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ABOUT THE AKHAL TEKE

For some people, the Akhal Teke is simply the most beautiful and pure breed of horse in the world, one founder of the English thoroughbred and an important player in the development of warmbloods like the Trakhener. They are the wonders of the equine world – horsy equivalents of the Elgin Marbles.

But non-believers say the Akhal Teke looks like no other horse on earth. Dismissed as having every conformation fault in the book: ewe neck, cow hocks, long back, tiny flat feet… and thus totally useless. And to top it all, as hot headed and as bad tempered as a rogue tiger.

The AT does not have bad but different conformation. Those long, slender supermodel legs conceal bone of great density and quality. The elastic paces with those long (but tough) shock-absorbing pasterns give a ride truly as smooth as silk – you may find it hard to rise to the trot. And the engine is firmly at the back despite that high head carriage – all the power of a Ferrari. The sheer energy and enthusiasm makes the Teke a delight to ride. And as for temperament - yes they are hot blooded, but also intelligent, affectionate and loyal.

Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Akhal Tekes are graceful and they have fine, silky coats. They come in a range of stunning colours, gold, silver, champagne, burnished copper … and because of the special structure of their hair follicles, many have a metallic sheen, in some so pronounced they literally glow in the dark.

The Akhal Teke is a native of Central Asia – where's that? Well, roughly speaking, look on an Atlas for the Caspian and Aral seas and you are on the right track. To be more accurate, Akhal Tekes originated in the steppes and deserts of Northern Iran and Turkmenistan. The horses were kept by the nomadic Teke tribe, in the region of the Akhal Oasis, hence the name. Turkmenistan is to say the least, a highly fascinating country with a President who amongst other things, has renamed the months after his close relatives. There are many fine Akhal Tekes in Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries, used primarily for flat racing.

The other major producer country is Russia. After the annexation of Turkmenistan to the Soviet Union, many Akhal Tekes were simply slaughtered. But fortunately, some Russians knew a good thing when they saw one, and it was indeed the Russians who established the official stud book. For Akhal Teke fans a visit to Russia is de rigueur.

The number of Akhal Tekes in the world is according to some sources around 3 000. Others say 7 000. Whatever the truth, the numbers are tiny compared with the great hordes of Arabs and Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds and Connemaras…. The numbers of pure bred Teke horses outside Central Asia and Russia are positively miniscule, for example around 200 in France, and maybe 25 in the UK!

The rarity of the breed and geographical dispersion complicates matters for breeders outside the main producer countries. The Akhal Teke, its future, purpose and breeding provokes lively debate. Some breeders criticise the use of techniques like AI and embryo transfer. Others feel unhappy at what they regard as excessive inbreeding. Some advocate reviewing the existing grading programme. Some even maintain there is no grading programme. Others have doubts on excluding any animals from the breeding stock, fearing a further reduction of the gene pool.

The jury is still out on the performance capabilities of the breed. There is little opportunity for the traditional sport of Akhal Teke flat racing in the West – at least to date. Everyone knows one, Absent, won Olympic Gold for dressage. Everyone knows of the famous ride from Moscow to Ashgabat and many believe the breed is well-suited to endurance. Others favour show-jumping and some consider their all-round athleticism makes the Akhal Teke ideal for 3 day eventing. Can the Akhal Teke compete with the mighty power of the warmblood sport horse and the astonishing staying power of the Arab? Is there any point in trying? Is there any need to try? Should we just accept the Akhal Teke for what it is – a pure and noble equine? Will horses bred away from the original biotope lose type? These issues are discussed in blogs and chat rooms – why not join in and add your views.

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