Akhal-Teke Horses

The Akhal-Teke takes its name from the Akhal oasis around Ashgabat and the Teke, the Turkmen tribe that bred it. It is one of the oldest horse breeds still in existence, shaped over centuries for long raids across the desert: slim, deep-chested and long-legged, with a fine head and thin skin. Its most famous feature is the coat, which in many horses has a metallic sheen, especially the golden palominos and buckskins that seem to glow in sunlight. Turkmen tradition links the breed to the 'heavenly horses' that Chinese emperors sought from Central Asia, an attractive story that historians treat with caution.

A national symbol

In Turkmenistan the horse is far more than a sport animal. An Akhal-Teke appears on the state emblem, horses feature on banknotes and monuments, and the last Sunday of April is celebrated as the national Day of the Turkmen Horse, with races, parades and beauty contests. Fine horses have been given as state gifts to foreign leaders. In 1935 a group of Turkmen riders made a famous ride of about 4,300 km from Ashgabat to Moscow in some 84 days, including a crossing of the Karakum, which is still cited as proof of the breed's endurance.

Where to see them

The simplest way is a visit to a stud farm in the Akhal oasis around Ashgabat, several of which welcome visitors with an agency booking; grooms lead the horses out, you can watch training, and some farms offer rides for experienced riders. Races are held at the Ashgabat hippodrome, mainly in spring and autumn, and the April horse festival is the best time to see the breed at its most splendid.

How to experience it

Morning is best, before the heat, when horses are worked and exercised. Ask before photographing riders and grooms, keep a respectful distance from stallions, and ask your agency in advance if you want to ride, as it depends on the farm and your experience.