This is an absolutely fascinating story for several important reasons. First, this breed maybe the rarest horse breed in the World. Less than 2000 exist world-wide. There are 1400 in Russia, about 200 are located in West Germany and at last count there were less than 100 in the USA.
The next part of the story is a story in itself. The Nez Pearce Indians were once the finest horsemen and breeders in the US, and are now cross breeding Akhal-Teke horses with their beloved Appaloosas with the expectation of re-establishing their status in the Horse World. (Look for this story in the coming months).
History.
The Akhal-Teke is one of the most ancient of horse breeds. It was created by the Tekes, a tribe on the Akhal oasis in Turkmenia. It is believed that these horses were descendants of the wild Steppe Horse. One hundred years B.C., the Chinese referred to this breed as heavenly blood sweating horses.
The region where these horses evolved is fairly isolated, as it is bordered by desert and mountains. Throughout the centuries, it was fairly secure and therefore not subject to the influx of other breeds of horses. Over time the Tekes took great pride in the purity of their breed.
As was true for all of the ancient horse breeds, their stamina and ability in battle was paramount. Like the Arabians, these horses had to withstand the great temperature extremes of the desert. The climatic conditions and management by the Teke tribe created an animal that was intensely loyal to its master, had a beautiful sheen to its coat and could cross the desert with little or no water.
Thoroughbred horses have been widely used to improve other breeds here in the United States. In Russia Akhal-Teke studs are likewise crossbred to heavier breeds to produce warm-blood sport horses. In fact, some researchers now believe that the Byerly Turk and Darly Arabian that were the foundation of thoroughbreds were more likely Akhal-Tekes.
In the mid 1930’s a dispute arose over an attempt to cross the Akhal-Teke with Thoroughbreds to improve racing speed. But a 2700-mile race resolved the issue. The race took 84 days, part of which was 225 miles of desert. The Akhal-Teke did it in 3 days without water. After the race, the authorities decided that the purity of the breed was to be protected.
Foundation.
The first stallion imported to the USA was Sineter in 1979. Oliva, a mare was imported in 1980. Both were from Russia. The Nez Pearce Indian tribe and others feel that this breed will make a significant contribution to performance horses in the future.
Type.
This horse is one of the so-called light horse breeds. Height range is between 15 and 16 HH. Weight generally runs 900 to 1000 pounds. Its look is very similar to the Arabian.
Colors.
The most common color is gold with a metallic sheen that is unique to the breed. Other colors include a gold-dun, gold-bay, gold-chestnut and several others.
