Turkmenistan's 'heavenly' Akhal-Teke horses celebrated in annual beauty pageants

The Central Asian country of Turkmenistan is immensely proud of its horses.

The ancient and endangered Akhal-Teke species has become a symbol of great national pride in a deeply isolated state where power is firmly concentrated, and are considered so beautiful that beauty pageants are held for them annually.

The species and the culture surrounding them has even been listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. ...