AKHALTEKE
History:
The Akhal-Teke is a horse from Turkoman, in northern Iran adjacent to
the former USSR These horses have been renowned as cavalry mounts and
racehorses for some 3,000 years. The Akhalteke has superb natural gaits,
and is the outstanding sporting horse from this area. The Akhalteke 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 Akhalteke 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 Akhalteke is among the most
elegant of the world's horses.
Ancient Origins:
The Akhalteke 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
Akhalteke now is bred in the other provinces of the southern USSR
Records Set by Akhalteke Horses:
In 1935, fifteen Akhalteke horses were required
to travel from Ashkabad to Moscow on a forced march, and traveled across
the Kara Kum desert, approximately 299 miles, without water. The Akhalteke
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. Photographs: Kentucky Horse
Park, Lexington, KY.
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