Editing Akhal-Teke

{{Short description|Turkmen horse breed}}
{{About|a horse breed|the Turkmen tribe|Teke (Turkmen tribe)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox horse breed
| name            = Akhal-Teke<br>Ахал-Теке
| image           = Dagat-Geli.jpg
| image_size      =
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| image_caption   = 
| image2          = 
| image_size2     = 
| image_alt2      = 
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| features        = Riding horse bred for endurance; noted for 'metallic' coat of some individuals
| altname         =
| country         = Turkmenistan
| distribution    =
| status          = 
| use             = 
| standard        = {{ubl|[https://akhal-teke.org/the-breed/breed-standard/ Akhal-Teke Association of America]|[https://web.archive.org/web/20210227070140/http://www.maakcenter.org/ENG/BREED/standard.html International Association of Akhal-Teke Breeding]}}
| colour          =  
| height          = {{cvt|144|–|160|cm|hands|lk=out}}
| male_height     = 
| female_height   =
| weight          = {{cvt|430|–|500|kg|comma=off}}
| male_weight     =
| female_weight   =
| note            = 
}}

The '''Akhal-Teke''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|æ|k|əl|ˈ|t|ɛ|k}} or {{IPAc-en|ˌ|æ|k|əl|ˈ|t|ɛ|k|i}}; from [[Turkmen language|Turkmen]] ''Ahalteke'', {{IPA|tk|axalˈteke|}}) is a Turkmen [[horse breed]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Country Facts|access-date=June 12, 2007|url=http://un.cti.depaul.edu/public/Turkmenistan/1/English/|publisher=Un.cti.depaul.edu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509063531/http://un.cti.depaul.edu/public/Turkmenistan/1/English/|archive-date=May 9, 2008}}</ref>  They have a reputation for speed and endurance, intelligence, thin manes and a distinctive metallic sheen. The shiny coat of the breed led to their nickname, "Golden Horses".<ref>[http://www.cgakhaltekes.com/index_files/Page2110.htm Metallic Sheen as Observed in Individuals of the Akhal-Teke Breed]; By Danielle Westfall, Zoology major, Ohio Wesleyan University {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203003944/http://www.cgakhaltekes.com/index_files/Page2110.htm |date=December 3, 2013 }}</ref>  These horses are adapted to severe climatic conditions and are thought to be one of the oldest existing [[horse breeds]].<ref>[http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0015311 Cieslak, Michael, et al. "Origin and history of mitochondrial DNA lineages in domestic horses."] PLoS One 5.12 (2010): e15311. "Eleven out of these 39 haplotypes were lineages that were confined to a single primitive breed (B/Arabian; D2d/Cheju; G1/Akhal Teke; H/Garrano; H1/Marismeno; H1a/Lusitano; K2b1/Sicilian Oriental Purebred; K3b/ Yakut; X1/Pottoka; X2a/Debao; X3c/Lusitano; X5/Fulani). " {{cite journal|title=Origin and History of Mitochondrial DNA Lineages in Domestic Horses |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=5 |issue=12 |pages=e15311 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0015311 |pmid=21187961 |pmc=3004868 |year=2010 |last1=Cieslak |first1=Michael |last2=Pruvost |first2=Melanie |last3=Benecke |first3=Norbert |last4=Hofreiter |first4=Michael |last5=Morales |first5=Arturo |last6=Reissmann |first6=Monika |last7=Ludwig |first7=Arne |bibcode=2010PLoSO...515311C |doi-access=free }}</ref> There are currently about 6,600 Akhal-Tekes in the world, mostly in [[Turkmenistan]], although they are also found throughout [[Europe]] and [[North America]].<ref>[http://www.shael-teke.ru/en/publications/30/  01.10.2012, 1st Report from WATO President Christoph Vogel] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203094445/http://www.shael-teke.ru/en/publications/30/ |date=December 3, 2013 }}, The breed of Akhal-Teke is facing a crisis: "In her world census for 2012, Jessica Eile-Keith estimated a world population of about 6’600 Akhal-Teke: Turkmenistan ± 3’000, Russia ± 1’600, Central Asia ± 300, USA ± 450, Western Europe ±1’300. With a total of 6’600 Akhal-Teke, one or two specialisation would be justifiable."</ref> Akhal is  the name of the line of oases along the north slope of the [[Kopet Dag]] mountains in Turkmenistan. It has been inhabited by the [[Teke (tribe)|Teke tribe]] of Turkmens.

