Horse Pictures Akhal Teke Horses

History Of The Akhal Teke Horse

The Akhal-teke horse originates from Turkmen, in the southern region in the country of Turkmenistan. These horses have been used as cavalry mounts and race horses for some 3,000 years.

The Akhal-teke possess superb natural gaits, power, grace, elegance and stamina that is second to none.The Akhal-teke is indeed a remarkable sports horse, noble and proud, a horse that must be seen in the flesh to be truly appreciated. He is native to an arid, barren environment. During it's history, this remarkable horse established a reputation of great stamina and courage. A key to the Akhal-Teke’s stamina is their diet which is low in bulk but high in protein, and frequently includes butter and eggs mixed with barley.

The Akhal Teke Today

Today the Akhal-teke is used in show jumping and dressage in addition to daily use under saddle. 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.

Conformation

The Akhal-teke have long swan like necks. Their manes and tails are as fine as silk and sometimes they have no mane at all. Their tails are often very short. The Akhal-teke has a narrow chest, long back and flat rib. He stands on long slender limbs with elongated pasterns, clearly revealing the tendons.

Colors

The Akhal-teke is well know for the variety and diversity of colours their coats can have. The colours of nature.. The most famous, a golden coat that shimmers like the sun or a black that is as black as coal and as deep as the night, even palomino and cream with the purist of flaxen main and tail. The colour dun and the pale golden coat are much sought after

The Akhal-teke is among the most elegant of the world's horses. They descended from the ancient Turkmenian horse which was one of the four original horse "types" that crossed the Bering Strait from America in prehistoric times. They were originally bred by the tribes of Turkoman.

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 in 80 days. This is engraved in the memories of many Turkmen who are still alive today.