Türkiye Develops the Sporting Potential of Ahalteke Horses
Türkiye is paying attention to the development of Ahalteke horse breeding and the use of the breed’s sporting qualities in various equestrian disciplines. This was reported by the Turkish news agency Anadolu Ajansı.
According to the agency, the Ahal Teke Atlı Spor Kulübü operates in Ankara, where Ahalteke horses are bred and trained. The club’s founder, Şahap Gürsoy, highlighted the breed’s endurance and said that it could be used more widely in international competitions, particularly in equestrian endurance events.
The club also notes the sporting abilities of Ahalteke horses in show jumping and other disciplines. According to Gürsoy, one of the horses demonstrating these qualities is an Ahalteke named Gök, which arrived in Türkiye from Turkmenistan. The horse participates in show-jumping competitions and, according to its owner, has a close bond with its rider.
Turkish athletes also highlight the distinctive characteristics of Ahalteke horses, including their endurance, sensitivity to the rider and ability to adapt to various equestrian disciplines. Turkish national athlete Onur Taşpınar, who has experience competing in show jumping, dressage and endurance riding, noted that the Ahalteke breed originates from Turkmenistan and is distinguished by its endurance and attachment to its owner.
TRT Haber has also previously reported on the development of Akhal-Teke horse breeding in Türkiye. In June 2026, the broadcaster featured a farm in Ankara involved in preserving and breeding the breed. The horses are trained to participate in show jumping, endurance competitions, mounted archery and cross-country riding.
The farm’s owner, Petek Çağlar, told TRT Haber that in 2025 the operation fully switched to breeding Ahalteke horses. According to her, after a long period of work, the farm succeeded in bringing breeding Ahalteke mares to Türkiye as part of a systematic breeding programme. The farm currently has 10 horses of the breed, and a foal was born there in 2026.
Thus, Turkish media outlets highlight growing interest in the Ahalteke breed not only as a historical and cultural heritage, but also as a promising sporting breed that is planned to be used in various equestrian disciplines.