There are several theories regarding the original ancestry of the Akhal-Teke, some dating back thousands of years.  The Akhal Teke is probably a descendant of an older breed known as the [[Turkoman horse]], and some claim it is the same breed.  The tribes of Turkmenistan [[selective breeding|selectively bred]] the horses, recording their [[Pedigree chart|pedigree]]s orally and using them for raiding. The breed was used in the losing fight against the [[Russian Empire]] and was subsumed into the Empire along with its country. The Turkoman has influenced many other breeds, including modern [[warmblood]]s, and recent research confirms that Turkoman stallions made significant contributions to the development of the [[Thoroughbred]].<ref name="modernstallions">{{cite journal|last1=Wallner|first1=Barbara|title=Y Chromosome Uncovers the Recent Oriental Origin of Modern Stallions|journal=Current Biology|date=10 July 2017|volume=27|issue=13|pages=2029–2035|doi=10.1016/j.cub.2017.05.086|pmid=28669755|doi-access=free|bibcode=2017CBio...27E2029W }}</ref> However, there also exists the possibility that all Akhal-Tekes today have a Thoroughbred sire line.<ref>[http://www.scholian.de/achal_tekkiner.htm Auf den Spuren des Achal-Tekkiners] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415055134/http://www.scholian.de/achal_tekkiner.htm |date=April 15, 2014 }}</ref> The [[Breed registry|studbook]] was [[closed stud book|closed]] in 1932.<ref>[http://www.maakcenter.org/ENG/announce.html International Association of Akhal-Teke Breeding (MAAK); OPEN LETTER TO MAAK MEMBERS. Subject: Akhal-Teke studbook] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802144927/http://www.maakcenter.org/ENG/announce.html |date=August 2, 2013 }}</ref> The Soviet Union printed the first breed registry in 1941, including over 700 horses.

==History==
[[File:RaceChevalineTurque.jpg|thumb|1848 French image of a "Turkmene" horse]]
The ancestors of the breed may date back to animals living 3,000 years ago, known by a number of names.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maakcenter.org/ENG/BREED/history.html |title=History of Akhal-Teke horse breed. Official website of International Association of Akhal-Teke Breeding (MAAK) |publisher=Maakcenter.org |date=May 30, 2001 |access-date=November 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130519040332/http://www.maakcenter.org/ENG/BREED/history.html |archive-date=May 19, 2013 }}</ref> The precise ancestry is difficult to trace, however, because prior to about 1600&nbsp;AD, [[horse breed]]s in the modern sense did not exist; rather, horses were identified by local strain or type.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akhalteke.info/turkmenian-1-36-en.html |title=Akhalteke.info |publisher=Akhalteke.info |access-date=November 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302024955/http://www.akhalteke.info/turkmenian-1-36-en.html |archive-date=March 2, 2012 }}</ref>

The breed is very similar to, and possibly the direct descendant of the [[Turkoman horse]], a breed believed to be extinct, though a related strain may be bred today in [[Iran]]. Other breeds or strains with Turkoman roots also include the [[Iomud|Yomud]], the Goklan, and the Nokhorli.<ref>[http://www.museumofthehorse.org/journal/a-look-at-the-turkoman-horse-in-iran/ A Look at the Turkoman Horse in Iran] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110183232/http://www.museumofthehorse.org/journal/a-look-at-the-turkoman-horse-in-iran/ |date=January 10, 2014 }}</ref> Some historians believe that these are different strains of the same breed. Other ancient strains that may have contributed to the breed included those named the Massaget and Parthian.<ref>[http://www.imh.org/exhibits/online/breeds-of-the-world/asia/akhal-teke/ International Museum of the Horse]- Retrieved 2018-02-23</ref> There's also claims that Akhal-Teke horse is the descendant of the original [[Fergana horse]] which was breed in [[Fergana valley]] in 104 BC.<ref name="diplomat">{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/how-ancient-exchanges-in-central-asia-shaped-the-modern-world/ |title=How Ancient Exchanges in Central Asia Shaped the Modern World |date=11 April 2018|website=The Diplomat |first=William |last=Taylor}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.petmd.com/horse/breeds/c_hr_akhal_teke |title=Akhal-Teke |website=PET MD| date=12 January 2010}}</ref>

It remains a disputed "chicken or egg" question whether the influential [[Arabian horse|Arabian]] was the ancestor of the Turkoman or was developed out of that breed, but current DNA evidence points to a possible common ancestor for both.<ref name="Wallner">{{cite journal|last1=Wallner|first1=Barbara|last2=Vogl|first2=Claus|last3=Shukla|first3=Priyank|last4=Burgstaller|first4=Joerg P.|last5=Druml|first5=Thomas|last6=Brem|first6=Gottfried|last7=Ellegren|first7=Hans|title=Identification of Genetic Variation on the Horse Y Chromosome and the Tracing of Male Founder Lineages in Modern Breeds|journal=PLOS ONE|date=3 April 2013|volume=8|issue=4|pages=e60015|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0060015|pmid=23573227|pmc=3616054|bibcode=2013PLoSO...860015W|doi-access=free}}</ref>  A substantial number of Arabian mares were reportedly used to improve the breed in the 14th and 19th century.<ref>{{Cite book | last=Moser | first=Henri | title=À travers l'Asie Centrale| language=fr | location= Paris | publisher=E. Plon, Nourrit | year=1886 | version=463 p. incl. front. : ill., plates, ports., fold. map | page=320 | url=http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/digital/collections/cul/texts/ldpd_6345164_000/pages/ldpd_6345164_000_00000360.html | trans-title=Across Central Asia}}</ref>  It is also possible that the so-called "hot blooded" breeds, the [[Arabian horse|Arabian]], Turkoman, Akhal-Teke, and the [[Barb (horse)|Barb]] all developed from a single "[[oriental horse]]" predecessor.<ref>{{Cite web | last=Firouz | first= Louise L. | title=The original ancestors of the Turkoman, Caspian horses | publisher=Proc. 1st Int. Conference on Turkoman Horse | location=Ashgabad, Turkmenistan | date=May 1998 | url=http://www.endangeredequines.com/archivesdocuments/1998.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113132146/http://www.endangeredequines.com/archivesdocuments/1998.pdf |archive-date=2016-01-13 | website=www.endangeredequines.com}}</ref>

