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Turkoman HorseThe Turkoman horse, or Turkmene, was an ancient breed from Turkmenistan, now extinct. Modern representatives include the Akhal-Teke and the Yamud. Horses bred in the area are still referred to as Turkoman, and have similar characteristics. They have been influential in many breeds, including the Thoroughbred. The Turkoman horse has an extremely slender body, similar to a greyhound. Although they may look weak, the breed is actually one of the toughest in the world. They have a straight profile, long neck, and sloping shoulders. Their back is long, with sloping quarters and a tucked up abdomen. They have long and muscular legs. The coat of a Turkomen horse can be of any color, and usually possesses a metalic glow to it. The horses range from 15-16 hh. The horses are raised in an unusual manner, with the mares kept in semi-wild herds that have to fend for themselves against the weather and predators, finding their own food. Colts are caught at six months, when their training begins. The colts are kept on long tethers, usually for life. At only eight months of age, they are saddled and ridden by young and lightweight riders, racing on the track by the time they are one. The horses are bred for racing, and are quite talented. The Turkomen horses are fed a special high-protein diet of broiled chicken, barley, dates, raisons, alfalfa, and mutton fat. They wear thich felt blankets to cause sweating on hot days, keeping them lean and free from body fat. The horses have incredible stamina. They have free-flowing movement and a good temperament.
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