Ahal-Teke horses - national pride of Turkmenistan
“Horse, half the kingdom for a horse!” - shouted the hero of Shakespearean tragedy Richard III, because a real hero is really unthinkable without his faithful companion. There are many breeds in hippology, but one of the most unique is the Ahal-Teke breed. And around the origin of the amazing Ahal-Teke horses there are many legends.
One of the legends says that a wonderful horse endowed with wings descended from heaven, another describes the appearance of a water stallion from the water, and there is a version about an alien origin. However, the fact that the history of the Ahal-Teke racers has more than three thousand years is an undeniable fact. The origins of the breed go back to the ancient Parthian state, but this species of horses could only be preserved on the territory of modern Turkmenistan.
The name of the breed consists of two parts - “Ahal”, which means “oasis”, and “Teke” - a Turkmen tribe that bred horses in this region. Turkmens trained their horses, passing on their experience to descendants. Stallions of tremendous beauty have always been appreciated and are worth their weight in gold, their short shiny hair reflects the light of the sun, like precious metal. Ahal-Teke cannot be confused with any other breed of horse.
Graceful and refined, unusually expressive Ahal-Teke horses are extremely hardy. Overcoming vast distances, they withstand temperatures from –30 to +50 degrees, without water and food for several days. Possessing a wayward character, the Ahal-Teke people require a special approach, and are very attached to a person, becoming devoted and faithful helpers in everything.
Do not look for equals To Ahal-Teke racers. They obey only your command, Turkmen dzhigits.
More than once the natural mind and sensitivity of horses saved the dzhigits from the approaching danger. In the legends about Gorkut Ata it is said: “The armor is recognized by the blows of the sword, and the horse - by the way it removes the rider from the battle.” Ahal-Tekeans, quick as the wind, were also valued for their ability to overtake a falcon flying in the sky. These horses can gallop for several hours in the desert, only occasionally turning to a trot.
Some researchers believe that the horse of Alexander of Macedon, Bucephalus was an Ahal-Teke. And the glory of this breed of horses is also sung in the ancient texts of Herodotus: "There is an endless plain in Media that has majestic horses."
That historically glorified “boundless plain” is the territory of modern Turkmenistan. Today, like many centuries ago, the famous breed of horses is grown here. Ahal-Teke is a national treasure that has become the main symbol of the country. The proud Yanardag, born in the first spring of Turkmen independence, flaunts on the state emblem of Turkmenistan.
The beauty of “heavenly horses” is constantly reflected in art, poems and songs are dedicated to them, the images of horses are embodied in painting, and a holiday was dedicated to the Ahal-Tekes as a sign of special respect. Every year on the last Sunday of April, the Day of the Turkmen Horse is celebrated.
In museums and exhibition centers of Turkmenistan until the end of April, expositions display traditional horse jewelry. Turkmen horse equipment can be considered as a separate art form. Blankets, carpet covers, harnesses decorated with precious stones and much more - all this was created in order to emphasize the beauty of horses created by nature.
