Akhal-Teke stallion,
Pieter, exhibits the
beautiful metallic color
that is commonly found
in the Akhal-Teke.
Pieter was owned by
Terri Fender of
Shah' zadeh Akhal-Tekes
LLC
and was
their herd sire up until
his death at the age of
17. Pieter's son
Jack, a yearling
Akhal-Teke is a hopeful
stallion prospect.
Photo used with
permission from Shah'
zadeh Akhal-Tekes LLC.
|
Akhal Teke Breed Description
Akhal Tekes are elegant
animals that hail from the
country of Turkmenistan.
Often considered the
equestrian version of the
greyhound, these desert
horses are powerful, yet
sleek and refined. A
long, fine head with
expressive, almond shaped
eyes are the defining
features of the face of the
Akhal Teke. A long,
lean neck ties into a
sloping shoulder. The
back of the Akhal Teke is
lightly muscled and slim
with the deep chest.
Akhal Tekes should possess
long, slender- yet sturdy-
legs that were ideal
for the stamina required in
their desert origin.
Akhal
Teke Color and Height
According to the Akhal-Teke
Association of America, the
ideal height of the
Akhal-Teke ranges from 14.3
- 16 hh. The coat of
the Akhal-Teke is considered
by some by the breed's most
unique feature. The
coat usually has a metalic
glow. The predominant
color is dun or another
variation of a color
requiring the cream gene
such as Palomino, Cremello,
Perlino, and Grulla.
However chestnuts, bays,
greys, and blacks are also
found. Akhal-Tekes
typically have white
markings. Sabino and
Rabicano pinto markings can
also be seen. All
colors are allowed by the
Akhal-Teke Association of
America. |
Iermuk is
an Akhal-Teke Stallion owned
by Ozark Golden Akhal-Tekes
(Bill and Martha Bowles) in
Salem, MO.
|
Akhal Teke
Breed History
The Akhal Teke breed
is thought to be over
three thousand years
old. This
hardy breed hails
from southern
Turkmenistan where
they were used by a
nomadic tribe.
Today, the breed is
quite rare.
There are
approximately 3500
Akhal Teke horses in
existence. It
was not until 1979,
that the first Akhal
Teke was imported to
the United States.
Currently, 350 Akhal
Tekes can be found
in the U.S.
Because of the
breeds low numbers,
it is recommended
that owners breed
all their mares
every year and to
wait to castrate
colts until they
have been matured
and graded by the
breed advisor.
The Akhal Teke breed
has a closed
studbook and every
horse worldwide is
graded by the same
breed advisor.
Uses of the Akhal
Teke
In the
United States, the
Akhal Teke is
primarily used for
jumping, dressage,
and english riding.
The Akhal Teke
is also used in the
development and
refinement of other
breeds including the
Nez Perce Horse and
Sporthorses.
Akhal Teke Miscellaneous
Information
In 1960, an Akhal Teke stallion named
Absent won the Prix de Dressage at the Olympics in Rome.
The stallion was ridden by Sergei Filatov. The
remarkable stallion won a bronze in the 1964 Olympics in
Tokyo and a Soviet team gold medal at the 1968 Olympics
in Mexico City. (Source- Wikipedia)
|