Tribal people in what today is [[Turkmenistan]] first used the Akhal-Teke for raiding. The horses were their most treasured possession since they were crucial for income and survival. They [[selective breeding|selectively bred]] their horses, keeping records of the [[pedigree chart|pedigrees]] via an [[oral tradition]]. Horses were managed and trained in very specific ways. Stallions were tethered next to the tent while mares and foals were free to seek forage. The stallions were covered from head to tail with up to seven layers of felt, which kept their coat short and shiny. Before raids they were put on a sparse diet to prepare them for the long ride through the desert with no water and hardly any feed.<ref>À travers l'Asie Centrale: la Steppe kirghize, le Turkestan russe, Boukhara, Khiva, le pays des Turcomans et la Perse, impressions de voyage; Author: Henri Moser; Publisher: Plon, 1885; pp. 321-322 in Original from Princeton University; Digitized June 2, 2009; Length 463 pages</ref> The horses were called ''Argamaks'' (divine or Sacred Horses) by the [[Russia]]ns and [[Ferghana horse|heavenly horses]] by ancient China,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chinesehoroscop-e.com/astrology/ferghana-horses.php|title=heavenly horse|website=chinesehoroscop}}</ref> and were cherished by those who valued their speed and stamina in the desert and loyalty to their owner.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=v3cEAAAAYAAJ&q=argamaks Khiva and Turkestan], translated from Russian by Captain Henry Spalding FRGS, London, Chapman and Hall, 1874, p. 216</ref> Han emperors from China waged [[War of the Heavenly Horses|two expeditions]] to secure the "heavenly horses".<ref>{{cite book|author=Jason Elliot|title=Mirrors of the Unseen: Journeys in Iran|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vnnxV3SHHx4C&pg=PA114|date=2 October 2007|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1-4668-3782-9|page=114}} & ''The Wars for Blood-Sweat Horses'': {{cite web|url=http://www.ourorient.com/the-wars-for-blood-sweat-horses |title=The Wars for Blood-Sweat Horses |access-date=2013-08-11 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130811185722/http://www.ourorient.com/the-wars-for-blood-sweat-horses |archive-date=2013-08-11 |df=mdy }}</ref> And the access to these horse breeds fueled the success in China's future campaign against their [[eurasian nomads|nomadic neighbors]].<ref name="diplomat" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/articles/natures-incredible-creature-the-sweats-blood-horse/ |title=Nature's Incredible Creature, the 'Sweats Blood' Horse |website=theculturetrip |date=8 March 2017 |first=Cecilia |last=Pidgeon}}</ref>

[[File:Akhal-Teke Mele Koush born 1909.jpg|thumb|upright|Akhal-Teke stallion Mele Koush, foaled 1909]]
In 1881, Turkmenistan became part of the [[Russian Empire]].
The tribes fought with the [[tsar]], eventually losing.  In the process, however, the Russian general [[Kuropatkin]] developed a fondness for horses he had seen while fighting the tribesmen, founded a breeding farm after the war and renamed the horses, ''"Akhal-Tekes"'', after the Teke Turkmen tribe that lived around the Akhal oasis (near [[Geok Tepe]]). The Russians closed the [[breed registry|studbook]] in 1932 which included 287 stallions and 468 mares. Stallions are not [[gelding|gelded]] in Central Asia. The studbook was printed in 1941.

The ancestral Akhal-Teke has had influence on many breeds, possibly including the [[Thoroughbred]]; the [[Byerly Turk]], which may have been an [[Arabian horse|Arabian]], or a [[Turkoman Horse]], was one of the three major foundation stallions of the breed. Three other stallions thought to be of Turkoman origin, known as the "Lister Turk", the "White Turk", and the "Yellow Turk" were among a number of minor stallions from the orient who contributed to the [[foundation bloodstock]] of the Thoroughbred breed.<ref name="H&P">Summerhayes, RS, ''Horses and Ponies'', Warne & Co, London & New York, 1948</ref> The [[Trakehner]] has also been influenced by the Akhal-Teke, most notably by the [[Stallion (horse)|stallion]], Turkmen-Atti, as have the Russian breeds [[Russian Don|Don]], [[Budyonny (horse)|Budyonny]], [[Karabair]], and [[Karabakh horse|Karabakh]].

