By Malika Akhmedjanova

Hippologists have convincingly proved that the Akhaltekin breed of horses is the oldest in the world and came from the original southern strain of the wild horse that lived in Central Asia. Its age spans at least three millennia. On rocks in the southern Fergana valley there are ten thousand year old drawings of horses that look just like modern-day Akhaltekin horses! In ancient chronicles the breed was referred to by different names relating to the states and nations who owned them: Macaget, Parthian, Inseysk, Persian, Turkmen, Tekin, and finally Akhaltekin. This name was given to the breed at the end of the nineteenth century, and comes from the words for oasis (akhal) and the Turkmen tribe (teke) who lived in the oasis and preserved the breed.    

Throughout the centuries the horse's great height, unusual endurance, light graceful movements, majestic beauty and proud temper have distinguished them from other breeds. For many nations they were a desired catch and an expensive present; Chinese emperors and Russian tzars longed for them.  At the end of the second century B.C. China twice waged war against the state of Davan (present-day Fergana valley) so as to gain their local “heavenly horses”. The favourite horse of Peter I (the Great) was the golden Lizett bought by him from Persian merchants.
The legendary Arab horse became known to the world only after the Arab conquest of Central Asia in the seventh century. The famous English riding horse was bred in the eighteenth century with the assistance of the Turkmen stallions. Today there is virtually no breed of horse in the world that is not part Akhaltekin. In the world now there are about 3,000 thoroughbred horses. Akhaltekin horses are being bred not only in Turkmenistan, but also in Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Europe, USA, Argentina, and in other countries.
The Akhaltekin horse with its particular physical and mental characteristics is ideally suited for various horse and sport competitions especially long-distance races. In 1935, 30 riders rode the 4,300 km from Ashgabad to Moscow in 84 days! Nowadays marathon races are hugely popular all over the world. Once every two years the world championships in 160 km marathon racing are held.
Races are also held in Uzbekistan, and you can witness this thrilling and extraordinary contest, which will be held on 20-22 March 2007 in the Karakum desert (7 km from Khiva) as part of the festival “Winged Khorezm Horses”. The festival programme includes also horse games, ulak (kukpari), races, and folk concerts.
The festival is held during the main holiday celebration of all Uzbek people: Navruz.