Spring Hollow Farm’s Akhal Teke Stallion – Lucero
Lucero (Luc) is a four year old Stallion born and raised here in Kentucky by Cindy Sither of Spring Hollow Farm. He has had 60 days of informal Amish training. He is currently in training as a dressage mount, while also testing the waters of endurance and jumping. Please read below and spread the word about this amazing, rare and talented breed!
Akhal Teke FAQ:
–Where did this breed originate?
The Akhal-Teke originates from Turkmenistan, where they are a national emblem. These horses are adapted to severe climatic conditions and are thought to be one of the oldest horse breeds in existance. Akhal was the name of the line of Oases along the north slope of the Kopet Dag mountains. This area was inhabited by the Tekke tribe of Turkomans. The tribes of Turkmenistan selectively bred the horses, recording their pedigrees orally and using them for raiding.
–Why are they called rare?
There are currently about 6,600 Akhal-Tekes in the world (by comparison, there are 8,000 registered Thoroughbred foals born every year in Kentucky alone!) Most Akhal Tekes are in Turkmenistan and Russia, and North America has about 500.
–What are some characteristics that set this breed apart?
Aside from the obvious metallic sheen that is usually the first thing to catch one’s eye – the Akhal-Teke possess sloping shoulders and thin skin. The breed is tough and resilient, having adapted to the harshness of Turkmenistan lands, where horses must live without much food or water setting them up to be a tireless advocate for any sport. With their fast heart rate recoveries and endless stamina, the Akhal-Teke continues to influence the breed in a multiple disciplines including endurance, jumping, three-day eventing, fox hunting, and racing.
Some prefer this breed over even gaited horses as a smooth and gentle ride. Additionally, even though these are hot-blooded athletes, they remain calm and level headed and are therefore a superior choice for parades and other boisterous activities.
One supporter describes them beautifully, “Akhal-Tekes are very loyal (almost dog-like) and tend to want to bond to one person or family. In an article I read about the history of the breed, it stated that throughout history, they had been a good judge of character. They were important to families [in Russia]. In fact, it was said that “‘if the family horse did not like the groom, the wedding was off.'” (Terri Fender)
–What are they good at?
Dressage: An Akhal-Teke horse named Absent was the Olympic Champion in Rome in 1960 and won the Bronze Medal in Tokyo in 1964.
Endurance: In 1935, a group of Turkmen riders rode from Ashgabat to Moscow in 84 days covering 2500 miles, including a 3-day crossing of 235 miles of desert without water.
The Akhal-Teke is also known for its form and grace as a show jumper.
Highly regarded for its speed, stamina, comfortable gaits, intelligence and trainability – there really isn’t anything a Teke hasn’t branched out and exceled at.
-But how does this affect me?
The Akhal Teke is responsible for some of the best breeds in the world. Turkmen Atti passed his qualities to the Trakehner breed. They have influenced several Russian breeds and extensive crossbreeding with the Thoroughbred has created a fast, long-distance racehorse
Additionally, the Akhal-Teke is the only remaining pure strain of ancient Turkmene horse, a breed whose common ancestors bear a succession of different names over time: Massaget, Parthian, Nisean, Persian, Turkmene and finally, Akhal-Teke
Often referred to as the”mystery horse” because this breed has influenced many, yet been influenced by none.
—————————————————————————————————————-
So have I peaked your interest? Call and set up a time to come see what she has for sale. If nothing else, Cindy offers lessons, trails and casual encounters with the breed.
What are you waiting for? Fall for a Teke today! Call Cindy at (859)509-6137
http://www.equitrekking.com/articles/entry/the_akhal-teke_horse_breed/
Lucero's 30 Day Intensive Training 