Akhal-Teke horse: breed characteristics, maintenance rules and cost

One of the most ancient breeds of horses was bred by nomadic Turkmens over 5000 BC. e. Akhal-Teke horses at first sight make an indelible impression on any person. An inimitable stature and suit are combined with an ardent disposition, intelligence and pride. At the same time, these are hardy and frisky horses, reliable friends, devoted to the end of their lives.

History of origin

The Akhal-Teke breed was bred in the regions of Central Asia, where the Great Silk Road passed. In desert conditions, hardy horses were needed to accompany caravans. The name of the breed was determined in the XVIII century.It was based on the names of an oasis in Turkmenistan (Akhal) and a tribe living there (Teke). The priority of Turkmenistan is explained by the preservation of the number of purebred horses, breeding and special, reverent attitude of people towards horses.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Akhal-Tekes are a combination of grace, strength and endurance. A proud and intelligent horse demands respect and does not forgive insults. She becomes very attached to the owner and may not accept a change of ownership. Horses are not picky about feed, but need careful care.

Physical development of horses of the Akhal-Teke breed ends by 4-6 years, which increases the cost of their maintenance.

Description of the Akhal-Teke horse

Horses of this breed, once seen, cannot be confused with others. The purity of blood preserved for thousands of years was expressed in the characteristic features of the exterior. The Akhal-Teke stallion at the withers reaches 160-170 centimeters, the mare - 150-160 centimeters.If you compare it with animals of other species, then it resembles a cheetah: the same light, fast, beautiful. Akhal-Teke horses are frisky and jumpy, they can do without water and food for a long time.

Exterior

Characteristic features of the exterior of the Akhal-Teke horse:

Dry head with a slight hump in the bridge of the nose. The ears are wide apart, thin, mobile. The eyes are large, with an "Asian" slit. Wide nostrils.
The neck is long. Mane and bangs of soft, short hair.
Chest is narrow, muscular.
Belly in, ribs straight.
Back is straight, long.
Sloping croup.
The tail is low set, sparse.
Legs are slender, long.
Hooves are small, hard.
The skin is thin, with translucent blood vessels.

The lack of a mane is found only in the Akhal-Teke breed.

Varieties and suits

There are three varieties within the breed:

Tall, with perfect body proportions.
Mid-sized, with average proportions.
Short, strong build.

Among the Akhal-Teke horses there are horses of various colors (in fractions of the total number of livestock):

bay (2/5);
bulan (1/5);
black (1/8);
redhead (1/8);
grey (1/25);
nightingale (1/20);
Isabella (1/50).

All colors are characterized by a short golden or silver undercoat. It gives the base color a sheen that changes depending on the brightness of the light.

Temper and learning

Akhal-Teke horses are not distinguished by gullibility towards strangers. Features of the formation of the breed developed pride and independence in them. The Akhal-Teke recognizes only the owner, does not make contact with other people. Such affection has been artificially cultivated in animals for thousands of years.

Among the Akhal-Teke there are excitable, nervous and hot individuals. Coercion by force meets stubbornness and refusal to obey orders. But the horse does not show aggression towards humans.

Before you start training, you need to build trust. This will take time, understanding the psychology of the Akhal-Teke. If the horse recognizes the trainer, then training will not require effort. Horses of the Akhal-Teke breed, having a good memory, learn easily and willingly.

What are the features of Isabella suit horses?

Isabella suit resembles the color of baked milk. Akhal-Teke horses of this color have pink skin and cream-colored hair. In the sun, Akhal-Teke horses of Isabella suit seem to be cast in gold. In addition to their rare coloration, they have bright blue or green eyes.

Breeders explain the appearance of horses of this color with a hidden form of albinism. This is confirmed by the predisposition of Isabella horses to diseases of the eyes and skin, which is typical for albinos. Akhal-Teke horses with this color are more difficult to adapt to the conditions of the Turkmen desert.

Use of Akhal-Teke horses

Akhal-Tekes are bred for riding. They show excellent results in show jumping and long races. In terms of jumping in length and height, horses of the Akhal-Teke breed have no equal among other breeds. Akhal-Teke horses set world records in height (2.20 meters) and length (9 meters).

Obedient and trained Akhal-Teke horses amaze judges and spectators at dressage competitions with grace and precision of movements. For the same reason, Akhal-Teke horses are used for circus performances.

Basic Content Rules

To maintain the he alth of horses of the Akhal-Teke breed, it is necessary to fulfill the requirements for their maintenance.

The list of prerequisites includes:

Feed according to the animal's physical activity.
Daily cleaning.
Water treatments 3 times a week.
Once a month hoof inspection.
Twice a year dental checkup.
Daily exercise in the fresh air.

For cleaning horses use:

natural hair brushes (hard and soft);
wooden comb;
sponges (for muzzle and tailbone);
velvet/cloth;
cloth for washing hooves;
hoof cleaning hook.

The cleansing procedure starts from the head, moving to the shoulders, withers, back and legs. For wool use a hard brush. In places where the bones are not protected by muscles, clean with a soft brush. Then the tail and mane are moistened with water and combed with a comb. Hooves are cleaned with a hook and wiped with a wet rag. Wipe the muzzle around the eyes and nostrils with a damp sponge. Another sponge treats the skin under the tail. Rub the entire horse with a slightly damp velvet mitten.

