The ancient Akhal-Teke breed, already low in numbers worldwide, is facing a crisis with the current war spreading across Ukraine. This historic breed, of the founding stallions of the Thoroughbred, is largely concentrated in Russia and its neighboring countries, including Ukraine, where two stud farms near Kyiv are in a critical situation. These Ukrainian Akhal-Tekes represent both a significant percentage of the worldwide population and important genetic material for the breed.
Like the plight of the Lipizzan horses rescued heroically during World War II—another amazing historic breed, mostly founded by Akhal-Teke stallions—the Ukraine Akhal-Tekes are in the most urgent need of disaster aid and evacuation. There is an immediate need for financial assistance: for evacuation, for board and care of displaced horses, and to help maintain the welfare of Akhal-Tekes still in Ukraine in wartime conditions.
The Akhal-Teke Foundation (ATF) has partnered with the Akhal-Teke Association of American (ATAA) in launching this international fund for emergency disaster assistance, coordinating with specialist volunteers across Europe. The ATAA has pledged to match the first $5000 in donations, and as a registered 501(c)3 non-profit public charity for the Akhal-Teke horses, the ATF is managing the fund.
No one knows how long this situation will continue or when it will be safe for them to return, but we cannot stand by and allow the Akhal-Tekes of Ukraine to become war casualties!
If you are in a position to help financially, please donate right here.
If you can offer non-monetary help in Europe, please contact: Help Ukrainian Akhal Tekes, ua.akhaltekes at gmail.com
The Akhal-Teke Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity for preservation of the rare, ancient, & amazing Akhal-Teke horse.
* with apologies to the great Artur Baboev, for cropping his stunning photograph of an Akhal-Teke stallion to fit the GoFundMe page format.