I was pleased to visit the Canadian Akhal Teke breeders for the first time this September. I would like to share my brief impressions from this visit. The detailed report will follow later.

Forty-eight horses were inspected. They were measured, graded, and their conformation analyzed. Mares, stallions, and young horses of all ages were brought forward. There were among them, 19 broodmares and five breeding stallions. There were three weanlings and among them the best was the black colt from Murgab and the outstanding mare Dushka. There were three purebred Akhal Teke yearlings, all in fine condition. Of them, Davinia (Habib x Darginka) was of special interest. Of the two year olds the most highly graded for type were the silver buckskin Yupekli (Habib x Akpai) and the golden buckskin stallion Sammadin (Magnatli x Sakinate).

All of the horses in Canada are in good shape. The group of mares have nice type and represent diverse lines, and are in fact even better than the breeding stallions. I have high hopes for the future produce from the black Kogan (Karlavach line), who has been shown as a very strong jumper and who is talented in other classical sports, and also the buckskin stallion Maruk (Ak Sakal line). For the future it is essential to find more stallions of bright type and tall stature to further improve the Canadian stock.

In the practice of selection there is chosen young horses with high type, exterior conformation, measurements, movements, and pedigree, a horse of all around quality, not the same as the champion, for special recognition. And now I can give this title “Future of The Breed” to the palomino mare Azeri (Aliger x Gozakhal) and the buckskin stallion Dazyrdi (Gindarkh x Dinastia).

In the process of speaking with the owners of Akhal Tekes in Canada we discussed the various problems of the breed. The seriousness of grading the horses was explained, the importance of DNA and blood tests, and keeping records in a closed studbook. We held a master class where we graded type, exterior conformation, and quality of movement. It was a pleasure to hear that all Akhal Teke owners are interested to exhibit their pureblood and halfblooded (sporthorse) horses in sporting competitions in order to promote the breed. This factor is very important in raising the quality of the horses and introducing them to the rest of the horse world in the best way.

In conclusion of my short summary of our trip, I would like thank Cynthia Swensen for organizing this trip in such a gracious manner. Tito Pontecorvo and I were only able to spend a week observing all the horses of Canada’s large territory, including British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta. My great impression of this trip was not only of beautiful landscapes and the well-organized tour, but friendly people who are willing to work hard, and devoted to the breed. It was a beautiful golden autumn with warm weather and unforgettable drive through the Rocky Mountains with Cynthia Swensen. I have high hopes of good results in the future, working with the Canadian Akhal Teke breeders and owners.

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grading: Type-Conformation-Movement;
measurements: Height – Length – Girth – Cannon Bone (in cm)

(more information on the Registry page)

———————-

Ms. Cynthia Swensen, High River, AB

1. Olimpic Gul, gray mare, 1996 (Muzar x Olimpia) Gelishikli line
8.0-8.0-8.0; 159-170-188-19.0

2. Algush, black mare, 1997 (Melikush x Alicha) Gundogar line
7.6-7.7-8.0; 158-168-187-18.5

3. Aphrodite, cremello mare, 2000 (Gigant x Armeria), Gundogar line
7.5-7.8-7.6; 162-165-184-18.5

4. Guldjahan, bay mare, 2000 (Khasan x Gagara) Kaplan line
7.7-7.6-8.0; 158-165-189-19.0

5. Atacama, black mare, 2001 (Karaburgut x Amara) Kaplan line
7.5-7.8-7.7; 162-167-205-19.5

6. Mahiar, black mare, 2002 (Helm x Magnolia) Sovkhoz II line
7.5-7.7-8.0; 160-162-184-18.0

7. JBK Andyn, buckskin mare, 2004 (Gidasp x Annushka) Gundogar line
7.4-7.7-8.3; 160-166-181-19.0

8. Ovazli Gul, chestnut mare, 2004 (Nez Perce Dreamer [Pasha] x Olimpic Gul) El line
7.5-7.7-8.0; 159-163-184-18.0

9. Kichi Gul, chestnut mare, 2006 (Astrakhan x Kamiah) Genially group of Melgun
7.3-7.5-7.7; 158-158-172-17.5

10. MV Ferarri, bay mare, 2000 (Arik x Fergan)Arab line
(owned by Ms. Jas Shearer-McMahon, USA)
7.6-8.0-8.0, 161-162-195-19.5

11. Valkyrie, bay mare, 2007 (MV Baikhan x Ankara) Genially group of Melgun
7.8-8.0-8.0; 160-162-178-18.0

12. Dushka, bay mare, 2001 (Arbalet x Darpa) Gelishikli line
(owned by Ms. Allergra Steck, USA)
8.4-8.0-n/a; 156-158-179-19.0

Seljuk- black colt at foot from Murgab 4.8

13. MV Fergazel, palomino mare, 2004 (Gindarkh x Fergan) Gundogar line
(owned by Ms. Jas Shearer-McMahon, USA)
7.6-8.3-7.7; 157-157-184-18.0

