Akhal Teke

Found in the country of Turkmenistan, the Akhal-Teke breed is most at home in a barren, arid environment. Akhal-Teke have been used as racehorses and cavalry mounts for over 3,000 years. This breed is known for it's natural gaits, unwillingness to give up, and courage. The incredible stamina is a result mostly of their diet of high protein- many are given butter and eggs with their barley.

In recent years, Akhal-Teke have been used for dressage and show jumping, as well as daily saddle riding.

Physical Appearance

The head of the Akhal-Teke breed is similar to that of Persian Arab's, featuring a long front, ears, and neck, and very expressive eyes. The chest is narrow, ribs are flat and their backs are long. The breed's height typically averages 15 hands, and gives a very elegant appearance with slender and long legs that show off their tendons. Colors are typically dun, although some will be gray. Golden and pale coats are preferred on the Akhal-Teke.

Descendents

The Akhal Teke was originally bred by the Turkoman tribes. One of the original four horse breeds that came from America across the Bering Straight, the Akhal-Teke is a descended of the Turkmenian horse.

Akhal-Teke Records

Showing their stamina, the Akhal-Teke are known for the 15 horses that were part of the 84 day march in 1935. The horses traveled from Ashkhabad to Moscow, which is over 2500 miles. The trip included a 3 day stint where the horses did not have access to water, and travel over 255 miles of desert.