The breed suffered greatly when the [[Soviet Union]] required horses to be slaughtered for meat, even though local Turkmen refused to eat them.<ref>{{cite news|author=Filipov, David|title=A Long Way to Go.|newspaper=Boston Globe|date=April 5, 1998|access-date=June 12, 2007|url= http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/1998/04/05/a_long_way_to_go/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021045203/http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/1998/04/05/a_long_way_to_go/|archive-date=October 21, 2012}}</ref> At one point only 1,250 horses remained and export from the Soviet Union was banned. The government of [[Turkmenistan]] now uses the horses as diplomatic presents as well as auctioning a few to raise money for improved horse breeding programs.<ref>[http://www.eurasianet.org/node/67086 Turkmenistan: Arkadag Rides Again!] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004170135/http://www.eurasianet.org/node/67086 |date=October 4, 2013 }}</ref>

In the early 20th century, crossbreeding between the [[Thoroughbred]] and the Akhal-Teke took place, aiming to create a faster long-distance racehorse.<ref>{{cite web|author=Shimbo, Fara|title="The Akhal-Teke under Soviet Rule." Friends of the Turanian Horse|year=1998|access-date=June 12, 2007|url=http://www.turanianhorse.org/soviet.html|publisher=Turanianhorse.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216023855/http://www.turanianhorse.org/soviet.html|archive-date=February 16, 2012}}</ref>  The Anglo Akhal-Tekes were not so resilient however, as their Akhal-Teke ancestors, and many died due to the harsh conditions of Central Asia. After the {{convert|2600|mi|km|order=flip|adj=on}} endurance race from Ashkabad to Moscow in 1935, when the purebreds finished in much better condition than the part-breds, the studbook management decided to consider all crossbred horses born after 1936, as not purebred. Horses with English Thoroughbred ancestors born prior to that date were allowed to remain inside the studbook (e.g. 044 Tillyakush, grandson of Thoroughbred Burlak; 831 Makh, granddaughter of Thoroughbred Blondelli of the [[St. Simon (horse)|St. Simon]] line and great-great-granddaughter of Thoroughbred Junak; and line founder 9 Ak Belek, a direct descendant in the male line of the Thoroughbred stallion Fortingbrass, by Fogabal of the [[Sir Hercules]] line). Due to this fact, there does not exist any Akhal-Teke today whose ancestry does not contain a Thoroughbred.<ref>[http://www.base.ruhorses.ru/horses/horses.php The Akhalteke Studbook Online] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918010246/http://www.base.ruhorses.ru/horses/horses.php |date=September 18, 2013 }}</ref> Since 1973, all [[foal]]s must be blood typed to be accepted in the stud book in order to protect the integrity of the breed. From 2014 on, a [[DNA test]] based on hair follicles is sufficient if the DNA of the parents is on file.<ref>{{Cite web | title= Bloodtyping is becoming obsolete | url=http://www.akhal-teke.org/registration.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215015512/http://www.akhal-teke.org/registration.html |archive-date=2013-12-15 | publisher=Akhal-Teke Association of America (ATAA)}}</ref>  A stallion not producing the right type of horse may be removed. Nowadays, [[artificial insemination]] is allowed as well as [[embryo transfer]]. The surrogate mother, however, needs to be a pureblood Akhal-Teke mare for the foal to be registered in the General Studbook as a pureblood Akhal-Teke.
Akhal-Teke horses are bred all over the world. In addition to Turkmenistan there are breeders in Russia and Central Asia, Europe, the US, Uruguay, and Australia.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Akhal-Teke related Links | url=http://www.akhaltekehorse.org/links.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424042717/http://www.akhaltekehorse.org/links.htm |archive-date=2013-04-24}}</ref>

=== Turkmenistan ===
[[File:Akhal-Teke-Racing.JPG|thumb|From a race at the national horse-racing stadium in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Normally all horses competing here are Akhal-Teke horses.]]
[[Turkmenistan]] has a separate agency, Turkmen Atlary, responsible for the breeding, training and maintenance of Akhal-Teke horses.<ref>[http://www.turkmenatlary.gov.tm official website of Turkmen Atlary, the State Department for horses in Turkmenistan]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516233109/http://www.turkmenatlary.gov.tm/ |date=May 16, 2014 }}</ref> However, the agency's work has been the focus of criticism from the President of the country, who holds the agency responsible for decreasing numbers of horses and inadequate facilities for their breeding, training and management.<ref>[http://www.eurasianet.org/node/66574 Turkmenistan's President Rages at Poor Horse Industry] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114105544/http://www.eurasianet.org/node/66574 |date=November 14, 2013 }}</ref>  At present Akhal-Teke horses in Turkmenistan are not registered with any other studbook. The main reason for this are allegations of a heavy infusion of Thoroughbred blood into the breed to create faster horses for racing in Turkmenistan.<ref name=Purity>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100811060949/http://www.akhaltekeuk.com/Purity.html Purity – fact or fiction? Archived from the original Aug 11, 2010. Retrieved on Feb 21, 2014]</ref>  There are estimates that as many as 30% of the horses in the Ashgabat hippodrome were not purebred.<ref>[http://www.turanianhorse.org/yesterday.html The History of the Akhal-Teke Horses, Yesterday And Today, Retrieved on Feb 21, 2014] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822141335/http://www.turanianhorse.org/yesterday.html |date=August 22, 2012 }}</ref>

