The Azteca horse is a Mexican breed of that is beautiful and majestic, and known for its intelligence, strength and beauty.
If you are thinking about buying an Azteca horse, or are just curious about these animals, then this blog post is for you!
Azteca Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Azteca horse:
| Height (size) | 14.3 – 16 hands high |
| Colors | All solid colors are allowed with gray horses being particularly common. White markings on the forehead, but not on the body are allowed by the Mexican Azteca breed associations. Pinto colored Azteca horses may only be registered with the American Azteca Horse International Association. |
| Country of Origin | Mexico |
| Common Uses | Dressage, trail riding, working horse on a cattle ranch, trick riding, pleasure riding, and even jumping. They also perform well in Western-style events such as reining, cutting, team penning and roping. |
Azteca Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Azteca, which is known as the National Horse of Mexico, was first bred in 1972 with the intention of providing Mexico’s traditional horsemen, known as charros, with a suitable mount to work on vast cattle ranches.
Because individual Quarter Horses, Criollos, and Andalusians differ so greatly, independent breeders initially failed to produce a standardized type of horse.
In order to address this issue, the most prominent breeders in the industry came together to establish the Azteca Horse Research Center and develop breed standards that would be optimally suited to the needs of the charros.
The first animal to be recognized as an official Azteca was a stallion by the name of Casarejo.
He was a Quarter Horse-Andalusian cross that was born in 1972.
Since then, every Azteca horse has been carefully evaluated by scientists, with the phenotype constantly expanding and strengthening as the breed develops.
According to the breed standard of the Mexican registry, Azteca horses cannot have more than 6/8 of any of the three founding breeds in their genetics (Andalusian, Quarter Horse and Mexican Criollo), and must pass rigorous inspections before being approved for registration.
Horses with American Paint Horse (APHA) breeding are allowed only in the American Azteca registry.
However, horses that have had more than 25% Thoroughbred blood in their pedigrees within the past four generations (which is common in many Paints and Quarter Horses) are not allowed to be registered.
To be considered Azteca, a horse must contain at least 3/8 to 5/8 Andalusian or Quarter Horse blood, and no more than 1/4 can be Criollo blood.
The goal of the breed is to combine the best characteristics of the Andalusian and Quarter Horse breeds.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
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Temperament/Personality
They’re athletic, agile, highly intelligent, and friendly.
They can have hotter temperaments so they are not recommended for novice riders.
Physical Characteristics
This is a hardy and agile breed with wide forehead, expressive eyes, and well-positioned, medium-long neck.
The shoulders of the Azteca should be well developed and conformed, leaving enough space between the withers.
The withers should be medium in height and attach smoothly over the dorsal and back.
The back is short and wide.
The ribcage is arched and the chest is large and deep.
The back is short, straight and powerful.
A large croup and arched, and hindquarter should be strong and muscular.
They have a stunning tail that is nicely implanted at a medium height.
Strong joints, long and slender cannons, pronounced tendons, and well-proportioned feet give the legs a muscular appearance.
Colors
All solid colors are allowed with gray horses being particularly common.
White markings on the forehead, but not on the body are allowed by the Mexican Azteca breed associations.
Pinto colored Azteca horses may only be registered with the American Azteca Horse International Association.
Height (size)
14.3 – 16 hands high
Stallions
15 – 16.1 hh
Mares
14.3 – 16.0 hh
Weight
1,000 – 1,200 lb (450 – 550 kg)
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Dressage, trail riding, working horse on a cattle ranch, trick riding, pleasure riding, and even jumping.
They also perform well in Western-style events such as reining, cutting, team penning and roping.
Health
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Popular Traits
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Feeding/Diet
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Country of Origin
Mexico
Ancestors
Andalusian, Mexican Criollo, Quarter horse