Article written by Vladimir Petrovich Shamborant on the creation of the Akhal-Teke sire lines. Originally written and printed in Russian, translated below for English readers.
The article discusses the creation of the AT sire lines and includes a little history behind each one.
English Version
Russian Version
Images shared by Alexandr Klimuk here:
It is very cool to read about my horse’s direct ancestors. Although, noting the bit at the start which says that the old lines have little to do with horses at the time of writing, I feel like that’s rather true of Gelishikli now. I guess my horse might have a long затылок (nape?), that would explain why she needs the custom browbands, but overall she’s not that similar to a classic Gelishikli horse, despite officially coming from that line. She’s a bit more warmblood-looking, massive type. And she’s 20; multiple generations have already been born after her. Wonder where the next big line will come from.
@CossackGene It is fascinating! I also wonder about how the lines are defined and shaped today compared to how they began. Of course since their founding many lines have been crossed and mixed with others. So while the sire lines are tracked by the sire, I see a lot of qualities passed down through maternal lines that tend to get less recognition. On the macro scale of domestic horses, the matrilineal diversity is greatest, and I would love to see more assessment of the influence of mares in the AT breed evolution too.
