Akhal-Teke breed of horses: description, breeding, education and care
Slender, without a drop of excess fat, tall and hardy - these epithets rightly belong to the Akhal-Teke breed of horses (akhal-teke, argamak). Bred in ancient times on the territory of modern Turkmenistan, the breed won the respect of athletes for endurance, unpretentiousness, loyalty.
History of origin and homeland
The history of the Akhal-Teke breed has more than 5000 years. Mention of the "heavenly horses" that were grown on the territory of ancient Media (the region of present-day Turkmenistan, bordering the northern regions of Iran), is found among the ancient historians Herodotus and Appian. With changes in the names of states, the names of the legendary steed also changed: Parthian, Nyssa, Persian.
Since the end of the 18th century, purebred horses have been named after the closed oasis of Akhal (in the south of present-day Turkmenistan) and the Teke tribe, in whose families the “golden” horses were raised and trained.
The male lines of the modern Akhal-Teke herd 2/3 come from the famous stallion Boynou, who lived at the end of the XIX century. The external parameters of the Tekintsy changed only in the direction of increasing growth, while maintaining an elegant constitution and noble shine of wool.
Breed description
Noble posture, graceful lines, a long "swan" neck are just a few words describing the exterior of the Turkmen high-spirited horseback.
The main parameters of the Akhal-Teke horse are as follows:
- height at the withers - from 1.5 m to 1.6 m;
- chest circumference - up to 1.8 m;
- oblique body length - 1.8 m;
- weight - up to 500 kg;
- the average speed is 18–20 km / h.
External characteristics
The silhouette of the Akhal-Teke horse is expressive: graceful posture, large eyes of elongated shape, slightly lowered croup, muscular and clearly defined.
The high withers, the noble contour of the head, the perfect shape of the ears, the high neck of a graceful bend, small chest and thin thighs are the hallmarks of the “sacred” horse of Turkmenistan:
- Ascetic constitution: horses from Akhal are called greyhounds, emphasizing the dryness and dryness of the exterior.
- Thin skin under which circulating vessels are visible.
- Almost complete absence of hairline. Horse mane is less common than other breeds. There are individuals without manes - the cardinal difference between the “Golden Horse” and other breeds.
- Large slanting eyes, widely spaced nostrils, small ears with the correct contour. A distinctive feature is the golden sheen of the Turkmen horse’s wool of any traditional color: from light to black.
- The rarest representative has isabella color: the skin is pink, cream-milk coat, which changes color under different lighting, heavenly or emerald-colored eyes.
| Appearance | |
| Height at the withers | Up to 170 cm |
| Torso length | 180 cm |
| Chest circumference | 180 cm |
| Metacarpus | 18.7 cm |
| Suit | Bulan, solovy, isabella, with a golden hue |
| Head | Graceful, wide nostrils |
| The ears | Regular shape, long, wide apart |
| Eyes | Deep set, elongated |
| Neck | Long, straight or S-shaped |
| Mane | Rare, sometimes absent |
| Withers | Tall, long, well muscled |
| Croup | Sloping, wide, medium length |
| Tail | Low, hair thin |
| Back | Long |
| Chest | Narrow |
| Legs | Thin, straight, long |
| Hooves | Regular shape, strong |
Productive qualities
The main purpose of the Akhal-Teke horse is horse riding. A special gait (the Akhal-Teke “floats” during movement), the ability to endure long loads without stopping to eat and drink, devotion to humans are qualities that make it possible for horse breeders to constantly raise these beautiful animals.
Good speed indicators make it possible to participate in horse racing with the achievement of prize results. Turkmens organize races in which the winner of the Akhal-Teke often participates in several races, showing stamina and endurance. The “heavenly horse” is able to bypass short distances of various purebred horses from Europe. Did you know? The national holiday of Turkmenistan "The Feast of the Turkmen Horse" is celebrated on the last Sunday of the month of Gurbanansoltan (April)
Underneath the horse’s external fragility lies internal strength: the stallion is able to carry 2 adult riders for a long time, without needing rest. Centuries-old participation in battles has raised Asian horses endurance and strength. The capabilities of the Akhal-Teke are actively used in distance runs.
Video: Akhal-Teke horse
Argamak qualities were formed in harsh desert conditions, therefore, despite the lack of hair, the breed representatives are resistant to severe stresses, tolerate high and low temperatures in the range from –30 to +50 ° С. The tradition of raising a horse in the family helped to polish his character unlimited devotion to the owner.
Today, it has become popular to use these hardy animals, capable of long crossings, for tourism purposes. The status of a purebred horse imposes a rigid framework for breeding: horse breeders strictly follow the line of the producer, and all representatives of the Akhal-teke are registered in regular breeding publications.
Temperament
Akhal-Teke is the oldest known breed of horse. The geography of origin, the conditions of detention and the purpose of the fast-footed mustang have developed the exceptional temperament of a thoroughbred horse. And the centuries-old use of a horse during hostilities polished the persistent character of the descendants of the noble Boynou.
A well-bred Akhal-Teke horse is distinguished by a soft step and obedient execution of commands. Did you know? The name of the isabella suit comes from the name of the Spanish Queen Isabella, during the reign of which this suit was very popular.
