home page

Living in Spain is to live in the land of horses. Surprisingly though the magnificent Akhal-Teke breed is relatively unknown here, with the Andalusian and Arab breeds being the most popular in Spain. There is little infomation to be found about Akhal-Tekes in Spain and actual horses very few at all. In the whole of Spain only a handful of Akhal-Tekes can be found. In October 2007 we imported the first two Akhal-Tekes to the Balearic island of Majorca.
      Akhal-Tekes are certainly one of the oldest breeds of horse in the world, with their breed name having changed various times over the centuries. These superb horses are also known as 'the celestial horse', 'the winged horse', 'the horse that sweats blood', 'the heavenly horse', and 'the jewel of Turkmenistan'. From Kazakhstan to china, these horses have been sought after by many warrior chiefs and kings, even Alexander the great was known to have ridden a predecessor of the Akhal-Tekes into battle. Akhal-Tekes were originally bred for many centuries by the people of the Teke tribe of the Akhal Oasis in Turkmenistan, these horses were and still are a source of immense pride to their owners. When the Russians invaded Turkmenistan they were very impressed by this breed and returned to Russia with them. The Akhal-Teke breed is now controlled in Russia by The All Russian Institute of Horse Breeding VNIIK, also known as MAAK. The A-T breed is well known for improving other breeds and passing on their speed, agility, grace and amazing shine to their offspring.
     The world record for the highest jump at 2.47 meters (over 8 feet), was made in Chile in 1949 by the A-T Huaso, and in 1960 the highest individual points ever given at any of the Olympic Games, were awarded to the famous black A-T stallion Absent.
     The lack of Akhal-Teke blood (and knowledge of them) in Spain is quite amazing especially as they excel so well in all aspects of sport, and Spain enjoys many equine sports. Yet few people here have even heard of this wonderful horse with all his suberb qualities and loving unique character that is so truly endearing. While in many European countries as well as many other countries this breed is well known and represented.
     It is said to be impossible to own an Akhal-Teke without falling under their spell and that the owner of an Akhal-Teke ends up being owned by their horse. They are a true pleasure to own, and i consider it a privilege to feel owned by my Akhal-Tekes, it is an amazing bond.
                                        Jill.