When the first horse minister of newly independent Turkmenistan, Geldy Kyarizov, a lifelong advocate for the Akhal-Teke and former chair of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Breeders, began utilizing DNA to establish an Akhal-Teke studbook, he uncovered the pattern of adding in Thoroughbred blood. His decision to go public with this information was viewed as a threat to the profits of the horse-breeding establishment and he fell out of favor with the Turkmenistan government,<ref name="Putz">{{cite web|last1=Putz|first1=Catherine|title=Turkmenistan Holds 14-Year Old Hostage|url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/09/turkmenistan-holds-14-year-old-hostage/|website=The Diplomat|access-date=30 August 2016|date=September 22, 2015}}</ref> and in particular, then-President [[Saparmurat Niyazov]].<ref name="Sharipzhan">{{cite web|last1=Sharipzhan|first1=Merhat|title='Torture By Hunger': Horse Breeder Describes Desperate Days In Turkmen Prison|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/turkmenistan-tortured-by-hunger-prison-kyarizov/27408793.html|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|access-date=30 August 2016|language=en|date=5 December 2015}}</ref>
He was charged with abuse of office and negligence in 2002, convicted and sentenced to six years in prison.  He was ultimately pardoned in October 2007,<ref name="Amnesty">{{cite web|title=Urgent Action |url=http://www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa03512.pdf |website=Amnesty International |access-date=30 August 2016|date=3 February 2012}}</ref> when Niyazov died and his successor, [[Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov]], took control of the country.<ref name="Sharipzhan"/>  By 2012, Kyarizov's health, which had been poor since his arrest and subsequent imprisonment, had deteriorated to the point he needed to go abroad for medical care, but was initially prevented from leaving the country.<ref name="Amnesty"/> By 2015, he was allowed to travel to [[Moscow]] for medical care, but family members, including his 14-year-old daughter, were forced to remain behind to "guarantee" his return. In September 2015, the entire family was allowed to leave.<ref name="Putz"/>

Turkmen Atlary, in its capacity as the administrative arm of the International Akhal-Teke Horse Association, hosts a meeting of the association once or twice a year upon invitation in Ashgabat. Most of the bigger breeding farms and national Akhal Teke associations as well as Akhal Teke owners and representatives of the horse industry from around the world attend.<ref>[http://www.eurasianet.org/node/66992 Turkmenistan: Arkadag's Day at the Races Redux] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408182149/http://www.eurasianet.org/node/66992 |date=April 8, 2014 }}</ref>  There is a horse racing organization called "Galkinysh" <!--hiding this until it is explained:  with a unique equestrian program-->.<ref>[http://www.sb.by/files/MT/12/N46/10.pdf Heavenly horses canter around ring]</ref> In [[Ashgabat]], the Ahalteke equestrian complex,<ref>[https://archive.today/20130706130817/http://tdh.gov.tm/?id=4586 Президент Туркменистана посетил Ахалтекинский конный комплекс]</ref> one of the largest in [[Central Asia]], is a horse-breeding center. The former Akhal-Teke horse Holiday, celebrated on the last Sunday in April, has been renamed 'Turkmen Horse Day'.<ref>[http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/17162.html Turkmenistan marks Fair and Conference marking Turkmen Horse Day opened in Ashgabat] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108115847/http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/17162.html |date=November 8, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.chronofhorse.com/turkmenistan-akhal-teke?page=3 |title=Turkmenistan: Land Of The Akhal Teke |access-date=August 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529062504/http://www.chronofhorse.com/turkmenistan-akhal-teke?page=3 |archive-date=May 29, 2014 |url-status = dead|df=mdy-all }}</ref>

== Characteristics ==
[[File:Garant.jpg|thumb|An Akhal-Teke stallion]]
The Akhal-Teke is of medium size, usually standing some 144 to {{nowrap|160 cm}} at the [[withers]], with a weight between 430 and {{nowrap|500 kg.}}{{r|cabi|p=433}} Coat colors vary widely: the most frequent are [[bay (horse)|bays]] (about 40%), duns (about 22%), [[black (horse)|blacks]] (about 12%) and [[chestnut (coat)|chestnuts]] (about 11%); other colors include [[gray (horse)|grey]], cream and yellow.{{r|cabi|p=433|maak}} The coat often has a characteristic metallic sheen, which in duns may produce an unusual golden effect;{{r|atsa}} it is sometimes claimed that this provided [[camouflage]] in the desert.{{r|emb}}

The Akhal-Teke has a refined head with predominantly a straight or slightly convex profile, and long ears. It can also have [[almond]]-shaped or "hooded" eyes.<ref>[http://www.akhal-teke.org/breed-standard.html Breed Standard], Akhal-Teke Association of America {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215015508/http://www.akhal-teke.org/breed-standard.html |date=December 15, 2013 }}</ref>  The mane and tail are usually sparse. The long back is lightly muscled, and is coupled to a flat croup and long, upright neck. The Akhal-Teke possess sloping shoulders and thin skin.
The breed is tough and resilient, having adapted to the harshness of Turkmenistan lands, where horses must live without much food or water. This has also made the horses good for sport. The breed is known for its endurance,<ref>Leisson, K., et al. "Myosin heavy chain pattern in the Akhal-Teke horses." animal 5.5 (2010): 658.</ref> as shown in 1935 when a group of [[Turkmen people|Turkmen]] riders rode the {{convert|2500|mi|km|order=flip}} from [[Ashgabat]] to [[Moscow]] in 84 days, including a three-day crossing of {{convert|235|mi|km|order=flip|abbr=on}} of desert without water.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCLIu31HXSE VIDEO: Amazing equine trek from Ashkhabad to Moscow in 84 days over 4,300km]</ref> The Akhal-Teke is also known for its form and grace as a [[show jumping|show jumper]].

