Horses are some of the most majestic gracious animals on the planet, but one rare breed from Turkmenistan has the world totally stunned by his incredible beauty.
The Akhal-Teke was developed for endurance and speed. Some equestrians find the breed too scrawny and narrow, with conformation unlike the more common muscular, deep-chested riding horse breeds. Others consider it a work of art, elegant in appearance and stride. Whatever your opinion, the Akhal-Teke is among the rarest, most exotic full-size horse breeds around the world with only 3,500 of them in existence.
Also known as the “horse of Heaven,” the horse is so light that it appears to glow, and there are only 3,500 of them in existence, according to Newsner.
The brilliant shine of their bodies and flowing manes come from the unique arrangement of proteins in their hair. The assembly causes light to reflect off of the surface, gleaming under the sun like metal.
Their bright blonde coat appears almost alive as they move, making them look like they galloped right off the pages of a fantasy novel. While every horse is beautiful in its own way, the hypnotizing allure of the Akhal-Teke is unforgettable.
There are over 350 horse breeds in the world, but few hold the title of a national symbol. The Akhal-Teke is so prized in its home country that it has been declared a symbol of “striking harmony, gracefulness and incomparable swiftness,” by the president of Turkmenistan.
If you know any horse-lovers in your life, make sure you show them this incredibly rare and breathtaking breed. Most of us will probably never have the privilege of seeing one of these exotic horses in real life, but thankfully, there are plenty of photos and videos on the internet to help us glimpse their splendor!
