Akhal-Téké, Horse breed in Karakum Desert, Turkmenistan
The Akhal-Teke is a horse breed from the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan, recognized by its metallic sheen in the coat with colors ranging from golden palomino to silvery cremello. The breed has a refined build and stands out for its distinctive, lustrous coat surface.
This horse breed traces back approximately 3,000 years to the Turkoman horse and developed over millennia in the desert region. The first official studbook was established in the 1940s and documented the breeding of the modern strain.
These horses serve as a national symbol of Turkmenistan, appearing on official emblems, monuments, and currency throughout the country. Their importance extends beyond sport and makes them a defining image of Turkish identity.
To see these horses, one must visit Turkmenistan where they are kept in the extreme desert conditions and have adapted well to heat and water scarcity. The best time for a visit is during cooler months when conditions are more favorable for observation.
These horses require significantly less food and water than other breeds and can endure extended periods of extreme scarcity. This adaptability makes them superior in the harsh desert landscape and is the result of millennia of selection in that environment.
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