Azteca
Azteca breed demonstration, 2003 Western States Horse Expo
Photo by: Becki Bell
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Breed Description:
Though developed relatively recently, the Azteca is a distinctive horse with unique qualities that make it highly suitable for the riding culture of its native Mexico. Azteca horses are both docile and lively, and are famous for their nobile, extravagent paces and beautiful action. They are easy to train and perform well in high school disciplines requiring a suspended or elevated gait, but they also have inate cow sense and excel at ranching and cutting. The Azteca is also used for traditional Mexican performances such as the Mariachi and the reining exercises of the charro.
Average Height:
14.1 - 15.3 hands
Colors:
All equine colors
Conformation:
Azteca horses resemble their Andalusian ancestors in their straight or slightly convex profiles, well-arched necks, and abundant manes. Aztecas should have well developed shoulders and medium whithers. The chest should be deep and the back should be short and straight. The Azteca's hindquarters should be muscular and the tail should be medium set.
Temperament:
Docile, playful, bold, intelligent, and willing.
Members of this breed often excel in the following disciplines:
- Dressage
- Gaited Events
- Rodeo / Ranch
Breed History:
The Azteca breed was developed fairly recently in Mexico. It is the result of a crossbreeding program that began in 1972 to fullfill Mexico's ambition of creating its own national breed. Since Spanish horses have always been favored in Mexico, the Andalusian played a primary role in the program. To create the first Aztecas, Andalusians were crossbread with cow-smart American Quarter Horses and Criollo horses. On November 4, 1982, the Mexican Department of Agriculture granted official registry to the Azteca breed. Development of the breed continues today, with crossbreeding still permitted to Andalusian, Quarter Horse, and Criollo horses. Aztecas may have a minimum of 3/8 to a maximum of 5/8 Andalusian or Quarter Horse blood, and a maximum of 1/4 Criollo blood. The ideal Azteca should have the elegance of the Andalusian, combined with the agility and cow sense of the American Quarter Horse.
US Breed Association:
Azteca Horse Association of the United States
2613 Camino de Verdad
Mercedes,
TX
78570
office@ialha.com
Native Country Breed Association:
Asociacion International de Caballos de Raza Azteca
Av. Mexico 101Col. De Carmen
Cayoacan,
C. P. 042100
Mexico D. F.
Other Breed Association:
Azteca Horse Association of Canada
R. R. 2
Paris,
Ontario
N3L 3E2
Canada
www3.sympatico.ca/azhac/Azhmain.html
azcc@sympatico.ca
Do you own a Azteca, or a breed that isn't listed on this website? Do you want to see a photo of your horse featured on this page? contact us to find out how.
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