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Akhal-Teke
Equus ferus caballus
The 'golden horse' of Turkmenistan — a slender desert breed with a famous metallic sheen and great endurance.
How to spot it
A tall, slim, fine-skinned horse of about 14.2 to 16 hands (147 to 163 cm) with a long neck, sparse mane and tail and a short coat that in many individuals shines with a striking metallic, almost gold or silver, lustre.
Temperament
Spirited, sensitive and intensely loyal — often one-person horses that need understanding, consistent handling rather than force.
What it's bred for
An ancient Turkmen breed shaped by the desert for stamina, speed and toughness; it is a renowned endurance and sport horse and a national emblem of Turkmenistan.
Care & upkeep
Built for heat and sparse feed, so it suits hot, dry climates and gains weight easily on rich pasture. The fine coat gives little protection from cold and wet.
Health & lifespan
Around 20 years. The small gene pool carries some inherited risks (such as a neurological wobbler condition and a fatal foal disorder), so testing and careful breeding matter.
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