Golden Horse: The Legendary Akhal-Teke Hardcover – September 2, 2014

I own Arabians, but have been interested in all breeds for more years than I care to admit. Akhal-Tekes have always fascinated me due to their spectacular metallic coat coloring. "Golden Horse" arrived yesterday, and I am delighted with it! It's huge, a beautiful coffee table book. The text is fairly limited, but covers the main details of the breed and the breed history well. The photographs are something else. I'm not a fan of artsy-fartsy horse photography, and was not crazy about extreme closeups and images with only two eyes visible, nor the "foggy" or silhouette shots. And, I didn't like the occasional page with nothing on it or just totally black. That said, the good points of this book far outweigh the "bad". The horses themselves are breath-taking. Their unusual conformation quickly grows on you. You'll find yourself unable to turn a page, wondering how the photographer managed to catch two stallions standing together unattended or playing. Then there's the contortionist stallion whirling with teeth bared, and the long-range shot of two horses crossing an inlet together, with no human in sight. How did they stage that picture? Perhaps an Akhal-Teke aficionado can enlighten me on this...are manes cut off if they're sparse, or is that how they look naturally? What's behind the red cord in the tails of at least three of the horses depicted? When I first noticed it, I assumed it was a printing error. Hopefully, Lesli Kathman ("The Equine Tapestry" series) will get a copy of this book and be inspired to research the genetics of the wonderful coat colors shown. I plan on buying her next book as soon as it's published, and would love to see Akhal-Teke colors explained. Five Stars even in spite of my nitpicking!

There is nothing NOT to like about this book! The photography is artistically done and totally beautiful. I love the written material by Artur Baboev, the photographer, too. Also, what fine, detailed information is shared by Alexandr klimuk, the founder and manager of Breeding and Selection of the Stavropol Stud in Southern Russia.What HORSES these are! And what dedicated care has been taken to ensure that the bloodlines remainpure. I thought I knew a lot about such things, but this book, Golden Horse, is teaching me so much more!Oh! Anyone looking for a real treat, ought to track down a copy of this book and do what it takes for as long as it takes, to gain, and store away, the knowledge it contains. When I used to see depictions of the chariot horses of the Babylonians, the Egyptians, and others of that era, I thought they were very exaggerated if not totally made-up. This spoiled the effect of the sculptures and the art for me. Due to this book, I see that they were real. Obviously, I cannot say enough about Golden Horse, the Legendary Akhal-Teke by Alexandr Klimuk and Alexandr Baboev. Thank you!

You don't have to be a horse lover to appreciate this book: the photos are simply stunning, and the beauty of the animals is greatly enhanced by the locales in which they have been photographed. Each image is a work of art, and it's hard to believe one had either the patience or the skill to get the horses to stand or prance or pose in the particular way that was recorded. The text is of minimal interest to the equine novice, but still contains some fascinating facts about the pedigree and customs associated with these magnificent animals. Overall, a lovely book you will want to page through slowly, absorbing each delicious image into one's mental storehouse.

This is a book to be treasured and bequeathed as an heirloom. The photography is superbly done, and Arthur Baboev, apart from his technical skills ( must be hard to photograph a mountain of untamed energy !) shows great sensitivity in selecting his shots and has successfully captured the Akhal-Teke in various moods. His understanding of light and shadow does justice to those sinews and taut veins under that glorious metallic sheen of the Teke.Aleksandr Klimuk's knowledge of the legendary Teke is phenomenal - from rock painting times to contemporary lines. His research is thorough as it is far reaching. A combination of Baboev's and Klimuk's unique skills makes this an outstanding book. This is an invaluable volume for the horse lover, be it as an artist, a breeder or equestrian rider.I have one question:- A fine mane defines and enhances the directional lines in a horse's movement. Is there a good reason why the Akhal-Teke is created without a mane?

A beautifully printed book packed with awesome photographs of the most unique and gorgeous horse in the world... must have eye food for any horse lover. A Klimuk has done the Akhal Teke proud, The book contains a concise history of the world's finest endurance horse which is still an endangered breed and I'm sure this book will help the Akhal Teke breed to recover.

Stunning book, fabulous seller. Will absolutely buy from again. Perfect communication, and most importantly - Quality book, as described. I couldn't be happier. Seller has hard to find books and obviously knows quality from quantity. My new go to!

Bought 3 copies 1 for me 2 for gifts. AWESOME!!! Especially the bloodline histories! My Teke chum and I are planning our own American version to bring it all closer to home. We own 10 of these glorious creatures, wait until you see our Golden Cover Boy!!High Winds Akhal Tekes / Gao Feng Tian MaTroy, Maine USA

Long-time horse aficionado, yet still this was a new beast to me. The cover photo was beguiling enough, but it's just the beginning. An entire breed of ancient lineage, not Arab, not Mongol, but a distinctive and worthy companion of ancient civilizations. Stunning coat, aristocratic mien, this horse is a revelation. The book does it justice.