How Much Does Akhal-Teke Cost? (Price Chart)

Akhal-Teke, well known for its quickly recognizable sleek coats with a metallic sheen, is among the rarest and the oldest domesticated horse breeds worldwide. It is estimated that only 7,000 to 8,000 of them live in Turkmenistan and other countries nowadays.

This exotic creature was bred in the desert for endurance and speed. While looking at the clean picture of equine power and grace, you can ask yourself how much does Akhal-Teke cost. The answer is obvious. A lot! Let's take a closer look at the subject.

Akhal-Teke History

The Akhal-Teke is an ancient breed that originated in the Karakum desert of Turkmenistan. It possibly descended from the Arabian horse breed like most modern horses.

The first official horse breeding farms were established after 1881 when Turkmenistan became part of the Russian Empire. The first Akhal-Teke came to the US in 1979 and was registered in the Akhal-Teke Association of America.

Akhal-Teke Price

The Akhal-Teke price will depend on a few traits. Let's take a look.

Bloodlines

As you can guess, the horse bloodline will play a significant role in the Akhal-Teke price. As always, a horse with a flawless breeding line will cost thousands of dollars.

You should know that there are three Akhal-Teke sub-breeds:

• Type 1 - The traditional breed follows the Gelishikili, Kaplan, and Peren lines.
• Type 2 - The smaller-sized sub-breed from the El and Karlovich lines is well-known as unbelievably fast.
• Type 3 - The horse sub-breed from Arab and Dor-Bairam lines with a big body is known for its impressive endurance.

However, that is not all. Nowadays, you can recognize seventeen different lines within this horse breed. Since some specific Akhal-Teke sub-breeds and lines are in high demand, their price can be blow-minded.

Finally, the best Akhal-Teke bloodlines almost always come from Europe, particularly Turkmenistan and Russia. Therefore, you can expect to pay more for imported horses.

Rarity

With only 7,000 to 8,000 animals worldwide, Akhal-Teke is the rarest existing horse breed. It is on the Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List of threatened breeds.

Akhal-Teke age

Since the prime time for this breed is the age range of 4 to 5 years, you can expect them to cost a lot. However, the most expensive Akhal-Teke horses are those aged 10 to 14 years, when they are at their prime for riding. An animal in its early 20s typically costs substantially less money.

The most affordable option is to buy a foal that usually costs about €7,000 ($7,925). If you want a 1 to 2 years old young horse, you should set aside approximately €12,000 to €25,000 ($13,600 to $28,300).

You can expect that this horse price will significantly increase over time. For instance, a three-year-old horse will cost you at least €18,000 ($20,400). However, the price for an exceptional 4 to 5 years old animal can skyrocket and reach over €120,000 ($135,850).

Gender

Typically, there are no significant price differences between mares and stallions, except for some exception horses. Therefore, you won't find fillies fetch premium pricing like in other horse breeds. Their value will mostly depend on the animal's age.

Size

An average Akhal-Teke horse is 14 to 16 hands high, which is actually 56 to 64 inches (1.4 - 1.6 m). The weight range is within 900 to 1,000 pounds (410 - 453.5 kg).

In this case, a more sizable horse will cost more than others. The premium pricing will go to preferable horses above 15 hands (60 inches / 1.5 m) high.

Color

Color will always significantly affects Akhal-Teke price. The most expensive are animals with gold coats, but admirers also appreciate palominos, perlinos, cremellos, buckskins, and black shades.

The rule of thumb is that more shimmering metallic is worth more. The reason for price differences is that a natural metal shine of the horsehair is the most visible and most astonishing through on cream gene colors.

Conformation

As you can imagine, conformation is a crucial factor in the Akhal-Teke price. This exotically built horse has a long high-set neck and lean, athletic body.

Its almond-shaped eyes are unlike any other horse type, and its head is nicely chiseled with elegant long ears. As expected, a horse that fulfills all of these attributes is worth more than an animal with average conformation.

Movements

Thanks to their exotic appearance, Akhal-Teke horses are highly appreciated even without winners' history. However, the price for animals with top-notch gaits is significantly higher than usual.

Training

The training a particular horse has gone through will significantly affect its price. Be aware that buyers will always check that the Akhal-Teke has undergone ultimate training under a famous and esteemed professional trainer.

The thing is simple. Only the best training will keep a horse fit and prepared for the high needs of competing. In other words, the more exercise it has, the higher its price on the market will be.

The best trainers cost a lot, and you need to count on a few training sessions a week. As a result, an animal kept in show training will be more expensive than the one ridden a few times a month.

Records

Even though it is pretty uncommon, some Akhal-Teke horses are real stars in the show ring. However, they are typically racing and dressage horses.

Naturally, winners will cost more, so you shouldn't be surprised when seeing that the best of the best are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. This breed is famous for its athletic abilities, so a horse with a good bascule command can be costly.

Health

Unfortunately, this breed is prone to several genetic issues. Therefore, horse health is always one of the crucial factors that affect its value. Only the horse in the best healthy condition will be priced high, while injured animals and those with any health issue typically reach a lower price.

Regular Monthly Akhal-Teke Expenses

As with any other horse, your expenses won't end after purchasing an Akhal-Teke. You should consider all monthly and yearly costs before making the final decision since everything connected with this unique horse is costly.

You should know that you need to pay at least $150 to $1,000 a month for boarding for a start. However, you shouldn't rely on the lower price too much since such an expensive animal can't spend days and nights on pasture.

You should keep your magnificent horse in a stall and offer it the best possible living conditions. In most cases, boarding will cover the expense of:

• Bedding
• Food
• Basic care

You can pay less if you prefer taking care of your horse on your own.

Finally, you should count on medical care expenses. For instance, you need to spend $45 to $150 for farrier visits. They need to check your horse's hoofs at least once in 6 to 8 weeks.

Then, it is necessary to set aside approximately $200 to $400 for the yearly veterinary expense, but this bill doesn't include medical emergencies.

Since teeth are crucial for horse health, it is necessary to calculate dentistry costing, as well. In typical cases, this service will cost you about $80 to $250 for a visit once to twice a year.

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Akhal-Teke Characteristics

The Akhal-Teke is a national horse of Turkmenistan and a status symbol. You can see this beautiful animal on the national coat of arms and banknotes. The horse image is even on stamps. Owning such an animal is considered an ultimate honor.

Interestingly, this horse breed has no written history in English since its origins have never been translated reliably into this language. However, it is known that an Akhal-Teke, Byerly Turk, was one of the three founding the Thoroughbred breed's stallions.

Many admirers are confused with the metallic sheen of this horse's coat. The secret is in the hair texture and structure. It is silky, and joining silk-like strands creates a metallic sheen that reflects when you expose the horse to direct sunlight.

Summary

Once you decide to purchase an Akhal-Teke horse, you should consider all available options. Such a horse is rare, expensive, and requires specific, often costly boarding, care, and living conditions. The less expensive option is to buy a foal, while you should spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for a male in full fitness.