Akhal–Teke
Names of Horses
urkmen use many words and expressions to describe
and name horses. These words refer to a horse's color, markings, and temper. The
following are a few examples.Turkmenian names of Akhal–Tekes horses often contain information about their colors: the word Mele means dun; Kara, black; Dor, bay; Al, chestnut.
If a horse has an ermine above the hoof, the horse will be called Ak Toinak (White Hoof). If a horse has a white sock, it will be referred to as Ak Bilek (White Forearm).
Turkmen like white markings on their horses' legs. In olden days they said, one white leg means one denga (local money unit), two white legs mean two dengas, and three white legs mean three dengas. But four white legs are believed to be too much — a suggestion of no money. Quite similarly, Turkmen believe that white stains on the stomach are a poor sign. They have a saying:"A man riding a piebald horse would not conquer a mountain."
A white star on a horse's forehead is called Depel. That's why some horses are called, say, Ghyrdepel (a gray with a star), Dordepel (a bay with a star). Horses with a white muzzle are named Burnak. Turkmen adore that marking.
Inche is the name given to horses with a white stripe. And so, Inchedor means"a black with a stripe", and Inchegara means"a sorrel with a white stripe." White–faced horses are called Akmanlai.
Horses with a white tail and a white mane are known as Akial. Akials' body may be dun or gray. Turkmen believe Russians prefer Akials, especially for circus performances. Turkmen like them, too.
For Turkmen the least favored color is Chakhan, whitish with red eyes – albinos. Red eyes cannot stand bright sunshine. Aksakals (the elders) believe those horses harbor vicious ghosts.
The color most favored by Turkmen in dun with black knees and the tail. The forelock is raven–black. If you take a good look at the head, you could see some tiny eyebrow–like stripes above big black eyes. Thin ears have black fringes. A marvelous combination of colors!
Purely gray horses are believed to be beautiful as well. When adorned with national Turkmenian silver decorations, gray horses look stunning.
It is not only colors and markings that are reflected in Akhal–Tekes' names. Turkmen like to compare their mounts to birds, hence one finds the word Kush so often in horse names. For instance, Mele Kush means a dun bird.
 Skak 1940 Line founder |
 Fakir Palvan 1951 Line founder |