Akhal Teke — Horse Complete Breed Profile

Akhal Teke — Horse is an exotic breed that has a rich history and colourful heritage. It is considered to be one of the oldest domesticated horse breeds and because it was bred mainly for endurance and speed, its original coat colour manifests as seal brown. Some appreciate how beautiful and agile it is, while others see its thin frame as unique among many other breeds of horse. Its rarity quenches its appeal and allure.

In this article you will read about the history of the Akhal-Teke, its physical characteristics and health problems. For horse people, I want to do that in the hope you can get deeper into what makes this breed so unique and perhaps be happy here as well.

Key Takeaways

• The Akhal-Teke is highly prize for its endurance and also their distinct appearance.
• Their needs are very specific and they will require experienced owners to look after them.
• In other words it provides specifics so prospective owners can determine if this small car is the right fit.

The Akhal Teke — Horse Historical past & Origins

The Akhal-Teke is an ancient horse breed whose roots go back thousands of years. It is believed to be descended from the famed Arabian line.

Origin: The same place where the Karakum desert of Turkmenistan originated. Akhal-Tekes were evolutionary adapted to their harsh environment, having survived on minimal food and water while unprotected from the elements. They were raised by their nomad trainers and depended on each other for survival. These were the tribes involved in breeding performance horses.

Russian Empire took care of the first official breeding farm for Akhal-Tekes when Turkmenistan joined Russia in 1881. The breed was given the appellation after a tribe of nomads known as Teke Turk-men that lived near an oasis in Akhal.

During the early Soviet era the breed suffered due to medical hardships, leading their population numbers down. Akhal-Teke in the United States is a relatively recent development, with importations first occurring only around 1979.

The Akhal-Teke Association of America is the breed registry here. The breed is still rare in the U.S., where there are about 300 registered Akhal-Tekes; worldwide, some 7,000 exist.

Size of the Akhal Teke — Horse

HEIGHTThe average Akhal-Teke stands between 14(54 inches) and 16(64 inches) hands. They weigh between 900 and 1,000 pounds. Their thin body structure reminds me of a racing greyhound, accentuating their gracefulness and agility.

Akhal Teke — Horse Breeding and Uses

The Akhal-Teke breed is an ancient one from Turkmenistan and extensively used by nomad tribes as a saddle horse. These horses were bred to a standard that emphasised speed, stamina and agility- required for tribal raids (I appreciate the effort of their human masters).

These days, I can watch Akhal Teke — Horse performing in disciplines like;

• Dressage
• Showjumping
• Long-distance racing
• Pleasure riding

In Russia, a horse is a status symbol. They also significantly impact horse racing; with over 200 pure breeds sent to GB in the last several centuries, they have helped define what skeletal characteristics make a successful racehorse.

Coat Colors and Patterns

The unique coat of Akhal-Teke horses can be found in any colour or pattern that otherwise a horse could have. They also carry a cream dilution gene (palamino, cremmello and perlino). From time to time I see some horses that have very distinctive blue eyes.

Their coats also appear to have an iridescent glow that makes them look like they are shimmering. Their hair doesn’t contain the opaque centre that standard horse hair does resulting in this effect. When the light strikes their coats, they have an iridescent glow. In a cream horse, the sheen will be golden and in gray horses have a silvery shiny.

Akhal Teke — Horse Unique characteristics

The Akhal-Teke is one of the most distinctive horse breeds, with a slim frame and iridescent coat unlike any other. Many people admire its graceful, fluid movement.

And furthermore, I think they have an amazing character. They are fiercely loyal and many will become very attached to one owner. Temperament Akhal-Tekes are known to be very intelligent and easy to train, making them well-suited for both dressage or general riding due to their quick reflexes. This only puts them in a special category of friends those who know they belongs to.

Nutrition and Diet

This breed of horse eats a lot less than other horses due to their evolution in dry regions. Thousands of years ago these horses would have largely subsisted on a high-protein, low-bulk diet. Healthy things to supplement their diet with today would be good grass and hay, with some grains.

Optimal nutrition is fed with barley enriched eggs and butter (barley –> whole egg coffee)

I cannot be over feeding my horse. Overeating can cause diseases such as metabolic syndrome, and obesity. It is important to keep a portion of their scale.