Ghost- cremello filly at foot from Murgab 4.0

14. Kopeli, dark buckskin gelding, 1993 (Koshili x Piran) Karlavach line
7.5-7.8-7.7; 158-156-170-19.0

15. Kogan, dull black stallion, 1993 (Koshili x Gerel 19) Karlavach line
7.0-8.2-7.8; 156-157-175-20.0

16. Murgab, black stallion, 1999 (Murager x Gozakhal) Gundogar line
7.5-7.3-9.0, 148-148-173-17.0

17. Nimue, bay filly, 2009 (Murgab x Guldjahan) Gundogar line
7.8-7.8-7.8; 145-143-155-17.5

18. Swiftsure, buckskin sporthorse gelding, 2009 (Murgab x Bahilana (Arabian))
T-C-M n/a; 144-143-168-17.5

Dr. Val Broadfoot, High River, AB

19. Celestial Legacy, bay sporthorse gelding, 2008, (Murgab x A Star for Max (Quarter Horse))
T-C-M n/a, 161-164-187-19.0

Mr. Marty Kulhavy, Lacombe, AB

20. BV Guneshili, mouse partbred gelding, 2005, (Murgab x Bella (Quarter Horse))
T-C-M n/a, 157-165-189-20.0

Ms. Denise Rodway, Edmonton, AB

21. Artemisia, black filly, 2009 (Murgab x Anastasia) Gundogar line
7.6-7.8-7.6, 148-148-162-17.0

Ms. Sally O’Dell, Mayerthorpe, AB

22. Samaddin, buckskin colt, 2008 (Magnatli x Sakinate) Arab line
8.5-7.6-8.0, 158-160-172-18.5

Ms. Melissa VanderBaaren, Sangudo, AB

23. Azmele, buckskin filly, 2008 (Metman x Aishet) Arab line
7.6-7.6-7.8, 151-160-173-18.0

Mr. Brent Seufert, Cochrane, AB

24. Garzhan, bay gelding, 2004 (Gindarkh x Gozahal) Gundogar line
7.5-7.7-7.7; 154-160-181-18.5

25. MV Baikhan, dark bay stallion, 2000 (Astrakhan x Minorka-2) Genially group of Melgun
7.7-7.5-7.5; 155-159-175-17.5

26. Yupeckly, light buckskin filly, 2008 (Habib Shael x Akpai) Posman line
7.8-7.7-8.5; 151-151-166-16.0

27. Asseletta, bay sporthorse mare, 1994 (Fakir x Moneta10) Skak line
7.8-8.0-8.0; 160-160-187-18.0

28. Gugush, cremello mare, 2005 (Grom x Ankara) Gundogar line
7.4-7.7-8.0; 162-162-179-17.5

29. Dazyrdi, buckskin stallion, 2004 (Gindarkh x Dinastia) Gundogar line
7.6-8.2-8.0, 158-155-175-18.5

Ms. Grace Milewski, Cremona, AB

30. Dazya, bay mare, 2006 (Pan x Darpa) Kaplan line
7.8-7.9-8.5; 158-166-173-18.0

Mr. Giles Ardiel, Clarksburg, ON

31. Azeri, palomino mare, 2006 (Aliger x Gozakhal) Gelishikli line
7.6-8.0-7.7; 160-162-185-18.0

32. Dessangul, dark bay mare, 2005 (Doblet x Gozakhal) Peren line
7.6-7.9-7.7; 160-162-192-18.5

Ms. Sandra De Blois, Lumby, BC

33. Almaty, bay mare, 2002 ( Sugun x Atmis IV) El line
7.4-7.7-7.5; 155-160-179-18.0

34. Ak Syrgym, bay stallion, 2007 (Patrikhan x Almaty) Genially group of Melgun
7.5-7.8-7.8; 154-163-168-18.0

35. Sumgait, bay gelding, 2001 (Samarkand x Anastasia) Gundogar line
7.4-7.7-7.7; 158-168-186-19.0

36. Khiva, grey mare, 2002 (Gargantua x Khmara) Gundogar line
7.7-7.9-8.0; 157-160-185-19.0

37. Maruk, buckskin stallion, 1995 (Munir x Ataka) Ak Sakal line
7.9-8.0-8.0; 157-160-185-18.0

38. Amerta, black mare, 1997 (Akjol x Mera) Arab line
7.3-7.4-n/a; 158-165-197-19.0

39. Kerkavai, chestnut mare, 2005 (Sumgait x Amerta) Ak Sakal line
6.8-7.8-7.7; 162-168-195-19.5

Al Kasam- chestnut colt at foot from Ak Syrgym 3.8

Mrs. Darla Dickinson, Hope, BC

40. Kamileshen, palomino mare, 2005 (Aliger x Anastasia) Gelishikli line
7.3-7.8-7.9; 155-160-180-18.0

41. Akpai, dark bay mare, 2003 (Palmar x Akgozel) Arab line
7.9-8.0-8.0; 159-165-179-18.0

Mrs. Kerri-Jo Stewart, Maple Ridge, BC

42. Darginka, buckskin mare, 1999 (Gigant x Darpa) Gundogar line
7.6-8.0-8.3; 160-160-184-19.0

43. Davinia, black filly, 2009 (Habib Shael x Darginka) Posman line
8.0-7.8-7.8; 149-153-163-17.5

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You can check out some photos from the BC portion of the tour.

