The Akhal-Teke is a horse from Turkmen, in the southern region of the
modern country of Turkmenistan. These horses have been renowned as cavalry
mounts and racehorses for some 3,000 years. The Akhal-Teke has superb natural
gaits, and is the outstanding sporting horse from this area. The Akhal-Teke
is native to an arid, barren environment. During its history, it has established
a reputation of great stamina and courage. A key to the Akhal-Teke’s stamina
is its diet which is low in bulk but high in protein, and frequently includes
butter and eggs mixed with barley. Today the Akhal-Teke is used in show
jumping and dressage in addition to daily use under saddle.
Physical Description
The Akhal-Teke's conformation can be favorably compared to the Persian
Arab, another breed of ancient origin. Its head is similar to the Arab's,
being long and light with expressive eyes. It has relatively long ears
and a long neck. It has a short silky mane, or none at all, and a short
tail. This breed has a narrow chest, long back, and flat ribs. The legs
are long and slender, clearly revealing the tendons. It averages 15-15.1
hands in height. It is often dun in color, although it can be bay and gray,
with a pale golden coat preferred. The Akhal-Teke is among the most elegant
of the world's horses.
Ancient Origins
The Akhal-Teke descended from the ancient Turkmenian horse which was
one of the four original horse "types" that cross the Bering Strait from
America in prehistoric times.. It was originally bred by tribes of Turkoman.
The Akhal-Teke now is bred in the other provinces of the southern U.S.S.R.
Records Set by Akhal-Teke Horses
In 1935, fifteen Akhal-Teke horses were required to travel from Ashkhabad
to Moscow on a forced march, and traveled across the Kara-Kum desert, approximately
299 miles, without water.
The Akhal-Teke named "Absent" won the Prix de Dressage at the Rome Olympics
in 1960.
Reference:
Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
Hendricks, Bonnie L., International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds, Univ
of Oklahoma Press, 1995
