Akhal-Teke Horse

Lisa Selvaggio
By

Lisa Selvaggio

. Reviewed by Kaela Schraer, DVM
Updated Feb. 11, 2025
Akhal-Teke horse roaming a field

Somogyvari/E+ via Getty Images

In This Article

Overview

The Akhal-Teke horse, also known as the “golden horse,” is an ancient equine breed from the area of modern-day Turkmenistan.

Intelligent and attractive, with a unique coat that shimmers like gold, this is one of the oldest horse breeds, dating back more than 3,000 years. It’s also one of the rarest breeds, with fewer than 7,000 Akhal-Tekes in the world.

Golden akhal teke horse
Photo by kondakov/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images via Getty Images

Akhal-Teke Horse Snapshot

  • Height: 14–16 hands (56–64 inches)

  • Weight: 900–1,000 pounds

  • Lifespan: 20 years

  • Colors: all colors, including variations of black, red, gray, and bay; metallic sheen; white markings allowed; can have blue eyes

Caring for an Akhal-Teke Horse

Akhal-Teke horses are strong, athletic, active, and energetic. They like to exercise, can be trained in various sports, and enjoy getting a lot of attention, especially from their favorite people.

Because of their temperament, hot-blooded Akhal-Teke horses may not be right for beginner or inexperienced riders and trainers, as these types of horses tend to be energetic and highly emotional. However, for the right individuals, they make loyal and hard-working companions.

When it comes to diet and grooming needs, Akhal-Tekes don’t have complicated requirements. But they can be prone to a few health issues.

Akhal-Teke Horse Health Issues

Akhal-Tekes require daily exercise and basic care, as well as veterinary and farrier attention on a regular basis. As is the case with any horse who is active in sports or work, it’s important to avoid overexerting an Akhal-Teke to help prevent injuries.

This breed is susceptible to several health problems, including certain genetic conditions because of a small gene pool. Examples include:

Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD)

Degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is progressive and painful. It is seen in many horse breeds and seems to have a genetic component.

DSLD weakens collagen in the suspensory ligament fibers, which leads them to break down and tear. As a result, there’s a lack of support for the fetlock joint. It also results in increased fluid from inflammation around the joint, swelling, and pain.

Symptoms of DSLD include:

  • Swollen fetlock

  • Increased fetlock angle

  • Lameness

  • Shifting weight

There is no cure for DSLD, but there are things you can do to support your horse. Reducing exercise and increasing stall rest might be needed, and your veterinarian might prescribe pain medications and anti-inflammatories. A farrier may also provide therapeutic shoes and supportive boots. 

Naked Foal Syndrome (NFS)

Naked foal syndrome (NFS) is a genetic condition in Akhal-Tekes. It causes foals to be born hairless or with just a few hairs.

Other symptoms of NFS include:

  • Diarrhea

  • Digestive disorders

  • Abnormal development of the teeth

  • Problems that are similar to laminitis

Because they are so weak, many foals born with NFS die within weeks to months. The condition is fatal.

Genetic tests can help prevent NFS by telling breeders which horses are carriers and should not be bred.   

Cervical Vertebral Compressive Myelopathy (CVCM)

Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) is also known as wobbler syndrome or cervical vertebral malformation (CVM). This developmental defect affects the cervical vertebrae in the neck. The spaces within the spine become narrow, leading to compression of the spinal cord.

This condition might be inherited, but it might also be caused by injury or poor diet. Symptoms of CVCM include:

  • Neck stiffness

  • Ataxia (lack of coordination)

  • Reduced range of motion

  • Toe dragging

Treatment for CVCM depends on factors like the horse’s age and the severity of the condition. Medications may be used to decrease swelling and compression of the spinal cord. There are also surgical options that can be discussed with a vet.

What To Feed an Akhal-Teke Horse

Because the Akhal-Teke horse breed developed in harsh conditions, including the Karakum Desert, these horses can survive on small amounts of food and water. In the past, they were even fed foods like eggs and barley to give them the protein and fat they needed. 

Today’s Akhal-Teke horse does well on a high-protein diet. A general guideline is to feed them 2% of their body weight in forage—such as legume hay and grass hay—every day. For example, a 950-pound horse would eat about 19 pounds of forage daily.

If your horse needs more protein and fat for energy, you can feed them hay cubes and omega-3 fatty acid supplements. They can also graze in open pasture—just be cautious in the spring when this might increase the risk of digestive problems and laminitis. 

