An extensive study done with the All-Russian Research Institute for Horse Breeding (VNIIK), published 2019, tested 17 microsatellites loci of DNA from 5457 Akhal-Tekes across subpopulations. The findings further prove the breed’s ancient origin and indicate not only high global genetic diversity but also encouraging global genetic consistency.
The results “show that the oldest Akhal-Teke horse breed has the wide range of alleles, total 121, that is significantly more than found in Arabian horses” (Ustyantseva et al., 2019). It was also found that “in the locus LEX3 there were determined 9 of the 14 known alleles that indicates a fairly wide parent the maternal foundation of this breed”, and furthermore a rare allele called HMS2 N was detected in the Akhal-Tekes which has not been observed in any other breed (Ustyantseva et al., 2019).
The data concludes that globally Akhal-Teke horses have maintained high genetic diversity and distinct genetics from other living breeds, emphasizing their value and status as ancient heritage horses. Even across regions, their genetic structure between each subpopulation remains surprisingly aligned.
Out of the 121 alleles represented in the breed worldwide, “98 are found in all countries”, but it is important to note that the “American population of Akhal-Teke horses is characterized by the lowest level of genetic variation” (Ustyantseva et al., 2019).
This fact is one reason we decided to import Akhal-Tekes for our program foundation and aim to help offer more diverse, quality breeding opportunities across the US & Canada. But improving and maintaining diversity is a collaborative effort. We are proud to be members of Akhal-Teke Association of America’s mission and community, a nonprofit organization and official liaison of VNIIK (who led this research) that has worked tirelessly since 1998 to preserve and promote the Akhal-Teke in North America while empowering a network of owners, breeders, and admirers.
As the original genetic well for almost every modern breed, diversity of the ancient Akhal-Teke is vital to maintain for its continued development and preservation—and continued use in other breed stocks. This research highlights the need for breeders to work more together and coordinate on better international blood exchange, for the breed to endure and thrive worldwide.
Read the full study here: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/341/1/012070
Pictured are Akhal-Tekes Atakty-Dacor with 2026 colt Aeon-Arc. Photo by Dewdrop Equine Media.