Horse breed guide

Akhal-Teke

Origin: Turkmenistan

Quick facts

Origin
Turkmenistan
Height
14.2–16.0 hh
Weight
430–500 kg
Lifespan
20–25 yrs
Colors
Famous metallic sheen; buckskin, palomino, bay, black, chestnut, grey, perlino, cremello
Primary uses
Endurance, dressage, show jumping, racing

About the Akhal-Teke

Sensitive, loyal, and one-person oriented. Akhal-Tekes bond intensely with a single handler and can be aloof with strangers. They are bold, intelligent, and require gentle, consistent training.

Feeding & nutrition

Small, frequent meals of low-NSC forage. Add fat (oil, rice bran) for calorie needs without sugar.

Build a ration plan in HorseCare →

Health watch-outs

Naked Foal Syndrome (NFS) — recessive, lethal; test breeding stock. Wobbler syndrome in some lines.

Care tips

1

Thin coats and skin — blanket in cold weather even in mild climates.

2

Famous metallic shine comes from unique hair structure; avoid harsh shampoos.

3

Built for desert efficiency — thrive on sparse, high-quality forage.

4

Bond with one primary handler; consistency in care reduces stress.

Related breeds

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