The quality of the Akhal-Teke horses are determined by the studbook manager. Depending on type, conformation, pedigree, quality of offspring and achievement in sport, the horses are designated as either Elite or Class I or Class II.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Grading Rules for Purebred Akhal-Teke Horses | url=http://www.maakcenter.org/ENG/BREED/grading.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419095919/http://www.maakcenter.org/ENG/BREED/grading.html |archive-date=2013-04-19 }}</ref> There are usually 2 annual grading events in Moscow, Russia called the "International Sport Meeting and World Championship “Heavenly Argamak” and "Golden Akhal-Teke Cup Shael" where breeders present their best horses to a group of judges. At the World Championship, a group of judges evaluates the horses in age and gender categories as well as in various sport disciplines and a halter class.

==Uses==
[[File:Merv.jpg|thumb|Akhal-Teke under saddle]]
[[File:Dirkhan.jpg|thumb|[[Free jumping]] Akhal-Teke]]
The Akhal-Teke, due to its natural athleticism, can be a [[sport horse]], good at [[dressage]], [[show jumping]], [[eventing]], [[Horse racing|racing]], and [[endurance riding]]. A noted example was the Akhal-Teke stallion, ''Absent'', who won the [[Equestrian at the 1960 Summer Olympics|Grand Prix de Dressage]] at the [[1960 Summer Olympics]] in [[Rome]], while being ridden by [[Sergei Filatov]]. He went again with Filatov to win the [[Equestrian at the 1964 Summer Olympics|bronze individual medal]] in [[Tokyo]] in the [[1964 Summer Olympics]], and won the [[Equestrian at the 1968 Summer Olympics|Soviet team gold medal]] under Ivan Kalita at the [[1968 Summer Olympics]] in [[Mexico City]].<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/content/results-and-medalists/eventresultpagegeneral/?athletename=&country=&sport2=31517&games2=&event2=&mengender=true&womengender=true&mixedgender=true&goldmedal=true&silvermedal=true&bronzemedal=true&worldrecord=false&olympicrecord=false&teamclassification=true&individualclassification=true&winter=true&summer=true&searchpageipp=10&searchpage=3 Olympic Games Medals, Results, Sports, Athletes|Médailles, Résultats, Sports et Athlètes des Jeux Olympiques] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408213910/http://www.olympic.org/content/results-and-medalists/eventresultpagegeneral/?athletename=&country=&sport2=31517&games2=&event2=&mengender=true&womengender=true&mixedgender=true&goldmedal=true&silvermedal=true&bronzemedal=true&worldrecord=false&olympicrecord=false&teamclassification=true&individualclassification=true&winter=true&summer=true&searchpageipp=10&searchpage=3 |date=April 8, 2014 }}</ref> However, by today's studbook standards he wouldn't be admitted as Akhal-Teke, owing to the Thoroughbred ancestry of his dam Bakkara.<ref>[http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/index.php?query_type=horse&h=BAKKARA&g=5&cellpadding=0&small_font=1&l= All Breed Database]</ref>

In 2009, an Akhal-Teke named Almila carried the French poet [[Laurence Bougault]] on a trek alone from [[Isfahan]] in Iran to [[Paris]] by way of [[Turkey]], [[Greece]] and [[Italy]]. Her trip covered 6,500 kilometres (4,000&nbsp;mi) in less than six months.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Match|first=Paris|title="Je pense avoir rempli ma mission d'amazone de la paix"|url=https://www.parismatch.com/Vivre/Voyage/Laurence-Bougault-Je-pense-avoir-rempli-ma-mission-d-amazone-de-la-paix-142676|access-date=2020-12-01|website=parismatch.com|date=September 17, 2009 |language=fr}}</ref>

==Genetic diseases==

There are several genetic diseases of concern to Akhal-Teke breeders. The [[genetic diversity]] of the breed is relatively low with an [[F-statistics|AVK]] (Ancestor Loss Coefficient <ref>AVK is the loss of ancestors of possible ancestors in the pedigree due to some ancestors showing up more than once in the pedigree</ref>) of 30-50%,{{dubious|date=August 2013}} which raises concerns for dealing with an increase in carriers of these conditions, and even some risk of [[inbreeding depression]].<ref name="Genetic">{{cite web| url = http://www.akhalteke.info/genetic-defects-and-diseases-1-70-en.html | title = Genetic Defects and Diseases Akhal-Teke: A Differentiated View | access-date=January 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721183900/http://www.akhalteke.info/genetic-defects-and-diseases-1-70-en.html|archive-date=July 21, 2011}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=August 2013}}<!--source is for entire paragraph--> To date, there are no [[DNA]] tests for these conditions.

