Alp (pictured above) was bred in Russia by the foremost breeders of Akhal-Teke horses outside Turkmenistan, Tito Pontecorvo, and brought to the US when he left Russia. Alp is a bay purebred Akhal-Teke with several licensed stallion sons. Kaia is his contribution to the restoration of the Russian Warmblood.

The Akhal-Teke is one of the most ancient horse breeds, originating in Turkmenistan. The horses were called Argamaks (divine or Sacred Horses) by the Russians and heavenly horses by ancient China, and were cherished by those who valued their speed and stamina in the desert and loyalty to their owner. Han emperors from China waged two expeditions to secure the “heavenly horses.”