The Akhal-Teke is one of the most unique and oldest horse breeds, sought after for their incredible endurance and stunning coat colors. However, before deciding if the Akhal-Teke is right for you, you will want to know how much they cost.
Akhal-Teke horses on average cost between $7,000 to $40,000 in America, but on the international market, they can go for much more. Highly trained show horses and stallions may cost $50,000 to $100,000, and upwards.
Factors such as training, bloodlines, show record, color, conformation, and age can all play into the price of an Akhal-Teke.
Akhal-Tekes are most common in Turkmenistan, where they are originally from, and Russia. They are a rare breed and many consider them to be one of the most beautiful.
Since Akhal-Tekes are relatively rare outside Turkmenistan and Russia, you will likely have a hard time finding one for sale.
In fact, Akhal-Tekes are considered a rare horse breed with only around 8,000 left worldwide. They are one of the most expensive horse breeds, due to their rarity and uniqueness.
Factors That Affect the Cost of an Akhal-Teke
When finding out how much an Akhal-Teke will cost, these are some of the main factors that will determine the price:
Bloodlines
Just like any horse breed, bloodlines play a large role in the cost of an Akhal-Teke. A horse with impeccable breeding will sell for a significant amount of money.
Within the Akhal-Teke breed, there are three types. Type 1 is the most classic type, following the lines Gelishikili, Peren and Kaplan. In Type 2, the horses are somewhat smaller and are known for their speed, being represented by the Karlovich and El lines.
For Type 3, horses have a larger body and are regarded for their stamina, with the Arab and Dor-Bairam lines representing this type.
Right now, there are 17 different lines within the breed. Some people seek out certain types and lines within Akhal-Tekes, which can drive up the price. Several of the best bloodlines come from Europe, Russia and Turkmenistan, so imported horses often go for high prices.
Olesya Nickolaeva / Shutterstock.com Training
Training is a large factor in the cost of Akhal-Tekes. Their stellar athletic ability allows them to excel in endurance, eventing, racing, show jumping and dressage.
Training a horse is expensive, as a professional will have to work a horse several times a week to keep them in shape. Show horses are typically kept in training to keep up with the high demands of competing. So a horse that has been kept in show training will cost more than one that only gets ridden a few times a month.
Show Records
Though rare, Akhal-Tekes can be stars in the show ring. For example, an Akhal Teke stallion named Absent won gold medals in dressage at the Olympics in 1960 and 1968, as well as a bronze in 1964.
Out of the all divisions the Akhal-Teke breed shows in, dressage and racing horses often go for the most. These highly trained horses are sought after by serious buyers. Some of the most elite Akhal-Tekes across the world can cost tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Age and Conformation
Conformation can be a big factor in the cost of an Akhal-Teke as they have a beautiful, exotic build, unlike any other horse breed. The ideal Akhal-Teke has a lean, athletic body, long high-set neck, chiseled head, long ears and often exhibits almond-shaped eyes. You can expect to pay more money for a horse that meets all these characteristics.
In addition to conformation, age will play a role in the cost. The optimal age of an Akhal-Teke is between 7-14 years old. At these ages, horses will be at their prime for riding and driving. Horses in their late teens or early 20s will often sell for significantly less.
Color
Akhal-Teke horses are prized for their beautiful coats, as they have a natural metallic sheen that especially shines through on cream gene colors.
Their unique coat is due to a special hair structure that gives their coats a glowing look. Palominos, buckskins, perlinos, and cremellos will often sell for more money, as their glistening coats are desirable to many people.
Monthly Costs of an Akhal-Teke
Before buying an Akhal-Teke, you need to take into consideration the monthly cost to own a horse. Boarding often costs between $150-$1,000 a month, depending on if your horse lives in a stall or pasture.
Board often covers the cost of food, bedding, and basic care. You will also need to pay for a farrier every 6-8 weeks, which typically costs between $45 – $150. The annual veterinary cost will also be around $200-$400, with dentistry costing $80-$250 every six months to a year.
Buying an Akhal-Teke Horse
If you are looking for a unique horse, the Akhal-Teke might be the right choice for you. However, it is important to realize these horses are rare and often expensive.
In America, the price of an Akhal-Teke usually starts from $7,000, so they are a considerable outlay compared to other horsesbreeds. However, Akhal-Tekes are truly special horses that stand out for their athletic builds and glistening coats.
Other Options Besides Buying
Since buying a horse isn’t realistic for everyone, there are other options available. Leasing and joint ownership are some alternatives to owning your own horse.
In some cases, horses are available for lease by their owners. This gives you the opportunity to have partial or full use of a horse at the fraction of the cost. Another alternative is a limited liability company (LLC) or partnership, which will split up the costs of buying and owning an Akhal-Teke.
Source: horseyhooves.com