Talk to your veterinarian about adding vitamins and minerals to your horse’s diet to ensure it is properly balanced. Also, if your horse has been diagnosed with a chronic condition or you want to help prevent health problems, your veterinarian can provide advice on the right supplements

All horses should have access to plenty of clean, fresh water at all times, along with a salt block for maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance.

Akhal-Teke Disciplines

The athletic Akhal-Teke has the strength, speed, and stamina to perform well in a variety of equestrian sports, particularly eventing. Other disciplines you can participate in with these horses include:

  • Jumping

  • Endurance 

  • Dressage

  • Western

  • Racing

In addition to being a great sport horse, the Akhal-Teke is a great companion for trail rides. They are comfortable to ride, thanks to their smooth gait and lean body. 

Akhal-Teke horse rearing in a river
Photo by DruzKate/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images via Getty Images

Akhal-Teke Personality and Temperament

The Akhal-Teke is a hot-blooded horse. Generally, they are loyal and intelligent, as well as sensitive and able to develop a strong bond with their favorite human. In fact, they can bond so much with one person that they might not want to work with anyone else.

Akhal-Tekes can also be high-energy and perhaps even impulsive, so they typically are not the ideal choice for inexperienced riders. If you don’t understand this horse’s wants and needs, it may be difficult to handle them.  

These horses prefer being active, so they should be given the chance to exercise or work daily in order to let out their energy in positive ways; otherwise, they may feel restless and exhibit behavioral issues.

Akhal-Teke Training

A properly trained Akhal-Teke can be a devoted and wonderful companion, whether you want to win equestrian competitions or simply enjoy leisurely trail rides. But it takes effort to get there. 

Akhal-Tekes are best for owners, trainers, and riders who are experienced in handling and riding horses. Akhal-Tekes are willing and smart and can learn quickly. But they can also be stubborn, excitable, and a bit of a challenge when it comes to training if you don’t know how to work with them.

Start training an Akhal-Teke while they’re young so they get used to being handled and learn how to follow cues. Be consistent, patient, and positive during training sessions.

You can also take advantage of the fact that these horses need mental and physical stimulation to be happy. Never be harsh or use punishments with this sensitive breed.

Akhal-Teke Horse Grooming Guide

The Akhal-Teke horse breed’s coat is one of its standout features, as it has a golden, metallic sheen. These shiny horses have a short coat and thin skin, but they grow a dense undercoat that helps keep them warm in the winter.

Coat Care

Akhal-Tekes have a fine coat that’s easy to keep clean and healthy.

To keep the coat looking shiny and feeling silky, use an equine grooming kit that includes a curry comb, dandy brush, face brush, and finishing brush. These tools will remove dirt, debris, and loose hair from the coat.

The mane and tail on the Akhal-Teke are sparse. You can use a mane and tail comb to carefully clean the hair and remove tangles while avoiding breakage. Some owners opt to shave the mane.

Hoof Care

It’s important to take great care of an Akhal-Teke’s hooves to prevent health problems and keep these horses active.

Clean the hooves daily with a hoof pick that removes dirt and debris. Also, check for signs of problems like abscesses, infections, and injuries that need veterinary attention. 

Schedule a professional farrier for frequent visits, such as every two months. They will examine and trim the hooves to ensure they are properly balanced. If your horse needs shoes, a farrier will take care of that as well.

Akhal-Teke FAQs

Do Akhal-Tekes use bitless bridles?

There are multiple types of bridles that you can use to guide your horse. A bitless bridle is one that applies pressure to parts of the head rather than the mouth. This might be more comfortable for your Akhal-Teke, so it’s worth trying if other bridles make your sensitive horse harder to manage.

How do you pronounce Akhal-Teke?

Akhal-Teke can be pronounced “ak-uhl-TECK” or “ak-uhl-TECK-ee.”

Why are Akhal-Tekes shiny?

Akhal-Teke horses are famous for their shiny, metallic coat, which is the result of the structure of the hair. The hair core, which is opaque, is smaller or absent. The medulla, which is transparent, ends up bending light through one side and refracting it out the other side of the hair, resulting in the beautiful sheen.

How much does a Akhal-Teke horse cost?

Akhal-Teke horse prices vary based on factors like bloodline, age, training, sporting experience, and location. This is a rare breed, so prices may be higher than those for more common horse breeds. Some of these horses might cost around $10,000 while others might be over $100,000 if they are highly trained and experienced in competition.


Lisa Selvaggio

WRITTEN BY

Lisa Selvaggio

Freelance Writer


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