Advantages and disadvantages
Akhal-Tek blood flows in many representatives of the equine kingdom. Argamak had a significant impact on the formation of Arabian horses, on the Don breed. Now there are up to 6, 000 thoroughbred racing horses, half of them at horse breeders of Turkmenistan
Video: Akhal-Teke
Common colors among “Turkmens” are bay, black, gray and red. Along with them, in the Akhal-teke, such suits as solovaya and bulanaya, brown and karaka are common. And, of course, a special suit - isabella.
- The positive features of the Akhal-Teke can be called these:
- “Floating” (floating) gallop, very convenient for the rider . Horses have developed such a step from generation to generation in the desert, so that it is easier to overcome the path along the loose sand.
- Significant stamina . The horse is able to stay under the saddle for several days, without requiring food and water. The Turkmens tested the “golden” horses after intensive training: a strong thirst indicated insufficient endurance, so the training continued.
- High stature . The long legs of the stallion allow him to easily overcome obstacles and barriers during sports competitions.
- Congenital soft attitude to the bridle. The energetic rider easily obeys the rider, flexibly and smoothly enters the coolest turns.
- Well-developed sprinting qualities . Akhal-Teke at short distances bypasses purebred trotters.
- Plastic character . Horses lend themselves perfectly to training, are used in circus arenas and demonstrations in horseback riding.
- Along with the pros, there are also negative points:
- Limited gene pool capabilities . The desire to “improve” the breed by injecting extraneous blood and the massive export of uterus in the early twentieth century served as a negative factor for maintaining the purity and abundance of the breed.
- An individual approach to raising a horse . Generations of Turkmen raised akhal-teke as a member of the family, which affected his character. Frequent change of the horseman does not contribute to the improvement of character - loyalty and complaisance are able to turn into harshness and disposition. Only a competent experienced specialist can train a horse.
- Late physical maturity . A horse becomes competent only 4–5 years after birth.
- High price . A limited number of oriental beauties in the world contributes to a more rapid increase in prices for representatives of the breed than for the more common purebreds.
Maintenance and care
The external unpretentiousness of the Turkmen breed requires careful care and the right training system. The dry body of horses of this breed has been developed for thousands of years due to the optimal selection of feed. The conditions of detention meet the natural needs of the argamaks.
Important! The Akhal-Teke horse has a very thin skeletal structure, and an excess of phosphorus-compatible additives leads to brittle bones.
Stable Requirements
The home of the representative of the pure breed Akhal-teke differs little from the stables for other breeds.
There are a number of features for equipping a stable:
- A large animal needs room: the horse should be able to freely turn and lie down . The optimal stall area is up to 7 square meters. m. If you plan to keep a mare with a foal - 10 square meters. m
- Stable height - from 3.5 m . This will provide the necessary ventilation, eliminate the injury of a horse standing on its hind legs.
- The walls are built of double walls : the outer one is made of brick or timber, the inner perimeter is made of boards, the distance between them is 20 cm. All this creates an additional air "cushion" that ensures the preservation of heat inside.
- The front partition must be made in the form of a lattice in order to avoid accidental contact with a possible visitor (constant “inspections” do not welcome ahal-teke). It will serve as both a door and a feeding trough.
- The feeder should be made of smooth material, with rounded edges . Depth - up to 30 cm. The design helps to avoid wounds and cuts, does not accumulate food residues.
- The best material for the floor is concrete, since it does not swell and is well disinfected . The disadvantage of concrete is the cold floor in winter, so it is necessary to insulate it with straw. There is also modern material for the floor - special rubber mats with antifungal and antibacterial coatings. They are convenient to care for, but expensive in cost. The surface of the floor must be done with a slope so that excess moisture flows down it and does not accumulate on the floor.
- The temperature is up to - 11 ° C. It is necessary to install a good ventilation system in order to avoid overheating of pets in summer and hypothermia in winter.
- Room lighting - up to 200 lux . Light mode - 16/8 hours (light / dark). This helps to maintain the desired activity, improves physical health.
- The stable must be equipped with running water . The presence of a water supply system will help to clean the premises faster and better.
Feeding Features
The elite representative of the “Turkmen” is unpretentious in food.
Its diet differs little from the traditional:
- hay of good quality : contains the maximum necessary substances to maintain activity and agility;
- vegetables : beets, carrots, potatoes, useful for serious physical exertion, intensive preparation for sports competitions;
- soy and dry alfalfa : help the development of muscle structure, strengthen teeth, add silkiness and shine to the hairline;
- green food : in combination with hay promotes a balanced diet of a thoroughbred horse.
The homeland of akhal-teke is a sultry desert. Generations of Turkmen used darlings for transitions “from well to well”. The breed has low water demand: an adult stallion drinks 30–40 liters of water per day.
There are also prohibited products that can lead to diseases and even death of the animal:
- cabbage “wanders” in the stomach, causes colic, indigestion;
- bread can also ferment, clog the intestines;
- fruits do not bring benefits, bananas “clog” the intestines, lead to stomach disease;
- products containing food additives and dyes (crackers, chips), lead to a malfunction in the liver, cause poisoning.