Arrangement of the stable

The stable is placed outside the city, away from the freeway. Animals are kept in wooden structures, with good ventilation, lighting (natural + artificial). A warm floor is arranged in the stalls: a bedding of straw at least 10 centimeters thick is laid on a concrete-clay base.Feeders are placed across the entire width of the stall with a tray depth of 40 centimeters.

Feeding and watering

It is recommended to feed the horse at certain hours, which stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and better absorption of food. The drinking regime is similar to other breeds of horses: water is given before feeding. The daily volume of liquid varies depending on the time of year. In hot weather, a horse needs 60-70 liters of water, in cold weather - 35-40 liters. Water should be fresh, clean, with a temperature of +10 … +15 degrees.

Physical activity is not allowed half an hour before and after feeding. A sweaty horse is watered after it cools down. The diet is determined based on physical activity. In the old days, the Turkmen supported the horse with camel milk, cakes with lamb fat, and eggs.

Basic diet

The basis of nutrition of Akhal-Teke horses is:

roughage;
green food;
concentrates.

Roughage:

hay;
straw;
chaff of spring wheat, barley.

Green food - fresh grass. Concentrated feed includes cereals and silage.

Cereals in the diet of Akhal-Teke people:

wheat;
barley;
oats;
corn.

Silage is made from green mass of corn or sunflower. The daily diet takes into account the energy costs of the animal. On days when the horse is walked with a light jog, it is given forage (coarse and green fodder) without concentrates. With long, slow riding, the percentage of forage is reduced to 70%, replacing it with a concentrate.During training in show jumping, dressage, riding in a harness, the percentage of concentrates is adjusted to 40%.

In show jumping, dressage, fodder and grains are equal. In triathlon, the horse needs more energy and receives 60% grain and 40% forage. Akhal-Teke horses participating in the race are fed mainly concentrated feed (70%).

During feeding, the animal is first fed roughage, then green. The daily rate of roughage is divided into 4 parts: one for the morning and afternoon, two for the night.

Food supplements

Juicy feed (vegetables, fruits) horses give last. Vitamins are introduced into complementary foods as needed.

Bathing

Akhal-Teke horse, with its mobile nervous system, is useful for water procedures. Water invigorates the animal, affects mood and appetite. Washing is carried out 1 time in 2 days.In summer, the horse is bathed in a pond (natural / artificial). In the rest of the year, it is poured over from a hose or bucket. The pond should have a sandy or gravel bottom without silting.

Water temperature - within +20 degrees. The water treatment lasts 20 minutes. At the end of it, excess water is removed with a palm, a scraper. Drying of the skin and hair occurs in the air. The animal is walked at a slow pace for 20 minutes until it dries in the sun. The horse is gradually accustomed to washing from a hose and a bucket so that the water under pressure does not frighten it.

Tooth care

With age, the chewing teeth of the Akhal-Teke start to break down, causing pain when chewing. The older the animal, the more often it is necessary to examine its teeth. If a toothache is suspected, the horse is shown to a specialist.

Signs of problems with the teeth are the constant tension of the back muscles, poor appetite, unreasonable anxiety of the animal: the horse often rears up.

Grazing

The fenced paddock should be next to the stable. Akh alteke horses are walked twice a day, if there is no training - at least half an hour.

Horseshoe

Horses participating in races, show jumping are shod with special horseshoes that have an orthopedic effect. This prevents the animal from injury to the legs. In other cases, universal horseshoes are used.

Disease prevention measures

Starting from a certain age, Akhal-Teke horses, like horses of other breeds, are vaccinated against tetanus, rabies, and influenza. They check for glanders twice a year. To avoid digestive problems, high-quality and fresh food is used.

Breeding

Puberty in Akhal-Teke ends by the age of 2. But for breeding attract animals aged 4-5 years. Insemination of mares in "hunt" is carried out artificially. The stallion is selected in advance so that the foal is born in the right color.

A mare's pregnancy lasts 11 months. One, rarely two foals are born. After 5 hours, the newborns are on their feet and can follow their mother. The mare feeds the foal for the first six months. Then it is gradually transferred to plant foods. Until the middle of the last century, Akhal-Teke stud farms were located in Turkmenistan. Currently, breeding work is carried out in the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan.

Interesting facts about the breed

There are 3,000 thoroughbred Akhal-Teke horses in the world. Half of them are in Turkmenistan. Turkmens consider Akhal-Teke horses to be their national treasure, the brand of the country. The horse is depicted on the coat of arms, the banknote of the national currency. In her honor, a national holiday is held - an annual race, in which only Akhal-Teke horses can take part.

In past centuries, the rulers of the country could afford to keep Akhal-Teke in herds.The nomadic Turkmens kept 1-2 horses, which were constantly near the dwelling on a long lasso. Foals for the cold season were taken to the tent. Stalling has shaped the relationship between man and horse as equal partners with complete trust in each other.

In the old days, among the Turkmens, the father was in the first place in importance, then the guest. The horse took the third place, it was more important than the wife, children and other relatives. Akhal-Teke horses lived to a ripe old age without knowing what a whip is. Due to the illiteracy of the population, the pedigree of each horse was transmitted orally. The information for the stud book was accumulated by the middle of the 20th century.

Akhal-Teke Absinthe at the Olympic Games in Rome (1960) became a world sensation. With his dressage performance, he captivated the audience with the beauty of the exterior, the impeccable execution of commands, demonstrating the fusion of rider and horse.

Price - how much does it cost

The cost of Akhal-Teke horses at international auctions varies from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars per horse. Isabella-colored horses are especially highly valued.