am i the only 1 who finds this horse unattractive

Greatest breed of endurance horse in the world. I believe they still hold the world record - 3,000 miles, 72 days - a group of Akhal Tekes ridden by Cossack soldiers, many years ago. Handsome is as handsome does!
 
Some of the toughest horses out there.

Saying long back = weak back is like saying short back = kissing spines.

I think the metallic coat sheen is from the "shine" gene. The shafts of hair are more hollow than normal hair.

Love the breed. The one in the picture is not a great example. I know some people crossing these on TB's for eventing. It's a nice cross.

Love the buckskin example. He is gorgeous.

Terri
 
I think its beautiful because the breed is differnt and interesting, we are not used to seeing breeds like this over here so to us the conformation will appear odd, maybe where they come from our common breeds are not appreiciated as much but then all breeds have a weakness or an advantage depending what the horse is used for but to look at the AT is stunning.
 
Rose Folly said:
Greatest breed of endurance horse in the world. I believe they still hold the world record - 3,000 miles, 72 days - a group of Akhal Tekes ridden by Cossack soldiers, many years ago. Handsome is as handsome does!
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Also, an Olympic dressage gold-medal winner (also took individual bronze in 1964 and team gold in 1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6QYTJrGwEo

http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2009/10/11/absent-akhal-teke-olympic-stage

These horses have been bred and used by horseman for thousands of years - they might not look British but they're still serious equines.
 
There is a forum member who breeds these. I remember drooling over her photos in the PG a while back. I'll see if i can find them...
 
Yes this photo was posted a wee while ago on a different thread.
BY THE WAY - It's reported that these horses are very strange in that they bond with one handler/rider for life! Just like a marriage:D
Personally - I ADORE THEM. It's on my "things to do before you die" list Ride an Akhal-Teke.
 
Build def. not my cup of tea. Very 'greyhound-y' . Why oh why did they hog him? Is that common with that breed? Bad enough having an upside-down neck, with no mane or forelock he looks ten times worse. Nice flowing locks please :D
Colour? - Not sure if I like it, I suppose it's eyecatching, but doesn't look quite real. I bet, over here, you would get a lot of smart arses saying "have you dyed it, then?"
All in all I think I'll stick to the usual 'boring' bays, greys, and chestnuts! :D
Although I did see a post on another forum (think IH?) about unusually marked horses, most pics seemed to be from the States, but some REALLY beautiful colours.
If I can find it, I'll post a link.
 
debsg said:
Build def. not my cup of tea. Very 'greyhound-y' . Why oh why did they hog him? Is that common with that breed? Bad enough having an upside-down neck, with no mane or forelock he looks ten times worse. Nice flowing locks please :D
Colour? - Not sure if I like it, I suppose it's eyecatching, but doesn't look quite real. I bet, over here, you would get a lot of smart arses saying "have you dyed it, then?"
All in all I think I'll stick to the usual 'boring' bays, greys, and chestnuts! :D
Although I did see a post on another forum (think IH?) about unusually marked horses, most pics seemed to be from the States, but some REALLY beautiful colours.
If I can find it, I'll post a link.
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It does not have an upside down neck it's holding it's head back.
I have issue withits conformation it's perfect for what it's bred to do not one gramme on that horse is surplus to its requirements every bit of it is doing a job it would work and work for miles and miles needing little food little water they are the kings of the endurance world and they keep the best large ones to them selves.
 
I love Akhal-Tekes :D Would I want one as a riding horse? No... but I think the colours are stunning and can appreciate them for why the have that build.

Mmmm the colours are so amazing!
 
They are pretty amazing horses, they had some where I rode in Hungary. Amazing stamina they are just about warmed up after 100km apparently :eek: so not for the faint hearted.
 
Thanks Goldenstar for the info. They have always been one of my favorite breeds. And the first thing that comes to my mind with AT is their toughness as in durability.

Re, the haircoat. Other breeds can have the metallic coat coloring. Obviously not as prominent in other breeds but a few TB's have the metallic sheen. As stated it is the way the hair follicle is made. It's different than shiny obviously.

Anyway, would love to see more out doing things as they are quite versatile.

Jealous of anyone that has one!

Terri
 
ugh, I actually find that horse really freaks me out to look at. It looks the kind of horse that would be painted with wings on as a demon horse in an old fashioned painting

Or maybe the love child of an arab and a llama.

<shudder>

Nice colour though ;)
 
Here is the stud in Hungary Akhal Teke

I love the quote from the site
It is an intelligent, dynamic, sensitive breed. It has extraordinary mental capabilities. If taken care of in harmonious environment, it is reliable and highly co-operative, and has a sense of problem solving.

In other words, you get it wrong you have a whole load of trouble on your hands!
 
Barbie called, she wants her pony back:
barbie+and+horse.jpg
 
Patterdale;10668450]That horse looks like it would give you 3 wishes if you rubbed it.

:D Thats what i thought! The Gold horse of destiny!!
 
I think it's a stunning-looking horse in an unconventional way - the poise is full of confidence, the metallic coat is gobsmackingly beautiful, the body shape unconventional but typical of ATs - long shallow body, no depth of girth, almost ewe-neck, long thin legs. They are the greyhounds of the horse world, designed with extreme endurance and privation in mind, very highly-mettled highly-strung temperaments, bond (or not!) with their handlers.

One of my friends is Russian and she says while they are renowned in her home country for their athleticism/endurance, they are not loved for their temperaments and can be tricky characters to handle.

I first saw this breed in my Observer Book of Horses when I was about 9 years old. It struck me then as something totally out of the ordinary and different to just about all the other breeds in the world. It still does.

There is some thought that the Byerley Turk was an Akhal Teke and that would fit in with the history of the thoroughbred too - hardy endurance speed stallions.
 
kylee86 said:
i havnt ever seen the breed b4. i imagine them as being arab like and flighty prob completely wrong lol
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This horse reminded me very much of the lighter-build arabs, too. It's the kind of horse I imagine a Bond villain would have. :D

Loved this quote on the website, too...
"Can you get a lift kit for it I've got some cool 20" rims..." :D
 
kylee86 said:
came across this thread in another topic linked to a different site with many comments saying what a stunning horse. must say it isnt my cup of tea just woundered what you all thought. i like a breed to have bit more stock and thicker legs idxtb is my ideaal breed http://cellar.org/showthread.php?t=26468
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Wow, thanks for posting this. The only other really golden coloured Akhal Teke that I have seen is that one photograph, that has been used again and again in breed books since the 70's or 80s. Yeah, I know they do have questionable conformation in relation to what we are used to seeing today in our riding horses, but they are an ancient breed, very tough and designed to tolerate harsh, hot, dry conditions.
Their colouring intrigues me. Thanks again for posting the pic. :)
 
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