Akhal-Teke is a breed from Turkmenistan, where this horse is a national emblem. Akhal means "pure" and Teke is the name of the tribe that originally bred these horses. This horse has been popular in Russia where the first studbook was created in 1941.

ORIGINS
The Akhal-Teke horse was first bred by the Teke tribe thousands of years ago on the Akhal oasis in Turkmenia. They were kept isolated by the tribe in a flat desert surrounded by mountains, away from mixing with other horses. It is, therefore, one of the most ancient of horse breeds known today. However, because actual horse breeds were not acknowledged prior to A.D. 1600, the ancestry of the Akhal-Teke is not fully clear. Some believe this horse dates back to over 3,000 years ago. Yet, some claim the breed is a desendent of horses used by Mongol raiders during the 13th and 14th century.

PHYSICAL FEATURES / PHYSIQUE
The Akhal-Teke has slanted expressive eyes, long ears, a long, thin neck, a long back with flat ribs and a sloping croup, long slender pasterns, pronounced muscular withers, a sparse mane and tail, and a lustrous coat. Its height ranges from 14.2 to 16 hands, and its weight from 900 to 1000 pounds. It comes in many colors from black to cream, often with typical metallic shine. The Akhal-Teke is very reminiscent of the Arabian horse.

TEMPERAMENT
Akhal-Teke horses are vigorous, excitable, restless. and intelligent.

USES / ASSETS
Because of their great speed and endurance this horse does very well in sports. They are often used in dressage and show jumping and has superb soft gliding gaits. The Akhal-Teke is known to go several days across the desert without water.

STATUS
Approximately 3,500 Akhal-Tekes exist in the world, mainly in Turkmenistan and Russia. They can also be found throughout Europe, Australia, and North America. They are known to carry several genetic diseases such as Hairless Foal Syndrome which is believed to be caused by an autosomal, lethal recessive gene. Cryptochidism is very common among Akhal Horses, and Wobbler Syndrome has fairly recently been found in several foals. The average lifespan is roughly mid to late 20s.