The Akhal-Teké horse

This horse is lively, strong-willed, independent and can be shady. Its endurance is exceptional and its stamina legendary. Fast gaits. Broad, supple action.

The Akhal-Teké (or Akhal Tékin), a saddle horse originally from Turkmenistan, owes its name to the Akhal valley and the Téké tribe that lived there. It is thought to be descended from the ancient Turkoman breed, now extinct. It could be one of the ancestors of the Arab. Imported into Great Britain in the 17th century, it is said to have contributed to the foundation of the Thoroughbred and other breeds. Breeding began in France.

The horse features prominently on Turkmenistan’s coat of arms, reflecting the pride and quality of its people. For many years, the Turkmen government has made a point of promoting and developing the Akhal-Teké both at home and abroad. The animal is renowned for its success in many equestrian disciplines, particularly dressage. In fact, it is the breed with the most Olympic victories in this category. The Akhal-Teké is a horse closely linked to nomadic populations, and the successive struggles against nomadism in the 19th century were sometimes devastating for the breed’s development.