The Akhal Teke, one of the earliest domesticated horse breeds, was bred for endurance and speed. Due to their thin skin, long necks, sloped shoulders, and delicately muscled bodies, Akhal Teke horses are referred to as “fashion model” horses.
The Turkomen horse is said to be the ancestor of Akhal Teke horses. It is regarded as a piece of art, with its graceful stride and looks. This rare and ancient horse breed is prized for its exceptional endurance. It is also well-known due to its beautiful and glossy coats that come in a variety of alluring colors.
However, you’ll want to know how much the Akhal Teke costs before determining if it’s ideal for you. This article is perfect to help you decide if an Akhal Teke is the right option for you or not!
The Cost of Buying an Akhal Teke Horse
In the United States, Akhal Teke horses range in price from $7,000 to $40,000, although they may fetch considerably more on the foreign market. Show horses and stallions who got extensive training can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 and more. Purebreds are usually the most expensive. However, the price is quite variable and depends on numerous factors.
Training, genetics, show record, color, conformation, and age are all factors that might affect the cost of an Akhal Teke horse. If an enthusiast wants a well-trained, fit, young, and purebred Akhal Teke, he will have to pay extra money.
Turkmenistan and Russia are the two countries where Akhal Tekes are most frequent. They are a unique breed, and many people think they’re one of the most attractive. Outside of Turkmenistan and Russia, they are quite uncommon, so you will have a tough time locating one for purchase.
The rarity, on the other hand, does add to the cost of the horse. In truth, Akhal Teke is a unique horse breed, with only about 8,000 left on this planet. Owing to their scarcity and distinctiveness, they are one of the most expensive horse breeds.
Factors That Affect the Cost of an Akhal Teke Horse
When attempting to determine how much an Akhal Teke would cost, there are a few key factors that will have a significant influence. The following are some of the most important things to consider:
1. Bloodlines
Bloodlines, like any other horse breed, play a big part in the price of an Akhal Teke. A horse with excellent breeding will fetch a substantial sum of money.
There are three distinct varieties of Akhal Teke. Type 1 is the most traditional, including lines such as Gelishikili, Peren, and Kaplan. The Karlovich and El lines represent Type 2, which has horses that are slightly smaller and recognized for their speed. Horses of Type 3 have a bigger physique and are known for their stamina; the Arab and Dor-Bairam lines are examples of this type.
Within the breed, there are now 17 distinct lineages. Within Akhal Tekes, some individuals seek specific sorts and lines, which might drive up the price. Since some of the greatest bloodlines originate in Europe, Russia, and Turkmenistan, imported horses frequently command high rates.
2. Training
The cost of Akhal Tekes is heavily influenced by training. They thrive in endurance, eventing, racing, show jumping, and dressage because of their exceptional athletic abilities. A trainer must work a horse many times a week to keep them in shape, therefore training a horse is costly.
To keep up with the rigorous demands of competition, show horses are usually kept in training. As a result, a horse that has been kept in show training will cost more than one that is exercised only once or twice a month.
3. Display Show
Akhal-Tekes, despite their rarity, may be show-ring superstars. Absent, an Akhal Teke stallion, won gold and bronze medals in dressage in the 1960 and 1968 Olympics, respectively.
Dressage and racing horses are two of the most popular divisions in which this horse breed competes. Serious customers are interested in these well-trained animals. Hundreds of thousands of dollars can be spent on some of the world’s most top Akhal Tekes.
4. Conformity and Age
Because they have a gorgeous, unique build unlike any other horse breed, conformation may play a large role in the price of an Akhal Teke. A slender, athletic frame, long high-set neck, chiseled head, long ears, and almond-shaped eyes are all characteristics of the perfect Akhal Teke. You may expect to spend extra for a horse that possesses all of these qualities.
Age, in addition to confirmation, will influence the price. An Akhal Teke should be between the ages of 7 and 14. Horses will be at their best for riding and driving at these ages. Horses in their late teens or early twenties usually sell for much less.
5. Hues
Color Akhal Teke horses are praised for their lovely coats, which have a natural metallic sheen that shows through especially brightly on cream gene colors.
Their coats have a distinctive hair structure that gives them a luminous appearance. Palominos, buckskins, perlinos, and cremellos will usually fetch a higher price because of their glossy coats.
Where Can You Find Akhal Teke Horse?
Akhal Teke is now found all over the world, although its homeland is Turkmenistan. The journey on Akhal Teke in Turkmenistan is popular with tourists, specifically. Apart from that, they can also be located in Russia.
Outside these countries, Akhal Teke breed is perhaps quite rare. You might have a difficult time finding one, considering there is a scarce amount of this species left in the first place. This is why they are an expensive breed.
