Akhal-Teke Horse Breed

Akhal-Teke Horse
These wonderful horses are lean to look at and similar in design to the Arab, they are able to survive on meager rations having had to cope with life in the desert for centuries. The Akhal-Teke has stamina, speed and great endurance making them a very popular long distance horse.

Originates in Turkmenistan in the north of Iran.

Height 15 to 16.2 HH.

Colour Bay, grey, chestnut and black.

Conformation

Head is small and refined with large eyes and nostrils and a slightly convex profile.
Neck is long and lean.
Shoulders are sloping.
Withers are a good height.
Back is fairly long.
Limbs are slender and strong with sound hooves.
Mane and tail are very sparse.
Hindquarters are fairly narrow and lean but never the less quite strong.

Temperament The Akhal Teke is a very spirited breed.

History
In its homeland of Iran the Akhal-Teke had to endure very hot days and cold nights with little food or shelter to help. Originally they were raced as yearlings but thankfully this practice has stopped and they are now raced at 2 and 3 years of age. They are now largely bred in the Tersk Stud which is in the northern Caucasus mountains.

Uses All purpose riding horse, endurance riding, racing, dressage and jumping.

Famous Akhal-Teke Horse was a stallion called Absent who went on to win the Prix de Dressage in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, the bronze in the 1964 Olympics and team gold in the 1968 Olympics.

Akhal-Teke Horse Society Of America
The Akhal-Teke Society aims to promote and preserve this wonderful breeds unique character, strength and stamina helping to protect the future of this truly beautiful breed of horse.