We are taking three horses (Akpai, Darginka and Davinia) and picking up Darla and Kamileshen to meet everyone at Lone Larch tomorrow. Thanks for hosting us!!

The tour is being sponsored by the Pontecorvos, Lone Larch Akhal-Tekes, At Bolsin, and Bold Vantage Farm.

Special thanks to Dr. Riabova and Dr. Pontecorvo for giving their time and services to us for free.

I’ll be bringing my camera so I’ll hopefully get photos of the BC horses. I’d love to post photos of the Alberta and Ontario tour if anyone wants to send them to me!! Kerri-Jo

Endurance:

Horse: Akpai (Argamak Stud Canada):

Rock Creek Roundup, AERC Ride, May 23
Venue: Rock Creek, BC
Rider: Katya Levermann
Result: 30 mile (48 km) completion (ride time: 4:48)

Owyhee Fandango II, AERC Ride, May 29
Venue: Oreana, ID
Rider: Katrin Levermann
Result: 50 mile (80 km) completion (7:23:01)

Klickitat Trek II, AERC Ride, June 6
Venue: Glenwood, WA
Rider: Katrin Levermann
Result: 50 mile (80 km), pulled-body condition

Golden Ears, AERC Ride, June 12
Venue: Maple Ridge, BC
Rider: Katrin Levermann
Result: 50 mile (80 km), pulled-body condition

Ride Over the Rainbow, AERC Ride, July 10
Venue: Merritt, BC
Rider: Erin Patterson
Result: 25 mile (40 km), completion (ride time: 5:05)

Horse: Darginka (Argamak Stud Canada):

Home on the Range, AERC Ride, April 1
Venue: Washtukna, WA
Rider: Kerri-Jo Stewart
Result: 25 mile (40 km) completion (ride time: 3:40)

Rock Creek Roundup, AERC Ride, May 23
Venue: Rock Creek, BC
Rider: Kerri-Jo Stewart
Result: 30 mile (48 km) completion (ride time: 4:23)

Golden Ears, AERC Ride, June 12
Venue: Maple Ridge, BC
Rider: Kerri-Jo Stewart
Result: 24 mile (38.6 km), top ten (6th place) (ride time: 3 hrs)

Ride Over the Rainbow, AERC Ride, July 10
Venue: Merritt, BC
Rider: Kerri-Jo Stewart
Result: 25 mile (40 km), completion (ride time: 5:05)

Jumpers:

Horse: Atacama (Bold Vantage Farm):

Bow Valley Mid-Summer Classic III, July 14- 18
Venue: Anderson Ranch Calgary
Rider: David Barnes
Result:

Bow Valley Mid-Summer Classic II, July 7- 11
Venue: Anderson Ranch Calgary
Rider: David Barnes
Result: Placed

Willow Grove, Summer Fun, June 18- 20
Venue: Anderson Ranch Calgary
Rider: David Barnes
Result: Placed

Paramount Equestrian, Jump Into Summer, June 5- 6
Venue: Paramount Equestrian
Rider: David Barnes
Result: Placed

Bow Valley Classic II, May 19- 23
Venue: Anderson Ranch Calgary
Rider: David Barnes
Result:

Bow Valley Classic I, May 12- 16
Venue: Anderson Ranch Calgary
Rider: David Barnes
Result:

AHHS Season Opener, Jumpers April 9-11
Venue: Anderson Ranch Calgary
Rider: David Barnes
Result: Placed

RMSJ Winter Training Series III, Jumpers March 20-21
Venue: Anderson Ranch, Calgary
Rider: David Barnes
Result: Placed

Horse: Dazyrdi (At Bolsin)

Kelowna Riding Club Spring Classic, Hunters/ Jumpers April 30- May 2
Venue: Kelowna Riding Club
Rider: Dana Cottreau
Result: Placed

RMSJ Winter Training Series III, Jumpers March 20-21
Venue: Anderson Ranch, Calgary
Rider: Dana Cottreau
Result:

Horse: Ovazli Gul (Bold Vantage Farm):

AHHS, Season Opener, Hunters April 23-25
Venue: Anderson Ranch Calgary
Rider: Adina Clements
Result: Placed

Daz is owned by BGD Ranch and ridden by Dana. Congratulations to Brent Seufert and Grace Milewski!!

Daz is standing at stud out of his home near Calgary.