ASHGABAT: Once prized by Alexander the Great for their speed and stamina, Turkmenistan's thoroughbred horses are being groomed for a series of beauty contests, ordered by a presidential decree published Monday. President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who enjoys sweeping powers in this desert nation of five million people and is known for his deft horsemanship, said national beauty contests for the ancient Akhal Teke breed should be held every April. The best horses of the breed, distinguished by shimmering coats, long delicate necks and legs and popularly revered as “the wings of the Turkmen”, will be chosen “to promote the glory of the heavenly racehorse worldwide”, the decree said.
