The Turkish publication GZT reported on an Ankara farm that breeds Ahal-Teke horses, one of the main symbols of Turkmenistan.
The Ahal-Teke is one of the oldest riding breeds in the world, formed on the territory of modern Turkmenistan thousands of years ago. The breed is renowned for its speed, exceptional endurance, keen intelligence, and a unique golden-metallic sheen to its coat, unmatched by any other breed. These horses have been the favorites of rulers and military leaders for centuries, writes GZT.
Farm owner Petek Çağlar took up horse breeding five years ago and acquired her first Ahal-Teke in 2022. She says she was initially captivated by the animal’s beauty. However, over time, the horse’s personality became her primary source of admiration.
“At first, I was struck by his beauty, but the more time I spent with him, the more I admired his personality. He builds a bond with people that I haven’t seen in any other breed. “He’s very sensitive, but not fragile—exceptionally brave. He perceives obstacles not as a threat, but as a challenge to be overcome,” GZT quotes the farm owner as saying.
Çağlar also noted the breed’s versatility: while European horses are traditionally strong in show jumping, and Arabian and English thoroughbreds excel in racing, Ahal-Teke horses are capable of competing successfully in all disciplines. This is what prompted her to completely convert the farm to breeding this breed in 2025.
The farm currently houses ten Ahal-Teke horses. Two months ago, a mare named Zerrin gave birth to a filly named Mihrimah. “For us, this isn’t just the birth of a new horse, but the continuation of a cultural heritage that goes back thousands of years,” Çağlar emphasized.
