The season of spring horse races has begun in Turkmenistan— a vibrant event preceding the National Day of the Turkmen Horse, which is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of April. This year, held under the motto “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,” the Ahal-Teke horses once again confirm their status as a living legend and a true pride of the nation.
However, the grace of these “heavenly” horses is not only something to admire from afar. Today, every teenager has the opportunity to get to know them more closely.
A horseback riding section for teenagers is actively operating at the Ashgabat Equestrian Sports Complex. Under the guidance of national show jumping medalist Fagilya Zaripova, young riders learn to sit confidently in the saddle, take their first steps in equestrian sport, and develop skills in handling and caring for horses.
The journey from beginner to professional athlete requires time and dedication. After a certain period of training, riders move on to intermediate and advanced groups, eventually gaining access to the main arena, where competitions featuring the country’s top show jumpers are held.
Despite their youth, the coaches of the section already possess substantial professional experience. Fagilya Zaripova herself entered equestrian sport deliberately and, through persistent training, achieved significant success in a short period. Last year’s show jumping medalist Ykhlas Chopanov also shared his story.
He first came to the hippodrome at the age of four and has been training for 14 years, becoming a successful athlete and mentor for the younger generation. Continuity plays a crucial role in this field. The secrets of horse breeding and the nuances of training can only be passed on by those who have devoted many years to it.
“My mentors played a major role in my development—my coach Begli Garajaev and show jumper Nikolai Beglaryan, whom I have always looked up to,” says Ykhlas Chopanov. “I do not regret my choice. In show jumping, physical fitness is not as important as skill, mathematical calculation, and knowledge of physics. That is why both boys and girls can compete on equal terms in this sport, much like in chess.”
According to the athlete, each horse requires an individual approach. It is important to study and understand how a particular horse prepares to jump over an obstacle—some need to approach the barrier more closely, while others begin their preparation much earlier.
Each training session begins with communication. The rider first grooms the horse and then proceeds to saddle it. A saddle pad, fleece pad, saddle with girth, and bridle are put on. Only after that do riders go out onto the training field. Classes in the section are held three times a week.
To enroll in the section, applicants must prepare a set of required documents. Further details can be obtained directly from the administration of the Ashgabat Equestrian Sports Complex.
Show jumping is an Olympic equestrian discipline that involves clearing obstacles ranging from 0.8 to 2.2 meters in height on a specialized course. For children, it is a popular sport that develops coordination, reaction, and courage. The goal is to complete the course without penalties and within the allotted time.