Health and Behaviour Issues

Back goroupe due to a low genetic diversity leads some issue in the Akhal-Teke breed. Some of the most common health and behaviour issues I think it is important to be aware of include:

• Cervical Vertebral Malformation (Wobbler Syndrome): This will cause a gait that is stiff and unsteady; Symptoms may become alleviated with medical treatment.
• One or both of the testes may be absent: Cryptorchidism This makes neutering more difficult, and failure to remove all testes will cause the bird to continue producing testosterone which may also lead in behavioural changes.
• Naked Foal Syndrome: Where some foals are born and do not have hair. In addition, they can meet dental problems and jaw issues besides with digestive disorders together some other complications.

Fortunately with what I know from the books, this has helped me to identify these issues within the breed.

Grooming

Regular grooming for my Akhal-Teke is a must. I brush his horse a couple of times per week to get rid of all the dirt that settles in and massage it between brushing. I also bath my horse regularly for a radiant hair coat. Check them daily for injury and hoof infections.

Pros

• These are athletic horses, known for their power and dexterity. They are very talented in different areas which makes them adaptable partners.
• Akahal-Tekes forge deep connections with their owners. You can depend on them, they are loyal!
• I am quite impressed by their intelligence. This characteristics allow them to understand commands quickly, enables short-term grooming as well as makes for easier training and riding.

Cons

They typically form a strong attachment to one rider.

• It need handling, which is difficult as I find them very nervous.
• They may develop genetic illnesses.
• Akhal-Teke Horse Champions and Stars

The horse is of particular importance as a national emblem for Turkmenistan, although they are also found at significant levels in Georgia and Russia. I used to see these big beautiful animals on stamps and in many statues throughout the entire country.

The champion Akhal-Teke was the stallion Absent, who became a legend when he won individual gold in dressage at the 1960 Olympics. He also won medals in two other Olympic Games and sired several notable offspring who were successful as dressage horses or jumpers.

Akhal-Teke Horse Best Suited For;

Owners and riders with equine experience.

A breed that was bred to endure harsher elements, the Akhal-Teke. Such a feature allows it to succeed in almost any climate.

You have a keen sense of alertness, and responsiveness around you, but the energy levels are still quite intimidating. These horses have a lot of power and can be intimidating to first-time owners. While many Akhal-Tekes show close relationships with people, they can be suspicious of new folks.

Thus, training should be given to them such that they only perceive it as fun and fun. Once I build a relationship with one, I think he’d be good for me. A lot of people say theirs seems to understand them. I heard somewhere that one even protected their owner, roaring like horses never had done before.

Price of an Akhal-Teke horse.

Expect to shell out upwards of around $10,000 on a horse, or $8,000 if you wait for a decade. It may seem high, but there is a reason for this. There are fewer than 10,000 in existence, the majority of that resides in Turkmenistan and Russia.

But you may still find some in North America. I shall decide and spend some time with the horse before making an order. I should know the breeder’s info and personality, as well ask for a history of health whatsoever.

These are extra breeds of horses. Again, suppose you’re interested in something this much. I encourage you to browse my other horse breed profiles to learn more.

Traits That Make Akhal Teke horses Stand Out

• Sleek physique: They are slim and athletic.
• They have long legs, which makes them look more elegant as well.
• An Iridescent Sheen To The Coat.
• All of these qualities add up to the reputation that we known as this are able Beautiful and leap around animal.

What Makes Akhal-Teke Horses Unique (Compared to Arabian)

Both breeds are known for their durability, however there are some differences in them:

• Build: Typically much taller and longer than the more compact Arabian.
• Unique coat type: Akhal-Tekes tend to have a sleek, and glossy finish.
• Personality: The Akhal-Teke tends to be a bit more aloof than the Arabian due there naturally friendly nature.
• Understanding these differences facilitate to get the suitable breed for different reasons.

What should you feed your Akhal-Teke horse?

We all know that what a horse eats is important, and this goes the same for Akhal-Teke horses. They typically eat:

• Hay — used heavily when munching on soft hay.
• Grain– Oats or special horse feeds may be added.
• Apples: all types of apples, he loves these for treats!
• Proper nutrition also allows them to maintain their energy and well-being.

Akhal Teke — Horse: What Are They Used For?

The Akhal-Teke horses are:

• Rode: Used for pleasure and in rodeo competition.
• Endurance Events: They are suited for endurance events because of their stamina.
• Cultural Events: They are usually the ones you see in fiestas from their home regions.
• All of these purposes showcase the breed’s skills.

What parts of the United States have Akhal-Teke horses?

There are also breeders of Akhal-Teke horses in a couple states within the U.S. Key regions include:

• California
• Texas
• Colorado

In these areas, there are often breeders and enthusiasts for this rare video who use it to teach you how a Malinois should be trained