I am currently sitting in a classroom, to learn more about biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, and in particular: primitive breeds and how they move and behave different from domestic horses. Which directly related to Akhal Tekes, being primitive horses… I am excited! I will keep you guys posted… 
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That’s great Lin, whom has the most information those have the greatest influence. knowledge is power! Love too hear what specific training you’re currently doing!
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How fabulous, Lindi! I will be very curious to hear about any insight you learn in class. 
You might like to read about the Akhal-Teke gait study that was done in North America by Dr. Molly Nicodemus, Mississippi State University & Jeannette Beranger, The Livestock Conservancy. The ATAA has an article on their legacy site here:
You can also read the full article on a continuation study of the study “Trotting stride variables of the North American Akhal-Teke Horse” with the link below:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268129323_Trotting_stride_variables_of_the_North_American_Akhal-Teke_Horse
Abstract (from the study)
"Although the population is less than 350 horses placing it on the threatened breed list of the American Livestock Breed Conservancy (ALBC), the Akhal-Teke Horse of North America is as a source and a reservoir for genetic diversity for the ancient breed as it includes bloodlines that are unique. Preservation of the breed and its distinctive characteristics such as its smooth and elastic gaits is of top priority to the ALBC and the Akhal-Teke Association of America, and to accomplish this, a better understanding of the breed is needed. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to measure and describe the stride timing found in the trot of the Akhal-Teke Horse of North America. Subjects (n = 6) were selected through the direction of the ALBC and the Akhal-Teke Association of America based on bloodlines and performance history.
Each horse was filmed at 60 Hz being ridden under saddle by a rider familiar with the horse at a trot with hoof contact and lift-off documented using frame-by-frame analysis. Means (SD) were determined for 10 strides for each horse with variables given as % of stride and variability of measurements indicated using the coefficient of variation (CV) expressed as a % of mean. The trot was performed in a diagonal footfall pattern that alternated between periods of unipedal (Hind: 10 ± 1%, CV 6%; Fore: 10 ± 2%, CV 19%) and bipedal (Diagonal: 80 ± 2%, CV 3%) supports. The trotting velocity (4.34 ± 0.15 m/s, CV 3%) was achieved using a stride length of 2.96 ± 0.25 m (CV 8%), rate of 1.47 ± 0.11 strides/s (CV 7%), and duration of 683 ± 49 ms (CV 7%) with the limbs spending the majority of the stride in the swing phase (Fore: 55 ± 2%, CV 6%; Hind: 54 ± 2%, CV 4%). The diagonal limbs moved as couplets, both at hoof contact (Advanced Placement: 5 ± 1%, CV 15%) and liftoff (Advanced Lift-Off: 5 ± 1%, CV 19%), creating a 4-beat rhythm.
Coupling, rather than pairing of limbs, was similar to the stride timing reported in previous research for Dutch Warmblood and Standardbred horses, but the unpairing of diagonal limbs occurred at dissimilar velocities. In addition, the absence of suspension that has been reported for other trotting breeds such as the Dutch Warmblood and Morgan horse was also produced at a velocity distinctive from the other breeds suggesting velocity may account for the uniqueness of the trot of the Akhal-Teke Horse of North America."
Yes, I have seen/read the study before. I want to spar with my teacher about it at some point to get her take.
The short and over-simplified version I am working with is that due to primitive traits which Akhal Tekes still retain; their biomechanics are much more optimal/efficient than that of sport horses (selected for movement that is pretty in say dressage competition or harness driving).
Considering there are 20+ anatomical differences between a domestic vs. a primitive, it stands to reason that significantly affects their gait…
I am very keen to compare the gaits of Teke against that of other primitives. Comparing to warmbloods and thoroughbreds is like comparing apples to oranges.
This is mostly speculation, obviously so do not quote me on it, it just makes a lot of sense in my head, and from what we discussed (regarding endurance performance) my teacher seems to agree 
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