Akhal-Teke Type & Conformation Compiled by Kathy Curtis

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General Impression of the Akhal-Teke

Full of grace and elegance with its naturally high head carriage, long beautifully shaped ears, always alert. The skin is thin and the coat, fine and silky with a golden, almost metallic hue. The Akhal-Teke overall is a tall, spare and wiry appearing horse. The legs are long and lean, the body is long without any heavy muscling. The Akhal-Teke gives the impression of an "equine greyhound" with a long, graceful and powerful stride. Known for its hardiness, endurance and beauty. A natural athlete and equine aristocrat.

Breed Characteristics of the Akhal-Teke

1. Head
   • Proportional to body, light, dry with wide cheeks, nose line straight or convex.
   • Eyes are large, expressive and often hooded.
   • Ears are set high long and thin and very alert.
   • Lips and nostrils are thin and dry.
2. Neck
   • set high on shoulders. Long, straight and lean.
3. Withers
   • high, long and well muscled.
4. Back and Loin
   • straight and long.
5. Croup
   • wide, long and with a normal sloping angle.
6. Tail
   • set low, sparse hair growth.
7. Shoulders
   • Long shoulder with good slope and very clean shoulder bed.
8. Legs
   • long, dry and dense with clearly defined sinews.
9. Pasterns
   • long and elastic without softness.
10. Chest
    Not too deep.
11. Hooves
    • small and hard.
12. Fetlock
    • little to no hair.

Additional Features & Characteristics of the Akhal-Teke

The height average is 15hh-16hh. They generally weigh between 900-1,100 pounds.

Horses are graded for type generally between the ages of 2-5 years. They are awarded points with a maximum of 10 in each of 5 categories:

• Parentage
• Measurements
• Conformation
• Performance
• Quality of Descendants

The highest grade is Elite, followed by Classes I, II or III.

The Akhal-Teke has an independent personality. It is agreeable and cooperative to "its" chosen human but can be suspicious of strangers. Some regard the Akhal-Teke as a "difficult" or a headstrong and unfriendly horse. Akhal-Tekes must be handled with sensitivity and care and can never be forced into action. If treated with respect and partnership, the Akhal-Teke can be devoted to its owner and will give its all when asked.

One of the most outstanding features of the Akhal-Teke is its glowing or almost iridescent metallic coat. The Akhal-Teke's hair glows with a metallic effect not seen to this extent in other breeds, and is commonly cited as a breed characteristic.

Akhal-Tekes reach their full maturity at five to six years. They are long-lived and have average fertility rates.

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Views expressed herein are those of the writers and compilers of the various information. Reference sources are cited where applicable. Copyrights are the property of the respective authors.