* ''[[Naked foal syndrome|Naked Foal Syndrome]]'' or ''Hairless Foal Syndrome'' is believed to be a [[Genetic disorder#Single gene disorder|monogenic]] [[autosomal]], lethal [[recessive gene]] in the Akhal-Teke breed. Foals with this condition have been reported since 1938. Research at the [[University of Bern]] in Switzerland is ongoing to develop a DNA test for the condition.<ref name="Bern">{{cite web |title=Hairlessness / Naked Foal Syndrome (NFS) in the Akhal-Teke |url=http://www.genetics.unibe.ch/research/horse/hairlessness___naked_foal_syndrome_nfs_in_the_akhal_teke/index_eng.html |date=2016 |website=Institute of Genetics, University of Bern |access-date=30 August 2016 |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405211648/http://www.genetics.unibe.ch/research/horse/hairlessness___naked_foal_syndrome_nfs_in_the_akhal_teke/index_eng.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>  It appears to be similar in clinical signs, though not identical to, [[Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (veterinary medicine)|junctional epidermolysis bullosa]] (JEB) found in the [[American Belgian Draft|Belgian]] horse and another condition of a similar nature identified in the [[American Saddlebred]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akhalteke.info/the-hairless-foal-syndrome-1-66-en.html |title=Akhalteke.info |publisher=Akhalteke.info |access-date=November 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315183528/http://www.akhalteke.info/the-hairless-foal-syndrome-1-66-en.html|archive-date=March 15, 2012}}</ref> The defect causes foals to be born without any hair coat, mane or tail. In some cases, the front teeth are in at birth or molars grow abnormally from normal jaws. Other symptoms include persistent [[diarrhea]], frequent digestive disorders, and [[laminitis]]-like, treatment-resistant rotation of the [[coffin bone]]s in the [[horse hoof|hooves]]. Due to the lack of normal skin protection, secondary symptoms include scaly, dry, and inflamed skin, as well as severe cases of sunburn in summer, and frequent pulmonary infections during winter. NFS is always fatal; most foals die within weeks of birth, although some horses have survived up to the age of two years. Early demise is usually caused by digestive problems, whereas older horses need to be humanely [[animal euthanasia|euthanized]] because of severe laminitis-induced pain. Some carriers have been identified, including 943 Arslan, 736 Keymir, 2001 Mariula, or 1054 Gilkuyruk, but the estimated number of unknown cases is likely higher, as several Russian and Turkmenian breeders have acknowledged that NFS foals are often just reported as stillborn or aborted.<ref>"The Stavropol Sphinx", Akhal Teke Inform 2006</ref><ref>e.g. "10th Studbook, tome II, page 160": 2860 Mriya, naked foal (dead) b.2000, by 1201 Kavkas, published in 2005 by VNIIK, Ryasan</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hairless Foal Photos|access-date=May 8, 2010|url= http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/info/hairless/hairlesshorsephotos.html|publisher=Ultimatehorsesite.com|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610082839/http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/info/hairless/hairlesshorsephotos.html|archive-date=June 10, 2011}}</ref>
* ''Hereditary [[cryptorchidism]]'' exists within the Akhal-Teke breed and affected stallions can be traced through multiple generations. The influential foundation sire, 2a Boinou was a cryptorchid according to experts of the breed. Other verified cryptorchids include 779 Peren, 1248 Orlan, 971 Khalif, Sayvan, Saburbek, and Garayusup.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.maakcenter.org/ENG/Moscow2003/showres_p.html|access-date=May 8, 2009|title=Citation: Stallion Garaiusup, black, "Young World Champion 2002", was granted a Special Prize for the most expressed breed type, but the jury had to move him to the 8th place because of unilateral cryptorchidism and spavin.|publisher=Maakcenter.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719014244/http://www.maakcenter.org/ENG/Moscow2003/showres_p.html|archive-date=July 19, 2013}}</ref> 1069 Kortik produced a cryptorchid. Unlike many European and North American breed organisations, neither Russia nor Turkmenistan bar cryptorchids from breeding. Cryptorchidism is said to be related to health and behavior problems. Affected horses are more expensive to castrate.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.thehorse.com/articles/11443/stallion-or-gelding|title=Stallion or Gelding?|journal=The Horse|author=Smith Thomas, Heather|date=July 1, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309200358/http://www.thehorse.com/articles/11443/stallion-or-gelding|archive-date=March 9, 2014}}</ref> There are no studbook regulations related to the use of cryptorchid stallions.  Breeders balance the risk of cryptorchidism against propagating other desirable qualities. Some national Akhal Teke associations, however, ban Cryptorchidism from breeding.
* The Akhal-Teke is one of many light riding horse breeds that may be prone to cervical vertebral malformation (CVM), commonly called ''[[Wobbler syndrome]]'',<ref name=Wobbler/> and to [[Degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis]] (DSLD).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akhalteke.info/dsld-1-69-en.html |title=Akhalteke.info |publisher=Akhalteke.info |access-date=November 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302032005/http://www.akhalteke.info/dsld-1-69-en.html|archive-date=March 2, 2012}}</ref> These conditions are seen in a number of other breeds, including the [[Thoroughbred]]. There is likely a genetic component to Wobbler's, but the mechanism has not been clearly identified.  There also is a possible connection to [[Osteochondritis dissecans]] (OCD).<ref name=Wobbler>{{cite web|url=http://www.akhalteke.info/wobbler-syndrome-1-71-en.html | title = "Wobbler Syndrome" Akhal-Teke: A Differentiated View | access-date=January 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302032156/http://www.akhalteke.info/wobbler-syndrome-1-71-en.html |archive-date=March 2, 2012 }}</ref>

