The Akhal-Teke
The Akhal-Teke is a horse breed from Turkmenistan, where they are a national emblem. They are noted for their speed and for endurance on long marches.
These "golden-horses" are adapted to severe climatic conditions and are thought to be one of the oldest surviving horse breeds. There are currently about 3,500 Akhal-Tekes in the world, mostly in Turkmenistan and Russia, although they are also found throughout Europe, Australia, and North America.
Akhal-Teke is one of the brightest and most ancient riding horse breeds. She had an influence on the formation of such species as the English race horse and Arabic horse.
Glory of these beautiful horses extended well beyond the region of origin. Horses were the highest value and exported to China, Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and other Middle East countries and the Mediterranean. In Greece, the best horses were brought from the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, including the Akhal-Teke horses. The ancient Greeks often depicted their horses in various stages on antique vases and ancient carvings. These horses are very similar to modern Akhal-Teke.