The Akhal-Teke horse—pronounced like “apple” with a K instead of the P’s, and “techie”—is one of the rarest horse breeds in the world. Originally from Turkmenistan, the breed is over 4,000 years old. Their closed stud book has been held in Russia since 1932.
The breed is known for its stamina, intelligence, athleticism, and of course that incredible metallic sheen to their coat. Another unique characteristic is the Akhal-Teke “glide” gait, which is a smooth, fast trot. They were also one of the foundation horses for the Thoroughbred breed.
One Akhal-Teke, a black stallion named Absent, won four Olympic medals in dressage with two different riders at three different Olympic Games during the 1960s.
Today, owners of the breed continue to admire this incredibly rare and beautiful horse for its amazing attributes.
The Perfect Wedding Present
Who needs dishware when you can get a stallion as a wedding present? Katrina Ardiel, current ATAA president, had loved the breed since she a child, but didn’t see one in person until she met her husband, Giles.
“When we met, he had just purchased two Akhal-Teke fillies, Azeri and Dessangul,” Katrina says. “Azeri went on to be an amazing competitor, and Dessangul is my husband’s favorite hunt horse.
“I was personally drawn to the Akhal-Teke’s intelligent affection and athletic disposition,” she continues. “They are the perfect companion and the best kind of friend. Not one that follows blindly and agrees with everything you say, but one that teaches you and challenges you just as much as you them.”
Smitten with each other and the breed, Katrina and Giles gave each other a 16.1-hand chestnut stallion, Gerald, as a wedding gift. Gerald was good at eventing, but great at dressage.
“In 2019, we competed in our first Prix St. Georges together,” Katrina says. “Currently under the direction of Canada’s dressage rider Megan Lane, Gerald and I hope to do our first small tour CDI this summer.”
One of his sons, Hendrick, has excelled in the jumper ring.
“He is athletic and fast, careful and forgiving,” Katrina says. “He is a solid 1.20-meter jumper and could probably go higher if it was not for the limitations of me, his rider! He loves his job so much as a jumper that he’s been known to refuse to leave the ring at competitions. He is a beautiful boy and an excellent example of the breed.”
Up-and-Coming Rider Program
To encourage owners of Akhal-Tekes to promote the breed, the ATAA has an Up-and-Coming Rider program that gives grants to owners who want to compete and/or attend high-profile exhibitions with their horse. Grants range from $500 to $5,000.
Kathy Thode met her first Akhal-Teke in 2017 at a friend’s farm.
“I actually had no interest in buying one, and only wanted to visit my friend, who had just moved back to the area,” says Thode. “She was bringing nine Akhal-Tekes with her. She told me all about them and I was very intrigued.” She ended up purchasing Kazimir, a 16.2-hand chestnut, from her friend.
Kazimir and Thode have received two grants in 2021 and 2022, which went toward costs of competition and to attend the Columbus Ohio Equine Affaire. The two compete in dressage, where Kazimir excels. On their off time, he also is a trusted trail mount.
“What amazes me about this breed is their calm and relaxed manner out in nature and their ability to focus on the job at hand, no matter what it might entail,” says Thode.
An Akhal-Teke as a Breyer Model
Akhal-Teke stallion Adamek was awarded the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) All Breeds Dressage award in 2022 and was chosen to be a Breyer model in that same year. Sabine Desper first started riding Adamek when she worked at Shenandoah Farm in Staunton, Va. After 10 years, the farm was dispersed upon the passing of its owner, Phil Case.
Now owned by the Akhal-Teke Foundation, she feels fortunate she gets to continue to be his rider.
“I love riding Adamek for so many reasons,” says Desper. “He is such a willing partner and always tries his hardest, even when things don’t come easy. His gaits are very comfortable, which is always an advantage in dressage. He is always happy to get ready for a ride or to load up in the trailer to go places.”
The ATAA loves to talk to people who are interested in the breed. You can contact them through their Facebook page (search “Akhal-Teke Association of America”). If you would like to meet an Akhal-Teke in person, check their website for venues where the ATAA will be in attendance.
This article about the Akhal-Teke appeared in the September 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!
