09/05/2026
Akhal-Teke census in the news!
From the technical conference at the 2026 Akhal-Teke Championship in the Netherlands…
“In North America, a comprehensive census of purebred Akhal-Teke horses has been conducted for the first time. According to its results, the total population numbers about 350 individuals, while the foaling rate remains below the level of simple reproduction. The information is provided by Arzuw.news with reference to the International Information Center of Turkmenistan.
“The research results were presented by Patricia (Pat) Johnston from the Akhal-Teke Foundation (ATF). The census conducted in 2026 made it possible to compile an up-to-date demographic database. It covered the breeding stock, population structure, and stocks of cryopreserved material. Horse owners and the horse-breeding community actively participated in the collection of information.
“Low foaling rate has become one of the key challenges for the preservation of the breed. In response to this situation, the Akhal-Teke Foundation’s breeding conservation strategy (ATF-CBF) has been developed. It aims to maintain genetic diversity, the unique phenotype, outstanding athletic qualities, and the health of the horses.
“The new initiative combines advanced methods of pedigree analysis with modern genomic technologies, including dense SNP genotyping and tracking of chromosomal inheritance. Such technologies make it possible to identify valuable but small-numbered lines of Akhal-Teke horses.
“The authors of the project emphasize that the success of long-term breed preservation depends on close international cooperation of scientists, breeders, and specialized organizations from around the world.”
https://arzuw.news/en/purebred-akhal-teke-horses-counted-in-north-america
📷 Arzuw News, at the ‘International Scientific and Practical Conference, “The Akhal-Teke Horse: The Turkmen Art of World-Class Horse Breeding"’
