Akhal Teke
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[-]The Akhal-Teke is also known as the "gift from the desert" and it was bred for its stamina and speed. It was used by Turkmen nomads. This particular breed of horse also has Persian origins, the name Akhal-Teke wasn't the official name for this breed, and its closest relatives were known by names such as Massaget, Parthian, Nisean, and Turkmene. The word Akhal pertains to an oasis that is along the Kopet Dag Mountains, the word Akhal-Teke refers to the tribe of Turkmen warriors, they were the breeders of this breed of horse. [/-] [...]
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Of the many horse breeds found throughout the world, the Akhal-Teke comes out as one of the oldest and rarest, with less than four thousand left in existence altogether. Originating in Turkmenistan, the breed was vigilantly developed over many hundreds of years. One of the benefits of shaping the breed in such a harsh environment emerged in it tremendous constitution. The breed is well known not only for its endurance but its ability to easily cope in the harshest, most unforgiving conditions. Even though it can come in various colors, it is typically the golden shimmering color that observers tend to notice first.
Though well muscled, the Akhal-Teke is quite a long and slender breed with many slender features. Were it not for the lack of overly dense muscle, they would not be able to subsist off of less than nourishing food sources as well as they do. Looking at their long bodies, one would guess that they were built more for speed rather than stamina. However, their temperament as well as their physiological makeup makes them best for activities requiring staying power. [...]
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The Akhal-Teke was bred for endurance and is not happy unless and until that natural tendency is being properly utilized. Their natural, slender grace fools many into thinking that the breed would make a perfect racehorse, when in fact they are better built for endurance or jumping activities. Used by nomadic tribes in Turkmenistan and the surrounding areas, the horses developed the ability to go long distances with little in the way of nourishing food or water. This is because their musculoskeletal system is composed at a ratio of more tendon than muscle. These days, the Akhal-Teke exhibits its natural drive in everything from endurance events to dressage shows.
Those who take on this breed often do so specifically because of the Akhal-Teke's own proclivity for athleticism. Though there is some training that comes with having such a breed, it is considered easier with an animal that has a natural zeal for what it is doing. The first thing a handler must do when training the Akhal-Teke for endurance is build a strong bond. [...]
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The Akhal-Teke was not only developed in some of the most unforgiving desert terrain, it managed to thrive in it for many centuries. With this harsh terrain came just as harsh weather conditions; yet the breed remained a predominant implement of nomadic life for the region's people. The Akhal-Teke has an amazing ability to withstand cold weather conditions that would likely harm any other breed. Luckily, over the years the Akhal-Teke has found its way into parts of the world where it does not necessarily have to withstand such climate conditions. It does, nonetheless, still need care in climates that experience extreme cold.
With the Akhal-Teke's body consisting of more tendon than muscle, this means there are less parts of the horse to get cold and less blood needed to keep warm. However, wet and cold weather still affects a horse's internal temperature regulation. In colder weather, the Akhal-Teke still needs plenty of fresh water to ensure the proper balance of liquids in its system. This is especially true when dealing with horses of advanced age. [...]
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The Akhal-Teke is one of the oldest known horse breeds to still be in existence. It has outlasted a number of other breeds that have come and gone out of the region that makes up Central Asia. Of the Four Foundation Breeds, the Akhal-Teke falls into the category of the Oriental subspecies, a category that also includes the Arabian. The other three species of Foundation breed include the Warmblood subspecies, the Draft and the Tarpan subspecies. All the known horse breeds of today are said to originate from one of these four categories. Who started the domestication of horses and when is not entirely known.
The Oriental subspecies has features that are much thinner and more streamlined than other breeds. They are tall and tend to have more tendon than muscle, making them perfect for athletic activities such as endurance rides or jumping. Early in their development, various breeds of the Oriental subspecies were often used to carry out raids on neighboring villages. [...]
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Akhal Teke
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