Turkoman Horses
The Akhal-Teke is one of the oldest, rarest, and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful breeds of horse in the world. Developed by the fierce nomadic warriors of Central Asia more than three-thousand years ago, the Akhal-Teke is often referred to as the world's "mystery horse," because it has influenced many, yet been influenced by none. Revered as kin to God and celebrated as a cherished national symbol in Turkmenistan.... no other horse can lay claim to the history, legend, and mystique that defines the Akhal-Teke. Many things have been written about this amazing breed, it's ancient origins, unique characteristics, and captivating appearance.
The Akhal-Teke horses are vigorous, excitable, and restless. Thousands of years of selective breeding have left their mark not only on their physical appearance and efficiency, but also on their behavior. These horses are not only sensible but also very sensitive; they are even able to respond to mental suggestions of humans. Their intelligence is not comparable to any other breed.
They are essentially one-master horses. Some Tekes may be difficult when ridden by strangers. With them you cannot achieve obedience by shouting or punishment. A glance, a small gesture, or a soft-spoken word are sufficient. A punishment not understood by the horse can cause them to be in a defensive mood for weeks. They are horses with character, outspoken individuals. For Turkmens these horses were all their lives and they treated them as family. Very often people gave their horses better food than they ate themselves, because they depended on their horses strength and stamina. These horses not only need a sensitive rider, but a human being who can share their feelings when they gallop over vast areas just for the joy of movement. They are not suited to the limitations of modern stables, which kill their spirit. They are horses belonging to wide open spaces.
Akhal-Teke horses are also known for their amazing golden color sheen. They look as if they are truly golden. Despite their fancy looks these horses possess an amazing endurance and stamina qualities. Endurance was developed by the most rigorous natural selection in raids and wars, in which thousands of horses died, and only the toughest survived to pass on their phenomenal qualities to their progeny. Stamina was also achieved by fairly unusual methods of training and preparation.In 1935, Turkmen rode 15 Akhal-Tekes 2500 miles from Ashgabat, Turkmenia to Moscow in 84 days crossing 235 miles of desert without virtually any water.
During The Soviet Union Regime many of these amazing horses were slaughtered, even though people refused to eat their meat. At one point only about 1000 of purebred Akhal-Tekes were left in the world. Since then, the breed is now protected and highly sought after. The government of Turkmenistan defined horse breeding as a nationalistic concern and an art form. The akhalteke has been declared a national treasure and its image graces the state seal of Turkmenistan. Today private ownership of Akhal-Tekes in Turkmenistan is steadily increasing and there are now Akhal-Teke farms in Germany and the United States. Famous Akhal-Tekes: Absent Winner of the Prix de Dressage at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. In 1968 Absent was named the “World’s Best Sporting Horse.” Dancing Brave Winner of the 1986 Arc de Triomphe Race. Dancing Brave holds the record for the highest price ever paid for a horse; US$50 million. Melekush In 1956 Nikita Krushchev presented Melekush to Queen Elizabeth II of England. He was described by the Royal Equerry as Britain’s “best horse.”
Here is an amazing Russian Documentary movie about the Akhal-Teke with English subtitles.
