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The Akhal-Teke Horse

The Akhal-Teke is a horse originating from Asia. These horses have been well-known as cavalry mounts and racehorses for about 3,000 years. The Akhal-Teke has superb natural gaits, and is the outstanding sporting horse from this area. The Akhal-Teke is native to a dry, desolate 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. Today the Akhal-Teke 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 14.2-15.2 hands in height. It is often buckskin in color, although it can be bay and gray, with a pale golden coat preferred. The Akhal-Teke is among the most elegant of the world's horses.

Ancient Origins

The Akhal-Teke 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 Akhal-Teke now is bred in the other provinces of the southern U.S.S.R.

Records Set by Akhal-Teke Horses

In 1935, fifteen Akhal-Teke horses were required to travel from Ashkhabad to Moscow on a forced march of approximately 2,600 miles and 3 days without water, including travel across the Kara-Kum desert of approximately 255 miles. The entire trip lasted approximately 84 days.

 Sources:

 http://www.equine-world.co.uk/about_horses/akhal-teke_horse.htm

 Encyclopedia of the Horse, by Elwyn Hartley Edwards

BY

IL B. CANTERING

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