Ridecamp: [RC] Akhal-Tekes

RE: the prices: as a representative of a few breeders and dealers of 
Akhal-Tekes in Russia, I can tell you that the cost of importing one into the 
US remains rather costly: you can estimate anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000, 
depending on such factors as whether your horse travels with others (possible 
package deal can be arranged) or travels alone (more costly); if your horse 
is mature, or a youngster (under age 2 the price is slightly less); and where 
in the US the horse needs to be delivered to is also a factor. There is a 
wonderful advantage to importing horses from Russia: no quarantine required! 
(As most of you know, horses must be quarantined when being imported from 
Europe.
Re: the price of the horse: many variable factors here. I can tell you that 
good deals are there to be made if you have a representative that knows what 
she is doing. There are many small breeding operations that struggle 
financially, and often these breeders will let some extremely good horses go 
very cheaply. 
  I wish more people could see the superb investment that bringing Akhal-Teke 
breeding stock into the US would be. Remember, there are literally only about 
3,000 purebred ATs in the whole world!
   Also, the AT has a fantastic potential to enter endurance racing 
competitively - they have a conformation and physiology well suited to 
endurance. The reason we in the US don't know much about them or don't have 
many amongst us, is their extreme rarity. Most on the East Coast ATs appear 
to be dedicated to sport horse events, where they also excel in jumping, 
dressage and eventing.
  There are a few breeders here in the US: the Nez Perce have some elite 
class stallions they are breeding their Appy mares to, in the hopes of 
reversing some of the variances in the breed that came with inbreeding and 
too much a focus
on muscle mass.  Check out the Nez Perce website. I could go on and on, so if 
anyone is interested in more information, please email me separately.

Chris Forsythe
Certified Equine Appraiser
American Association of Equine Appraisers

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