Horse Breeds: Akhal-Teke

The Akhal-Teke (Ah-cull Tek-y) is a horse with great endurance originally from the Middle East. Today these lovely horses are used in many sports. In particular, they excel in racing, show jumping, dressage, and endurance racing. They are typically bay, grey, black, dun, chestnut, or gold in color and stand 14.3 to 16 hands high.

This distinctive breed has a gazelle-like appearance and is graceful and a beauty to watch. Experts believe that the Akhal-Teke is at least 3000 years old and may be the only remaining strain of the Turkmene, a horse that has existed in some form or another since 2400 BCE.

From 500 to 1500 CE, or what we call the Middle Ages, the Akhal-Teke was found primarily in the Kopet Dag Mountains in Turkmenistan. They lived with the nomads there and were treated like valuable members of the family, often being tethered near or even in the shelters used by humans. By the early 1900s, this magnificant breed was being used by the Russian calvary. Today, they are primarily used for sport and valued for their unique beauty.

The coat of the Akhal-Teke shimmers, especially in bright light. It is important to note, however, that some coat colors shine more than others and the degree of shine is dependent upon the health of the horse and the quality of the coat. This breed has a thin neck that is incredibly flexible. While the Akhal-Teke is considered 'above the bit' by modern standards, this neck is a necessary asset in the flat desert. The Akhal-Teke has a narrow frame and a flat, gliding gait that is perfect for moving swiftly and silently in the desert.