HORSEWORLD
Preserving the Past, Living the Present, Protecting the Future….
"Akhal-Teke Breed Spotlight Event at HorseWorld"
HorseWorld, the visitor centre of the Friends of
Bristol Horses Society - one of Britain's largest charitable equine rescue
sanctuaries and retirement homes, is to host a special event to spotlight the
rare and unusual Akhal-Teke breed of horses on Saturday 18 August.
Organised by the Akhal-Teke Society of Great Britain the event will not only
feature displays and a parade of a number of purebred, and partbred, Akhal-Teke
horses but also displays of costume and jewellery from Turkmenistan, as well
video presentations about the breed and a display of paintings depicting
Akhal-Teke horses by Bridget Tempest. The pride of Turkmenistan, Akhal-Teke
horses are part of the sovereign states national emblem and it is hoped that a
member of the Turkmenistan embassy will also be visiting the event during the
day.
Originating from Turkmenistan, a province of the former Soviet Union, the
Akhal-Teke is an ancient breed descended from one of the four horses types that
crossed the Bering Strait from the Americas in prehistoric times. Originally
bred as war mounts, they were used by the Turkomen warriors for hundreds of
years. In Chinese legend they were known as the "Heavenly Horse".
Bred for centuries in this location away from the main trade routes, the Teke
tribesman were able to keep the purity of their horses and produced a breed
that today is considered to be of exceptional value, not only in its own right
as a competitive sports horse, but also for producing warm blooded sports
horses when crossed with heavier breeds. Now recognised as being the oldest and
purest form of southern horse, originating from the Akhal oasis at the
foothills of the Kopet Dag Mountains, bordered by the Kara Kum desert the breed
are the pride of the Teke tribesman.
In appearance the Akhal-Teke horse is similar to its descendent, the Persian
Arab, though in size it is more comparable to another of its descendants, the
English Thoroughbred. It is generally accepted that the foundation of all
English Thoroughbreds traces back to three stallions, one an Akhal-Teke and
another with a large proportion of Akhal-Teke blood. The Akhal-Teke has a small
thin head, long ears and oriental shaped eyes. It has a short silky mane or no
mane at all, and a fine tail. Akhal-Teke's are known for their golden colouring
but they can also be black, dappled, dun, bay, grey or chestnut coloured. Fed a
low bulk, high protein diet the Akhal-Teke maintains its traditionally lean
proportions of long sinewy legs, a narrow deep chest, and a long back. Its
small hooves are unusually hard and are therefore rarely shod in its native
homeland.
The Akhal-Teke developed endless stamina and the ability to withstand extremes
of temperature from its harsh environment. The tribesman had their own special
methods of horse management. They were kept in small groups, tethered to stakes
and blanketed to protect them from the extreme dessert temperatures. They fed
them pellets of food, containing alfalfa, barley and mutton fat, fresh forage
was only available for about three months of the year.
The Akhal-Teke Society of Great Britain was formed in 1990 to act in the best
interest of the Akhal-Teke, and to guide breed development in the UK. To date
there are only 24 purebred and 23 partbred horses in the country.
Formed almost 50 years ago to provide shelter and retirement for working horses
that had fallen victim to industrial mechanisation the Friends of Bristol
Horses Society is know home to over 220 horses, ponies and donkeys. As well as
the opportunity to meet nearly 40 of the rescued horses, ponies and donkeys a
whole host of other attractions at HorseWorld include an interactive
"Exhibition of the Horse" and "Heritage Tack Museum", a
film presentation of the societies work, horse parades, children's play area,
"Noah's Ark" companion animals, nature trail, picnic area, restaurant
and tearoom, plus gift shop.
Located in a group of beautiful listed Mendip stone farm buildings, dating back
to the early nineteenth century, Staunton Manor Farm has been carefully
restored to its former glory and brought back to use to give HorseWorld a wide
range of modern facilities, while still retaining the character and splendour
of a friendly yet authentic rural environment with a charming and peaceful
atmosphere.
HorseWorld provides a unique rural setting located midway between Bath and
Bristol, just off the A37 at Whitchurch. The visitor centre is open daily
between 10am and 6pm. Further information about the visitor centre, can be
obtained by visiting our web site at
www.horseworld.org.uk
or by telephoning 01275 540173.
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