<div><p>Horses are one of the most majestic creatures in the animal kingdom. With their flowing manes, shiny coats, muscular bodies, and delicate prancing, many could easily be entered into a beauty competition. </p><p>Over the centuries, horses were used as a statement of power - the best-bred horses went to wealthy rulers and military heroes. In 1868, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_racing">first modern horse races were invented</a> to showcase Thoroughbreds' speed, agility, and strength. Races weren't just about the horse's physical ability, though. A beautiful horse was (and still is) considered one of its greatest assets. </p><p>Although you may have heard of Palominos and other beautiful horse breeds, prepare to meet the world's most stunning horse. The <a href="http://theawesomedaily.com/is-this-the-most-beautiful-horse-in-the-world-we-think-so/">Akhal-Teke</a>, or horse from heaven, is a breed from Turkmenistan with an almost mythical gold coat. The horses, which are the country's national animal, are extremely rare - there are only <a href="http://theawesomedaily.com/is-this-the-most-beautiful-horse-in-the-world-we-think-so/">around 1,250</a> of them in the world.</p><p>In case you never get the chance to see one of these rare animals in real life, check out the photos of the Akhal-Teke here: </p><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Most-Beautiful-Horse-In-The-World-3-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Most-Beautiful-Horse-In-The-World-3-1_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>The Awesome Daily</cite></figcaption></figure></div><p>If you can't believe this is really what they look like, you're not alone. Some insist the photos must have been altered - there's no way a horse could have hair that looks like shimmering metal. </p><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Most-Beautiful-Horse-In-The-World-4-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Most-Beautiful-Horse-In-The-World-4-1_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Most-Beautiful-Horse-In-The-World-4-1_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>The Awesome Daily</cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p>According to experts, the Akhal-Teke's fur coat derives its rare color from <a href="http://theawesomedaily.com/is-this-the-most-beautiful-horse-in-the-world-we-think-so/">special proteins</a> within each individual hair. The combination of light and the angle of the hair create the beautiful sheen and color you see. </p><div><div><div><amp-youtube height="9" width="16" layout="responsive" data-videoid="PiVVX2bq9_M"></amp-youtube></div></div></div><p>You can see why everyone thinks this horse has no match. Not only is it gorgeous, but it's also graceful and has a lean, muscular physique. </p><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/most-beautiful-horse-in-the-world.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/most-beautiful-horse-in-the-world_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>Elena Komleva</cite></figcaption></figure></div><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/52d27746c7a8e8080a93fc8a8cdb2c1b.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/52d27746c7a8e8080a93fc8a8cdb2c1b_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/52d27746c7a8e8080a93fc8a8cdb2c1b_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/52d27746c7a8e8080a93fc8a8cdb2c1b_GH_content_750px.jpg 750w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/52d27746c7a8e8080a93fc8a8cdb2c1b_GH_content_850px.jpg 850w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>Pinterest</cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Cc0FpADW8AEoYHI.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Cc0FpADW8AEoYHI_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>Burak Caliskan on Twitter</cite></figcaption></figure></div><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Akhal-Teke-horse---nidokidos-group--5--751302-2.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Akhal-Teke-horse---nidokidos-group--5--751302-2_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>Fun and Entertainment</cite></figcaption></figure></div><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/aaf8247ee8dd0ca7485ca0ceb29b1101.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/aaf8247ee8dd0ca7485ca0ceb29b1101_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/aaf8247ee8dd0ca7485ca0ceb29b1101_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>Pinterest</cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p><strong>Have you seen a horse more beautiful than this? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments!</strong></p></div>
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