The Legend of the Akhal-Teke Horse
The Akhal-Teke horse, Turkmenistan's national treasure, is the subject of a creation legend. According to Turkmen tradition, the first Akhal-Teke was born from the union of a snake, a cheetah, and an eagle — explaining the horse's serpentine neck, cheetah-like speed, and eagle-eyed alertness. The breed's distinctive metallic golden coat came from the sun god's blessing. The horses were considered 'Heavenly Horses' by the Chinese, who believed they sweated blood (actually a trick of light on their thin skin). Legend says the Akhal-Teke can travel 300 miles through the Karakum Desert without wat