TURKOMAN HORSES are a modification of the Arab breed. Tirnur introduced new blood by dispersing amongst the tribes 4200 mares, which he had selected in Arabia from the very best breeds. Afterwards, Nadir Shah renewed this cross with 600 mares from Nejd, which he confided exclusively to the Tekke tribe, and the horses of this tribe are now held in the highest estimation in all Turkomania, especially those from tbe district of Akhal. The next in reputation after the Tekke horses are those of Mery Shah Jahan, the horses of Yomut and the Goklen, and the race of the Murghab, of the Hazara, the Uzbak of Afaimana, Shibbarghan. The race dates back originally, like the British thoroughbred, to the Arab, but it is now distinct ; and, besides being much larger, they far excel the Arabs both in speed and endurance. In appearance they more nearly resemble the English thoroughbred or race-horse than any other type, and average about the same height, perhaps, if any thing, standing a little higher. Action is usually spoilt by the custom of tying the hind and fore leg of the colt on each side together, in order to make them tripple, ' or walk 4disconnected' at the fast easy pace in which Turkoraan delights. It is at this pace, about five miles an hour, that they do their long, slow journeys, while the quick raids are made at a slow gallop. The steppes of Turkomania are very favourable to the development of the equine race, the pasturage and artificial grasses grow in dry soils, having no other nourishment than the winter snows. Green food is produced on these steppes only in the spring ; at that season the Turkoman refrain from making any expeditions, and this state of abnegation continues to the end of July. During this period they have time to gather in their crops, and their animals rest the limbs which have so well done their duty the previous season.
From the month of August up to the winter they are kept on dry food ; this consists of seven pounds of barley per diem, mixed with dry chopped straw, lucerne, sainfoin; or clover-hay, unless a chapaoul is cominf; off, in 'which case the horse is put upon half forage. They are most carefully clothed, but stand in the open air. They have thick felt coverings made, both as hoods and rugs, completely enveloping the whole body. The thick, heavy hoods wear away the mane, and prevent its free growth, and then the Turkoman trims or hogs it. A high-class Turkoman is nearly always followed by a yaboo, or pony, carrying his heavy clothings. Every horse is carefully tested, and his quality is exactly known by the tribe ; and a horse of extreme merit is most closely guarded, and never sold except for a very large sum. They are raced over long dis tances, extending to as much as 40 and 50 miles ; but they also have shorter races of 5 or 6 miles to test speed. The horses are sedulously prepared before being thus tried. Good, hardy, useful animals, averaging about 15.2 in height, can be purchased for from £15 to £20, whereas a very high-class horse will sometimes fetch between £400 and £500, or even more. The Turkoman is quite as gentle as the Arab, and generally more quiet and sedate in his ways and habits, whilst equally courageous. That they would prove as fast as the best English race-horses for very short distances, it is difficult to believe, for they have not been bred wholly for speed : but there is no reason to doubt that they woula hold their own in very long races. Their stamina and general powers of endurance are certainly far in excess of those of the British thoroughbred horse.