Ashgabat Turkmenistan, Silk Road

 

The Akhal-Teke horse is one of the world's oldest and most distinctive breeds, with a history that stretches back over 3,000 years. Originating in the deserts of Central Asia, particularly Turkmenistan, the breed is highly revered in its homeland, where it is considered a national treasure. Turkmenistan even dedicates a national holiday to horses. Thought to be a direct descendant of the now-extinct Turkoman horse, the Akhal-Teke was prized for its endurance, agility, and beauty, and played a significant role in the lives of ancient nomadic tribes who relied on them for transportation, warfare, and ceremonies.

What sets the Akhal-Teke apart from other breeds is its striking metallic coat, which appears to shimmer in the sunlight, earning it the nickname "Golden Horse". This shimmering effect is due to the unique structure of their hair, which reflects light and gives the appearance of a glowing coat. Known for exceptional stamina and resilience, Akhal-Tekes could endure harsh desert climates, surviving on limited food and water. It made them invaluable for long-distance travel along the Silk Road, where they carried goods and diplomats across arid and mountainous terrain. Their agility and speed also made them excellent cavalry horses, providing warriors a tactical advantage in battle.

Their loyalty is unparalleled, often described as forming a deep one-person connection with their owner. Their bond with handlers is often deep and unwavering, with horses displaying an intuitive understanding of their owner's commands. 

Physically, the Akhal-Teke is a medium-sized horse, standing between 14 to 16 hands high (56-64 inches / 147–163 cm). They are known for their slender and athletic build, narrow, expressive head and almond-shaped eyes. Their coats come in various colours, from reddish-brown, black, grey, and chestnut to palomino, cremello and perlino (shades resulting from genetic dilution). While some may have minimal white markings, their sleek, shimmering coats remain the focal point.

To illustrate the endurance of these horses, in 1935, a team of 28 Turkmen on Akhal-Teke horses set out on an extraordinary journey from Turkmenistan's capital, Ashgabat. They rode across hostile and barren landscapes through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, covering an astonishing 2,700mi (4,300km) to reach Moscow's Red Square in Russia. Nearly driven to extinction in the early 20th century, the breed is relatively rare, with an estimated population of 3,000 to 5,000 worldwide.