Azteca Horse

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The Azteca horse was the first breed developed in Mexico, and was the result of crossing Andalusians with quarter horses and criollos. The native Indians used them for hunting buffalo and fighting wars, and they became prized possessions.

Azteca horse

Origin: Mexico.

Colors: All except for appaloosa and paint.

Height: average 14 to 15hh.

Azteca horse

Conformation: Well-proportioned and presents a beautiful overall picture. The animal should be in good flesh, with good muscle tone and a smooth, glossy coat.

Attractive heads with a straight or slightly convex face, with lively, expressive eyes. A well-arched neck sports a flowing, thick mane. The Azteca should have a deep chest and a short, straight and strong back. The hindquarters should be muscular, the legs strong and long with well-proportioned feet.

Character:  The typical Azteca is eager to learn and is a pleasure to train and ride. They are generally lively, happy and willing to please.

Azteca horse

Uses: Suitable for most disciplines, from show jumping to bullfighting. Since these horses are agile and spirited creatures they are useful in any number of sporting events like classical riding, reining, cutting and charreria. Thanks to their speed, power and strength, they are good in polo, driving and bull fighting, too. These animals also make great pleasure riding horses.

History: Mexico is a land that gave birth to the concept of Charreria which is a form on rodeo. Mexicans wanted a specific breed of horses that could be used for this purpose. This necessity gave rise to the birth of Azteca breed.

Thanks to the consistent efforts by a few Mexican agricultural organizations, this breed originated in the year 1972. In the year 1992, twenty years after the birth of this breed, The International Azteca Horse Association was formed with the purpose of overseeing the development of this breed.

Azteca horse

The Azteca is the official horse of Mexico. This horse owes its origin to three main bloodlines which are the Iberian horse, Criollo horse and American Quarter horse.
The rising popularity of the horse is posing a challenge to the Mexican Criollo.

Today, there are around 1000 Azteca horses registered in the IAzHA.