One of the world's greatest endurance horses, the Akhal-Teke is both strong and refined. The horse has a long back, shallow rib cage, and a shape not often prized by Western breeders. The Akhal-Teke's head carries higher than its rider's. This is known as “above the bit” and it's often frowned upon by American and European registries. Of course, it is the Akhal-Teke's long neck that gives it a regal appearance and proud carriage. Akhal-Tekes comes in several colors, including bay, chestnut, or dun.

Like the Arabians, Akhal-Teke horses are able to endure long distances in drastically arid, desert climates with little water. They are most often used for long-distance racing, but are also popular in sports such as jumping and dressage - a showcasing of agility training often referred to as “horse ballet.”

Naturally, the Akhal-Teke is a desert horse that lives around oases in its native Turkmenistan. The breed has a mysterious history. Some claim it is a pure breed, while others say it is an offshoot of an Arabian racing breed. That said, it is known to be closely related to the Turkmene breed and has been affected in recent years by Western preferences. At one point, the horse was bred with Thoroughbred crosses to try and improve its racing ability, but this affected the horse's endurance and capacity to withstand heat and was subsequently stopped.

Legend has it that in 1935, an Akhal-Teke and an Iomud horse participated in a ride from Ashkhabad to Moscow, a 2,580 mile, 84-day journey through harsh climates with little water. The trek cemented the Akhal-Teke's place as a premium endurance horse.

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Akhal-Teke - Horses for Sale