The Nisean Horse
The Nisean Horse is an ancient and extinct breed of horse. They were indigenous to the Nisaia region of Iran, located at the foot of the Zagros Mountains. These horses were light-armed and were often used by light-armed archers as well as by cavalry. The Nisean horse is considered one of the world’s most endangered horse breeds. Read on to learn more about these ancient and extinct horses.
Xerxes had Nisean horses
Throughout history, the emperor Xerxes had Nissean horses. These horses were imported from Armenia and sogdiana, where they became extremely popular and were highly prized by both sides. They were so revered that Greeks and Romans imported these horses and bred them back to their native stock. However, when the Persian Empire conquered Constantinople in 1204, they seized the horses and slaughtered them. The emperors’ love for these horses led to their eventual extermination, and they became extinct.
Persians bred several different breeds of horses. Nisean horses were native to the Nisaean Plains. This breed of horse had a bony knob on the forehead, which we know as horns. King Darius, a descendant of Xerxes, may have given Nisean stallions to the Macedonians. The horses that the emperor favored might have descended from the Nisean stock combined with the best Thessalian strain.
After the Arabs conquer Central Asia, the Cimmerians join forces with the Huns and become the Wu-sun. This breed of horse carries a reputation for high quality. When Cyrus became king of Persia, he sacrificed a white horse to the goddess Ahura Mazda and made a river to be worshipped by the Magi. This purged the river and ruined the city of Cyrene. Cyrus’s horse, Xerxes, is eventually drowned by Queen Tomyris. After Cyrus’ death, the Magi sacrifice white horses and other animals in the tomb of the deceased king. The Magyars leave western Siberia and move toward Europe in search of pastures.
Xerxes had Teke horses
Akhal-Teke horses are one of the oldest horse breeds in the world. They were used by the Teke tribe for raiding. The Teke horse was bred in the Nisei plain between Balkh and Midis. Its characteristics include a long neck, large eyes, and a fine but powerful leg. Xerxes had Teke horses in his army.
There were several breeds of ancient Persian horses. The Nisean horses of Xerxes were from the Nisaean Plains, and had a bony knob on their forehead, commonly referred to as horns. King Darius, who was Xerxes’ descendant, may have given Nisean stallions to the Macedonians. These horses might have been the descendants of Nisean stock mixed with the best Thessalian strain.
Xerxes’s war efforts against the Greeks began in mid-August 486 bce. After his reversal at the Battle of Marathon, he turned inward, allowing himself to be entangled in harem intrigues. Then, at the behest of his sister, he ordered his brother Artabazanes to kill himself to be queen. The eldest son fell with Xerxes in 465 bce.
Teke horses were used by light-armed archers
The Akhal-Teke horse is believed to be a descendant of an ancient breed. They were mentioned in cuneiform texts as early as 1100 B.C. The Persian Emperor Xerxes used them in 465 B.C. Alexander the Great also used them. And Marco Polo even mentions them in his travels in the 12th century. Today, there are fewer than 50 remaining Akhal-Teke horses.
Teke horses were selected for their athleticism. They had a lean build, tapering head, thin neck, and strong legs. Their legs and hooves were hard and durable. Their coats were short with a thick undercoat. Some have a metallic sheen. These horses were the best for light-armed archers and hunters, so it’s no wonder that the Teke horse was used by such warriors.
During the Middle Ages, Turkmens acquired Central Asian horses. They were much more superior to all other breeds of horse. They were annexed by the Russian Empire in l88l. Akhal-Teke horses were named for the Teke Turkmen tribe who lived in the oasis of Akhal in the Kopet-Dag mountains. Akhal-Teke horses were kept individually in Turkmen households and fed alfalfa, barley, and pellets containing mutton fat.
Teke horses were used by heavier cavalry
Teke horses are also known as Destrier horses. Their large weights made them popular with heavier cavalry. Although the specific purpose is uncertain, their availability in medieval warfare suggests they were often used by the heavier cavalry. Typical Destrier horses are approximately 15 to 16 hands high and weigh about 2200 pounds. Despite their high weights, Teke horses were very graceful and often became prized possessions of Teke warriors.
