{"id":21,"date":"2010-08-08T22:02:57","date_gmt":"2010-08-08T22:02:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=21"},"modified":"2025-05-31T17:34:10","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T17:34:10","slug":"akhal-teke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/akhal-teke","title":{"rendered":"Akhal-Teke Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Known for their greyhound-like appearance and coats that often gleam with a metallic shimmer, the Akhal-Teke horse is one of the easiest breeds to recognize by sight. They are quite simply built for speed and stamina in hot weather.
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Origins<\/h3>\n

Thought to be over 3000 years old, Akhal-Teke horses are descendant of the ancient Scythian type horse and named for the Teke tribe of the Akhal oasis. Prior to being claimed and named, the breed evolved their signature long, lean look and amazing coat colors from the hard life of a plains animal. Scarce resources and large predators caused them to develop long, high-set necks, lean legs and natural golden coat camouflage. <\/p>\n

Once controlled breeding began, extreme physical isolation and a strong sense of tradition maintained relatively pure bloodlines. The Teke tribe has always been nomadic and their horses prized as fast, hardy war mounts. Over time horses became an obvious measure of wealth, so they have always been well cared for and treated like family.<\/p>\n

Changing Times<\/h3>\n

While their breeding may have once been highly traditional, the Akhal-Teke impressed upon the Russians as well. During the Russian occupation, private owners were stripped of their animals which were taken to large, state-owned stud farms. Many owners chose to flee the country, rather than relinquish their prized possessions. <\/p>\n

A Long Ride<\/h3>\n

It was later decreed that animals taken to the stud farms were to be slaughtered for food, so breeders released as many of the animals to their native desert lands as they could. These actions by dedicated breeders probably saved the Akhal-Teke breed. <\/p>\n

In 1935, fifteen Akhal-Teke animals were ridden over 1800 miles from Ashgabat to Moscow (in 84 days). The ride was undertaken to demonstrate their amazing strength to Stalin, in the hopes of earning his permission to continue their breeding. The plan worked. <\/p>\n

Modern Akhal-Teke<\/h3>\n

The modern animals are not so very different from their ancient ancestors. This is in large part due to the tribes who have always loved and bred them. In 1991 Turkmenistan was liberated and they define horse breeding as a nationalistic concern, even an art form, giving it a large amount of credibility. The Akhal-Teke has also been declared a national treasure and their lovely image graces the state seal. <\/p>\n

Today Akhal-Teke enthusiasts can be found all over the world and the number of farms are growing. This is a cherished breed, as they are the last remaining strain of the mighty Turkman<\/a>. <\/p>\n

According to the DAD-IS, Akhal-Teke Horses are at risk and as of 2004 there were only 2300 left. The Equus Survival Trust lists them as critical. <\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 14.2 – 16 hands
\nStrong natural and soft gaits
\nBuilt for stamina and speed
\nSurefooted and strong<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Head is long and light
\nLarge, expressive eyes
\nLong slender, high-set neck with short, fine mane
\nNarrow in the chest with a long back
\nLegs are slender and long<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

All colors<\/a>, but pale golden<\/a> is the preferred color (their metallic glimmer is not due to the champagne dilution gene<\/a> which doesn’t run in the breed’s genetics). Instead their hairs have developed a microscopic scale pattern which reflects light, causing the metallic effect. <\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Spirited with high energy
\nHighly sensitive
\nBold and brave
\nBright and able<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

General riding horse
\nRace horse
\nEventing and show horse<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

*All links open in a new window<\/small>
\nAkhal-Teke Association of America<\/a>
\nAkhal-Teke Society of America<\/a>
\nAkhal-Teke Canada<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to Buy<\/h3>\n

Sweet Water Farm Akhal-Teke<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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\n\"Akhal-Teke\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Akhal-Teke\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Video<\/h3>\n