Alternatives to Purchasing a Horse
There are alternatives to buying a horse for those who cannot afford to do so. Leasing and joint ownership are the two most common ways to own a horse. Horse owners may lease their horses in a variety of situations.
This lets you use a horse for part or all of the time without having to spend as much as you would if you bought one. There are several different types of leases available, including:
- Off-Farm And On-Farm Lease
- Full lease
- Half lease
- Quarter lease
- Free lease
- Paid Lease
In addition, one can also loan a horse, which comes in three options:
- Standard Loan
- Permanent or Companion Loan
- Breeding Loan
One thing to keep in mind is that before leasing or loaning a horse, you must conduct thorough research and inspection. Additionally, you must verify that suitable legal documents are written up before signing a contract and that all documentation is properly discussed and signed by all sides to avoid future complications.
Another option is to form a limited liability company (LLC) or a partnership to divide the costs of obtaining and owning an Akhal Teke.
Regular Expenses of an Akhal Teke Horse
You should evaluate the monthly cost of owning a horse before purchasing an Akhal Teke. Depending on whether your horse stays in a stall or pasture, boarding can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000 per month.
It’s a good idea to conduct some research on how much an animal of this breed costs every month before getting one.
1. Boarding
Depending on whether the horse is boarded in a stall or on pasture land, boarding can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000 per month. The expense of breeding, basic care, and nutrition are included in boarding amenities.
2. Farriers
The farrier’s charges for a horse are what drive up the cost of upkeep. Their charges include the cost incurred by them on tools and equipment and other ancillary costs. Hooves, like nails, are made of keratin and hence, must be trimmed regularly.
A trim usually costs less than $50. For each new pair of shoes, farriers can charge up to $100.
A farrier’s fee for a horse, on the other hand, may reduce over time, depending on the bond you have with your service provider. As a consequence, it may be possible to negotiate a little discount on standard trims.
3. Tools
The cost of a farrier for a horse and that of shoeing a horse is determined by the quantity and quality of instruments used. Farriers utilize a variety of tools and pieces of equipment. Ensure that only high-quality instruments are utilized.
Incorrect trims can have disastrous consequences. This is also why clipping your horse’s shoe on your own is never a good idea. Farriers charge a premium for their services to maintain a strong profit margin and also because good quality tools are highly expensive. Otherwise, numerous bacterial illnesses may develop, increasing the cost of a horse’s medical care.
4. Medical
Veterinary care costs $200 to $400 per year, while medical dentistry costs $80 to $250 in 6 months to a year. You must also pay for health exams and initial veterinarian examinations when you purchase a horse.
A horse must also visit the veterinarian for a routine checkup every 2-4 months. A visit to the veterinarian costs about $200 on average. Horses, on the other hand, have a proclivity for becoming ill or injuring themselves. Subsequently, additional medical expenses arise that are difficult to predict in advance.
FAQs Regarding the Cost of Akhal Teke Horses
Before we end the article, let us have a look at some of the frequently asked questions.
The average cost of an Akhal Teke in the United States is $7,000, making them a hefty investment when compared to other horse breeds. Nonetheless, they are truly unique horses, distinguished by their athletic frames and gleaming coats.
A Thoroughbred is the only breed with stronger genetics and a winning history than any other. Thoroughbreds are the most costly horse breed in the world due to their near-certain place at the top of any competition.
Akhal Teke is an immensely alluring, and a very unique breed. Also, their rarity makes them even more expensive. They have a very tall and athletic form with delicate muscles. Thus, they are perhaps one of the best breeds out there.
Turkmenistan and Russia are the two countries where Akhal Tekes horses are most prevalent. They are a unique breed, and many people think they are one of the most attractive horses. Outside of Turkmenistan and Russia, they are quite uncommon, so you’ll have a hard time locating one for sale.
In reality, only about 8,000 Akhal Tekes are surviving in the world, making them a rare horse breed. Due to their scarcity and distinctiveness, they are one of the most costly horse types.
An Akhal Teke horse can live up to 20 years on average. Their durability and capacity start declining during their late teens. An Akhal Teke is at its best within the age span of 9-14 years.
The Akhal Teke stands out from other horse breeds because of its thin form and glittering gloss. The horse’s smooth, flowing stride, on the other hand, is valued.
Many owners describe them as very dedicated “one-person” horses because of their tremendous loyalty. They’re also usually highly smart and intuitive. From a mere gesture or quiet order, many horses can figure out what their humans want them to accomplish.
Conclusion
In comparison to other breeds, the price of an Akhal Teke is reasonable. However, the price of the horse fluctuates according to market demand. Its athletic abilities and a one-of-a-kind horse with a metallic shine do not disappoint the customer.
If you’re looking for a unique horse, the Akhal Teke could be the finest choice. Nonetheless, it is critical to recognize that these horses are rare and typically rather expensive.
