Turkmen horses are the progenitors of all modern horses
According to new genetic studies of biologists from the Vienna Veterinary University, the Turkmen horses are the progenitors of all modern breeds of horses. The scientists found out that the ancient Turkmen horses were domesticated more than 6 thousand years ago and acquired their current agility, speed and intelligence thanks to the efforts of Turkmen horse breeders. Archaeological studies of the Turkmen-Russian archaeological expedition led by V. Sarianidi confirmed that the first ritual burials of the domesticated horse were discovered during excavations of the capital of the ancient country of Margush, which flourished in the territory of modern Turkmenistan in the Bronze Age. The first Turkmen horses came about 700 years ago in Europe, but it remains unclear who and how they were sent to this part of the world. Barbara Wallner, an evolutionary biologist at the Vienna Veterinary University and lead author of the study, conducted a series of genetic tests, including DNA sequencing, which helped to understand the pedigree of modern European horses better. Together with colleagues, B. Wallner analyzed 52 horse Y chromosomes, representing 23 modern breeds of horses. Small mutations in DNA allowed scientists to identify the most ancient genes inherent in each experimental stallion. As it turned out, the genotype of all modern European horses is based on the genes of Turkmen horses. Genetics associate this with the fact that European horse breeders included in the breeding program those horses that had the strongest health and possessed qualities that are not common to European horses. According to experts, this study can also learn more about the history of trade and political relations between East and West.
