for show jumping competitions, stables and other facilities. The ceremony participants took part in the demonstration of Akhal-Teke horses, improvised horse riding and demonstration performances.

In addition to the horse-show events, during a visit to Changchun, Turkmen diplomats held talks with the vice governor of Jilin Province and the heads of departments and government structures of the province.

During the discussion of the prospects for cooperation, the Chinese side also expressed a wish to see the Galkynysh Equestrian Games Group along with the Turkmen high-level delegation at the opening ceremony of the 12th China-Northeast Asia Expo. The exhibition co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the People’s Government of Jilin Province is scheduled to be held in Changchun City from August 23 to 27, 2019.

Representatives of the Embassy of Turkmenistan also visited the Northeast Pedagogy University, where they met with Wang Yang, Chairman of the National Committee of the Communist Party of China, and other officials. During the meeting with the teachers of the university, which specialized in Chinese language and literature, pedagogy, history, biology and chemistry, the possibilities of cooperation in the field of training professional personnel for Turkmenistan were discussed.

The diplomats talked with Turkmen students studying in Changchun. Besides, they expressed a wish to be volunteers in events related to the tour of the Galkynysh Equestrian Games Group.

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