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Horse and rider in native Turkoman costume, date and photographer unknown

Horse and rider in native Turkoman costume, date and photographer unknown

Absent, foaled in 1952 and winner of three Olympic medals. Photographer unknown

Excerpt: In 1960, one of the most unusual horses first competed at the Summer Olympics in Rome. Absent, a striking black Akhal Teke stallion with four white socks and a star, introduced the world to a little-known ancient breed when he won a gold medal in dressage for the Soviet Union. He returned to the Olympics two more times for an individual bronze medal in 1964 and a team gold medal in 1968, both in dressage.

>> Download the complete 1,400-word article for Kindle to learn more about the origins of the Akhal Teke horse, its genetic challenges, and the efforts to preserve this rare breed. The Kindle ebook article includes 10 historic and modern photos, both in color and black & white, and links to resources.