Important! Sports standards prohibit certain drugs by including them on the list of doping. Acceptable is the use of B12, other additives are used only after consultation with specialists.
The best feeding after the birth of the baby is natural. Akhal-Teke’s mare is capable of feeding a foal for more than six months. During this period, the mother must be provided with high-quality nutritious food so that the foal receives the necessary vitamins and minerals with milk.
After the young horse is resettled, breeders offer foals a special diet:
- Hay harvested in early summer. It contains the maximum amount of substances needed to strengthen muscles and bones.
- It is better to replace oats with muesli for foals: the food is more easily digested and absorbed by the young body.
- Preventive feed additives that eliminate the developmental deficiencies of the joints, limbs, and teeth of a horse.
- Throughout the year, lick salt or pressed cubes of special salt should be placed in the feeder.
- Walking at any time of the year, in suitable weather - the main component of the energy and good condition of the horse.
Parenting and care
Proper care of a purebred animal involves:
- Daily cleaning in 3 stages, starting from the head . A hard brush is used to clean the entire skin, except for areas with closely spaced bones. A soft-bristled brush will help remove any dust particles from the coat and undercoat. A long pile of the last brush will add extra shine and polish the natural tint. The mane and hair of the tail are combed with a special comb. Cleaning the hooves is done by hook, wipe the surface of the hoofs with a fabric with a soft structure. Eye circles and nostrils are cleaned with a sponge dipped in warm water, the surface under the tail with another sponge of the same kind.
- Regular bathing in the summer 1 time in 2 days . You will be interested to know
- Dental care requires attention . It’s better to invite a dentist for this. A regular inspection of the teeth is carried out once every six months. With nervousness, refusal of food, constant biting of the harness, a tooth disease is possible, therefore, a dentist examination is mandatory.
- The contents of the stable are in perfect order . It should be removed once a week, in the uterus with a foal - once every 2 days. Dry straw litter must be replaced completely or partially during harvesting, depending on contamination.
Education is a special ritual for an Akhal-Teke. Harsh teams, hard training in the initial stages can lead to the development of a horse "bad character". This animal recognizes partnerships, kindness and affection, but within acceptable limits, and does not like the frequent change of a rider. Respect for devotion and friendship.
Dressage begins depending on the physical development of the horse, not earlier than 1.5 years. Important! To avoid injury during the examination of the oral cavity and check the condition of the teeth will help a special expander.
Disease Prevention
Good health purebred Argamak laid genetically.
The natural endurance and unpretentiousness of the horse will be preserved with proper care and prevention of ailments:
- Regular walking and grazing . Movement is the key to the development of a strong skeleton, proper digestion, normal growth. The ability to graze independently maintains a sense of freedom, and in addition, adds fresh feed to the diet.
- Adequate but not excessive feeding . Excess food leads to colic in the steed. Heavy fodder (oats, compound feed with a high fiber capacity) should be given 1 hour before training or 1 hour after it.
- Timely horse shoeing . The hooves have a soft surface, which is easy to injure with hard soil, stones, glass. Inspection of the horseshoes should be carried out weekly, and cleaning of the hooves - after each walk on a rugged landscape.
- Timely cleaning of the stall and the lack of dampness in the room will help to avoid the occurrence of biting midges.
- Adding vitamins and minerals to the horse’s food in the right proportions strengthens the immune system and prevents the occurrence of dangerous colds . High-quality food will also protect against parasite infection.
Prospects for breeding Akhal-Teke breed of horses
The pedigree of the Turkmen breed of horses was passed orally from generation to generation.
There are several productive lines that laid the foundation for modern breeding:
- Линии Гелишекли (через Юлдуза), Перена, Посмана отличаются высоким ростом, длинной шеей, благородной посадкой головы.
- Линии Каплана, Мелекуша — более крепкой конституции, способны на быстрый аллюр. Имеют самое большое распространение.
- Линии Дор Байрама, Араба, Карлавача несут немного огрубевшие черты, однако выносливы, неприхотливы и преданны.
Цены на жеребят ахал-теке зависят от масти, родословной и физического состояния. Узнайте также как научиться ездить галопом на лошади.
Famous representatives
Выдающиеся представители чистокровных «туркменов» отличились в конных переходах и скачках, на выставках лошадиной красоты:
- «Учредитель» линии жеребец Бойноу положил начало более 2/3 производственных линий чистокровных ахалтекинцев.
- Его сын Меле Куш был подарен королеве Англии в 1956 году Никитой Сергеевичем Хрущёвым. Конюхи, поражённые золотым блеском шерсти, пробовали отмыть коня, подозревая искусственное происхождение отлива.
- Положивший начало одной из племенных линий жеребец Араб пришёл вторым в длительном переходе 1935 года из Ашхабада в Москву.
- Олимпийский чемпион Абсент, выведенный в Казахстане, остается единственным представителем не европейской породы, одержавшим победу в конкуре. Чемпиону установлен памятник на Луговском конезаводе.
- Парад Победы в 2010 году возглавил всадник на жеребце Гирате, прямом потомке Араба.