== Commemorations ==

In different cities of Turkmenistan are monuments to the Akhal-Teke.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130706133858/http://tdh.gov.tm/?id=6765 Во славу ахалтекинского коня]</ref> The largest number of sculptures is located in [[Ashgabat]]. Akhal-Tekes are represented in the official [[Emblem of Turkmenistan|emblem]] and banknotes of Turkmenistan, as well as on stamps of Turkmenistan and other countries.

<gallery mode="packed" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%">
File:Ahal Velayat Hippodrome - Flickr - Kerri-Jo (109).jpg|Monument in [[International Equestrian Sports Complex]]
File:50 manat. Türkmenistan, 2005 b.jpg|Bank note: [[Turkmenistani manat|Turkmen manat]]
File:Stamp of Azerbaijan 170.jpg|[[Azerbaijan]] (1993)
File:Stamp of Kazakhstan 369.jpg|[[Kazakhstan]] (2002)
File:The Soviet Union 1968 CPA 3601 stamp (Akhal-Teke and Trick Riding).jpg|[[USSR]] (1968)
File:Turkmenistan miniature sheet.jpg|Turkmenistan (2001): [[Miniature sheet]]
File:Turkmenistan miniature sheet 2001.jpg|Turkmenistan (2001): [[Miniature sheet]] ([[Yanardag]])
File:Emblem of Turkmenistan.svg|[[Emblem of Turkmenistan]] with [[Yanardag]]<ref>{{YouTube |title=Akhal Teke stallion Yanardag - Turkmenistan's pride (Yanardag is visible in the video from ~30 sec) | id=REl9VDNgrs0}}</ref> 
</gallery>

''Art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses’ decoration''<ref>[https://ich.unesco.org/doc/download.php?versionID=70094]</ref> were recognized as part of the [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists|Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO]]. This recognition occurred during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023. The nomination celebrates the unique cultural significance of these practices, deeply rooted in Turkmenistan's heritage.<ref>[https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/art-of-akhal-teke-horse-breeding-and-traditions-of-horses-decoration-01978 Art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses' decoration]</ref>

==See also==
* [[Turkoman horse]]
* [[Absinthe (stallion)]]

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name=atsa>{{cite web|title=Horse Color|publisher=Akhal-Teke Association of America|url=http://www.akhal-teke.org/horse-color.html|access-date=July 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215005550/http://www.akhal-teke.org/horse-color.html|archive-date=December 15, 2013}}</ref>

<ref name=cabi>Valerie Porter, Lawrence Alderson, Stephen J.G. Hall, D. Phillip Sponenberg (2016). [https://books.google.com/books?id=2UEJDAAAQBAJ ''Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding''] (sixth edition). Wallingford: CABI. {{ISBN|9781780647944}}.</ref>

<ref name=emb>{{cite web|title=The Akhalteke Horse of Turkmenistan|access-date=July 28, 2013|url=http://turkmenistanembassy.org/the-akhalteke-horse-of-turkmenistan/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130728191139/http://turkmenistanembassy.org/the-akhalteke-horse-of-turkmenistan/|url-status = dead|archive-date=July 28, 2013|publisher=Embassy of Turkmenistan}}</ref>

<ref name=maak>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210227070140/http://www.maakcenter.org/ENG/BREED/standard.html Standard of the breed]. International Association of Akhal-Teke Breeding. Accessed March 2022.</ref>

}}

==External links==
{{commons}}
<!--DO NOT add links to commercial farms and studs. They will be removed per wikipedia policy. Advertising is not allowed on wikipedia.-->
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190716174505/http://akhaltekehorse.org/ The European Akhal-Teke Horse Association]
* [http://www.maakcenter.org/ (MAAK) International Association of Akhal-Teke Breeders]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131103230504/http://ahalteke.gov.tm/ Turkmenistan Akhal Teke government website]
* [http://www.akhal-teke.org/ Akhal-Teke Association of America]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140528004355/http://www.akhaltekeforsale.com/akhal-teke_links_association.html Akhal-Teke World association]
* [http://achal-tekkiner.ch/ Akhal-Teke Switzerland]
* [http://www.achalteke.cz/ Czech Akhal Teke Association]
* [http://www.akhal-teke.fr/ The French Akhal-Teke Horse Association]

{{Horse breeds of Central Asia}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Conservation Priority Breeds of the Livestock Conservancy]]
[[Category:Horse breeds]]
[[Category:Horse breeds originating in Turkmenistan]]
[[Category:National symbols of Turkmenistan]]
[[Category:Horse breeds originating in Kazakhstan]]