Jan. 5, 2016
The Akhal-Teke, a Metallic Beauty?
Do you want to learn about an absolutely stunning and unusual horse? Have you ever heard of the Akhal-Teke (AH-kuhl TEH-kee)? Yes, it’s an actual horse breed, one that has its roots from Turkmenistan, a country on the northeast border of Iran way across the Atlantic Ocean in Asia. I have to admit that I never heard of the Akhal-Teke until I read about it in a horse magazine; in fact, I’m not sure how to even pronounce the name. So, let’s take our 10-question quiz and see how much you know about this breed that is little known, even to the passionate horse lover.
- The Akhal-Teke is probably the oldest purebred horse in the world.
- It is believed this breed is about 3000 years old.
- This breed was first used for raiding and war.
- This breed is known as a mountain breed.
- Most of these horses are found in Russia and Turkmenistan today.
- There are over 20,000 purebred Akhal-Tekes today.
- This breed has a long slender body that stands an average of 15-16 hands.
- They can be any color and any combination of colors.
- They are used primarily for trail riding and trail classes in shows.
- The most distinguishing trait of this horse is its beautiful metallic sheen over their base color.
A Cremello Akhal-Teke
Here are the answers. I’d be surprised if you get five correct. I probably would have gotten one or two correct:
- T
- T
- T
- The Akhal-Teke is known as a desert breed.
- T
- F There are only 3500 purebred Akhal-Tekes in the world and only about 500 in the U.S.
- T
- F They are all solid colors including dappled grey; but they are not pinto or app.
- F They can be shown in practically any class including jumping, endurance, and dressage.
- T
Isn’t the Akhal-Teke an amazing horse? I have never seen one except in pictures. I think that metallic sheen, which shines through any base color even black, is absolutely gorgeous.
If you want to learn more about this fascinating horse, look up these other websites to check on additional facts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6zdcYvbU4g (You MUST see this!)
http://www.akhal-teke.org/tekes-in-sports.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhal-Teke
Happy riding!
Marsha
Visit me at Pinterest and see some of the horses I’ve owned over the years:
http://pinterest.com/marshahubler/
For exciting reading:
Whispering Hope
Foster kid Skye Nicholson has her hands full trying to train a wild Mustang and befriend another wild foster kid who has no intentions of cooperating with anyone at Keystone Stables.
Horse Facts by Marsha Hubler 