Date: February 2001
Q: How do Tekes compare, say, to the TB horse
and why could they not 'just be left in the field" as I keep reading how
tough the breed is. That sounds contradictive. I have TBs and they get
treated just like any other horse. Mine stay outdoors 24/7 with shelters
against the extreme elements, here mostly hot weather and humidity.

A: By "high-maintenance" I mostly mean that these horses need a lot of
attention and contact with their owner. They are quite similar to TB
in many ways, but not in all ways. They are, of course, very tough and
able to withstand extremes of temperatures but they have to be rugged
up well in cold weather - they have very fine fir! That's because of
how they have been kept by the Turkmen tribes for centuries, wrapped
in wollen rugs. They don't like damp climate - I have mine in England
and know it's not ideal but it can be managed carefully by paying
someone to bring him in if it's raining for a long time when I am at
work.

I also think Teke need to be ridden regularly and carefully (I am only
talking about riding horses, I am not a breeder). My horse is visibly
relaxed and much much happier after a good workout. He looses his
appetite if he hasn't been worked. He loves his routine but also loves
surprises in the form of somewhat erratic visits from our trainor whom
he adores. He does not do well on a simple "out by day in at night"
regime. He loves the company of other horses but only in combination
with contact with me and the trainor. I work full-time and struggle to
work with him as much as he needs me to. The four hours a day I spend
with him (split between mornings and evenings) is the minimum I can
get away with.
Maria Marquise