History of the Akhal Teke Horse

The Akhal Teke is an ancient Turkmene horse originating from Asia where it was used by nomadic tribes and used as a war horse. Later the Turkmene horse was brought to Russia and the best breeding stock (including the stallion Bionou which dominates many Akhal Teke lines today) were taken to the first Akhal Teke Stud, Zakaspiisky, near Ashkhabad where the breed was developed and used by the Russian Military.

The Akhal Teke has amazing stamina which was proved in an endurance ride where Anglo-Teke, Yomud and Akhal Teke horses were ridden 2,600 miles from Ashkhabad to Moscow over 84 days. The ride included 3 days travelling 215 miles across the Kara Kum desert without water with the purebred Akhal Tekes arriving in Moscow in significantly better condition than the other horses.

Written records of the Akhal Teke have been kept since 1885, the year in which Bionou was born. The first stud book for Central Asian breeds was published in 1941 and included 287 Akhal Teke stallions and 468 Akhal Teke mares. In 1975 the breed was recognised as a pure breed.

Height of the Akhal Teke Horse

The Akhal Teke horse stands 14.2 to 15.2 hh.

Colour of the Akhal Teke Horse

The Akhal Teke is most commonly bay, black, chestnut, grey, palomino or dun with black points. The coat has a distinctive metalic sheen to it.

Characteristics of the Akhal Teke Horse

The Akhal Teke has a small, pretty head with large eyes and long, narrow, highly set ears. It has a long thin neck set high on a sloping shoulder, prominant withers, a long body, fine legs and a silky but sparse mane and tail. The Akhal Teke is a hardy and intelligent horse, long striding, fast, comfortable and with plenty of stamina.

Temperament of the Akhal Teke Horse

The Akhal Teke is spirited, sensitive, stubborn and bold.

Uses of the Akhal Teke Horse

The Akhal Teke is used as a general riding horse as well as a competition horse including show jumping, eventing, dressage, racing and endurance.