Akhal-Teke Horse Size report

There are more than 300 horse breeds in the world, among which the three most famous strains are the Akhal-Teke horse, Thoroughbred horse, and Arabian horse. In the following article, we will share interesting facts about Akhal-Teke horses, including their physical features and average body size.

The Akhal-Teke horse is a Turkmen horse breed known as the "Golden horse" due to its shiny coat. Although the origin of the Akhal-Teke horse is unknown, as early as 1000 BC, stud farms in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, bred horses known for their superb racing skills. Today, Ashgabat is a breeding center for Akhal-Teke horses.

It is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world. Akhal-Teke horses are known for their speed, stamina, intelligence, and distinctive metallic luster; they are racehorses that can endure high temperatures and run long distances. These horses are prized by those who value speed and endurance in the desert and loyalty to their masters. Nowadays, Akhal-Tekes are used for dressage, showjumping, long-distance racing, and pleasure riding. In some countries, an Akhal-Teke is even a status symbol.

Akhal-Teke Horse Size and Appearance

The Akhal-Teke horse, bred in the Ahal Oasis between the Kopet Mountains and the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan, is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world that has been bred for more than 3,000 years. Their ancestors were wild horses that lived in the remote Gobi desert. Their striking, metallic coat colors have endeared them to fans all over the world. All equine colors and markings are accepted in the breed registry; the common coat colors include black, bay, red, and cream. Akhal-Teke horses are valued for light steps, fast speed, and excellent endurance when running. Akhal-Teke horses have a unique movement: the ability to "glide" across the ground in one fluid motion without bobbing.

Average Size of Akhal-Teke

The Akhal-Teke horse is one the rarest, most exotic full-size horse breeds around the world. Akhal-Tekes have a shoulder height of 14-16 hands (1.42-1.63 meters) and an overall weight of 900-1,000 lbs. This breed has a typical lifespan of 20-25 years.

Physical Features of Akhal-Teke Horse

The Akhal-Teke horse has a small head, long neck, slender but strong limbs, thin skin, and fine hair. The long backs, narrow rib cages, and long necks make their heads may be higher than the height of the rider's hands, which can impact the rider's overall control of the horse. The skin of the Golden horse is thinner, and the blood flowing in the blood vessels is visible when running. In addition, due to the well-developed sweat glands in the shoulders and neck of the horse, for the Akhal-Teke horse with maroon or chestnut hair, the local color will appear more vivid after sweating.

Record of Akhal-Teke

In 1935, Akhal-Teke Horses set a record of running 4,300 kilometers from Ashgabat to Moscow in 84 days, which has yet to be broken. It is worth mentioning that during the three days of crossing the Karakum Desert, all the horses did not stop, nor did they eat or drink, but they all arrived in Moscow safely. It shows that Akhal-Teke Horse is a real desert horse with a strong adaptability to hot and dry environments. Because of their noble posture and outstanding quality, Akhal-Teke horses served as the mount of many emperors, such as Macedonia and Genghis Khan, and have witnessed countless historical changes.

Final Words

Akhal-Teke Horse is a national treasure of Turkmenistan, and its image is drawn on the national emblem and currency. In the middle of the national emblem of Turkmenistan is a golden sweat horse. Turkmenistan has invested heavily in the construction of horse racing complexes in the five states of the country and the capital city of Ashgabat. The last Sunday in April every year is designated as the horse racing festival, and a series of celebrations such as horse racing, horse beauty contests, and equestrian performances are held. Sculptures, fountains, and other buildings with the theme of bloody horses can be seen everywhere.