Akhal Teke horses were derived from an ancient Turkmenian horse that crossed the Bering Strait from America during prehistoric times. Originally bred by Turkoman tribes, Akhal Teke horses are now bred in southern U.S.S.R. Horses of this breed were used in heavy cavalry and were capable of traveling for long distances without water. One Akhal Teke named Absent was famous for winning the Prix de Dressage at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.
The Akhal Teke horse has an unusual gazelle-like appearance. They are very distinctive and may be the last breed of Turkmene horses. The breed has been used by Turkmens since 2400 B.C., but was largely destroyed during the Russian conquest. Once Turkmenistan gained independence from the USSR, the Akhal Teke horse returned to its former glory. These horses have a long and distinguished history, and are now a popular choice for sport riding.
Teke horses were exported to Iberia
The Iberian Horse originated in Portugal. Nisean horses were exported to North Africa hundreds of years before the Moors came to conquer Portugal. The Moors brought the Barb horse from North Africa to cross with the native Lusitano horse. The Moors imported horses to Iberia and introduced Barb bloodlines, giving the Iberian Horse a new and improved height. The new breeds were also much more agile and refined.
In the Middle Ages, the Nisean horse was a favorite among Spanish royalty. The horse had bony knobs on its forehead, called horns. It was thought that the wind was the sex god of the horse. Greeks and Romans both admired the Nisean horse’s elegance. They exported many to the Iberian Peninsula, and the horses they left behind were the ancestors of many modern Iberian type breeds.
The ancient Greeks named the horse after the town of Nisa, and the Chinese called it Tien Ma. They later imported the horse to Europe. The Nisean Horses were a favorite of many nomadic tribes, and were eventually exported to Iberia. They were also used by the Romans in wars. However, there are no records of the first time the Romans encountered a Nisean Horse.
Teke horses were used by the Turkomans
The Akhal-Teke horses originated in the country of Turkmenistan. They are tall, athletic, and sensitive. The horses were bred according to oral tradition and were tethered next to the tent. Before a raid, they were put on a sparse diet. Their coats were covered with seven layers of felt. Among their traits is the ability to cope with harsh conditions.
During the Turkmen period, the Akhal-Teke breed was widely used as a transport. Its endurance and strength were legendary. In fact, the horses rode from Ashgabat to Moscow in just 84 days. They crossed a desert with no water at all. This breed is also known for its grace and form as a show jumper. It can even handle rough terrain.
The Akhal-Teke horse is one of the oldest living breeds of horse. It is thought to be a direct descendant of the Turkoman horse. This breed originated in Turkmenistan, where it survived in arid conditions for centuries. It may be the origin of the word “heavenly horse” in ancient Turkmen legends. But how did the Turkomans use their horses?
Teke horses are found in Russia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Europe and America
Akhal Teke horses are native to the Kara Kum desert of Turkmenistan, a rocky desert surrounded by the Kopet Dag mountains. This rocky desert is a part of Europe and Asia, but also borders Russia and Iran. They were prized by nomads and came to be known throughout Europe, the Middle East, and America.
These horses were selectively bred by the Turkmen tribesmen, who kept pedigree records for each horse. The Russians took notice of this breed, calling it “Argamaks,” but later renamed them Akhal-Tekes to honor the tribe that lived near the Akhal oasis. In 1941, the Russians printed the first studbook, which listed 287 stallions and 468 mares.
The Russians rescued Akhal-Teke horses and set up a stud book in the late 1920s. Today, only horses with the parents registered are considered Ahal-Teke. However, the horses suffered greatly during collectivization of agriculture in Turkmenistan. Despite these setbacks, some Turkmen owners continued to keep their Teke horses as pets. After the World War II, they were even prestigious enough to ride in the victory parade in Moscow.
