The Akhal-Teke occurs in a wide range of colours. Black, bay and chestnut are the principal pigment bases; dilution and grey genes create buckskin, palomino, cream, grey and many intermediate shades.
Neither a golden colour nor a cream coat alone defines the breed. Modern registration places verified parentage and breed type ahead of colour preference, and white markings are not automatically disqualifying.
The characteristic metallic sheen is an optical effect connected with the fine structure of some hairs and the way they transmit and refract light. It may look golden, silver or copper and is not equally strong in every horse.
Colour is best documented in neutral daylight with an accurate colour balance. Strong sun may emphasise the shine while hiding the underlying colour, so identification should never depend on one dramatic photograph.
